Frankincense Resin

INCI Name

Boswellia Carterii Resin (or) Boswellia Serrata Resin

Botanical Name

Boswellia serrata or Boswellia carterii (frankincense, depending on resin used)

Frankincense resin is derived from the hardened exudate of Boswellia species, traditionally Boswellia carterii or serrata. Rich in boswellic acids, terpenes, and aromatic compounds, it provides soothing and conditioning support with a warm, resinous scent. Used in infused oils, balms, creams, and aromatic preparations, frankincense resin is valued for both its protective feel and sensory appeal.

image of seasonal or new products (for a pharmacy)
Primary Function
Botanical Extract
Add'l Function
Antioxidant
Scent Profile
Resinous
Woody
Warm
Is It Natural?
Natural (Resin Extract/Infusion)
Formulate with Confidence

Botanical Building Blocks for Every Blend

Icon of a face symbolizing skin type suitability

Skin Type Suitability

All
Mature
Sensitive
Dry
Normal
Combination
Oily
Considered Safe for Teens
Icon of cosmetic bottles representing typical product use

Typical Product Use

Emollient, skin-conditioning agent, soothing, fragrance, antioxidant

Product Type(s):

Balm
Oil
Serum
Cream
Lotion
Butter
Hydrating Product
General Use

Typical Usage Range:

1–100% depending on format (commonly used as resin infusion in oils at 1–10%)

Icon of a heart symbolizing supportive qualities of the ingredient

Supportive Qualities

Traditionally valued for its warm resinous aroma; supports a soothing skin feel; used in toning and aromatic preparations

Primary Components:

Boswellic acids, terpenes, incensole acetate, resin acids, essential oil components

Icon of a caution triangle indicating important safety notes

Important to Know

Possible sensitization in concentrated resin; always infuse or dilute before topical use; patch test recommended

Icon of a magnifying glass representing sourcing tips

Sourcing Tips

Preferred Extraction Method:

Infusion: Resin is gently heated and infused into jojoba oil (carrier method)

Prefer fair-wild or sustainably harvested resin; commonly sourced from Somalia and East Africa; cosmetic-grade infusion or extract

Icon of a target symbol indicating more information sources

More information*

Explore additional safety and regulatory data from trusted external sources:

Cosmetics Info
Cosmetic Ingredient Review
EWG's Skin Deep
INCIDecoder
SkinSAFE
SpecialChem

*The ingredient details on this page are intended for general educational use and should not be considered exhaustive. Additional properties, uses, or safety considerations may be available from other sources. Root & Ritual Apothecary is not affiliated with Cosmetics Info, Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), INCIDecoder, SkinSafe, EWG Skin Deep, or SpecialChem. External links are provided solely for informational purposes; Root & Ritual does not control or guarantee the accuracy, methodology, or conclusions of third-party sources, including consumer rating systems such as EWG.