Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense is an aromatic resin obtained from genus of Bosweilia tree. There are several types of frankincense oil as they’re produced from different species of the Boswelia tree such as Boswelia Sacra, Boswelia Carteri, Boswelia Frereana, Boswelia Serrata and Boswelia Papyrifera, ranging in compositions and scents. Boswelia Cateri is the most popular among the types mentioned. Frankincense essential oil is a becoming an increasingly popular ingredient and commonly used for:

  • Aromatherapy – Diffuse/inhaled, doubles as air freshener
  • Topical use – Diluted with carrier oil and applied onto the skin to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and encourage skin cell renewal
  • Cosmetics – Skincare, perfumery, ointments and etc.
  • Medicinal – Anti-inflammatory, astringent and expectorant properties to manage redness and swelling, tighten and tone the skin, and clear respiratory tract congestion

Please consult a medical professional if you have a medical condition. Pregnant women and individuals with bleeding disorders are strongly advised not to use frankincense due to its emmenagogue properties.

Also known as olibanum, the warm earthy and spicy scent has sedating properties to calm nerves and reduce stress. It is also a popular oil to use during spiritual practices as it is believed to strengthen spiritual connection. It can also be added to homemade room sprays and disinfectants to purify the space and eliminate surface and airborne bacteria. This is helpful for those who suffer from seasonal coughs and colds as well.

Below is a list and comparison of frankincense essential oil from different brands, the details and description are obtained from the official website of the brands.

Fabulous Frannie – Frankincense Pure Essential Oil

  • Certification: Cruelty-free and vegan
  • Aroma Description: Warm, woody, spicy, incense-like
  • Extraction Method: Steam distilled
  • Uses (according to official website):
    • Diffuse to clear congestion and/or during meditation or during praying to promote calmness
    • Dilute with carrier oil for topical usage (helps with heavy periods and digestive issues)
    • Add to homemade salves and lotions to target wrinkles, cellulite and skin rejuvenation
    • Blends well with basil, geranium, lavender and more
  • Product Size: 10ml
  • Price: $15.30 USD (10ml) (*as of September 2021)
  • Additional Info:
    • Perform patch test before topical application
    • Do not use internally unless working with a qualified aromatherapy practitioner
    • Keep away from children and pets
    • Base note (aroma)
  • Country of origin: Egypt
  • Reviews:
    • Customers comment that they love the scent, the product promotes calmness, ideal to use during bedtime to help with sleep and has many other uses

Young Living – Frankincense Essential Oil

  • Certification: Cruelty free, vegan, Seed To Seal
  • Aroma Description: Sweet, honey-like, and woody fragrance
  • Extraction Method: Steam distilled
  • Uses (according to official website – product information page):
    • Add to moisturizer for healthy looking skin
    • Add a few drops to Young Living’s V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex for massage blend
    • Diffuse during yoga and/or to boost spirituality for 1 hour, no more than 3 times a day
  • Product Size: 15ml
  • Price: $103.29 USD (*as of September 2021)
  • Additional Info:
    • Consult doctor/physician if pregnant, nursing, have medical condition or on medication
    • Keep out of access from children
    • Product is flammable
  • Reviews:
    • Customers comment that the product smells good, has healing qualities that are beneficial for acne scars and body scars, and relieves pain effectively

Edens Garden – Frankincense Carterii Essential Oil

  • Certification: GC/MS tested, E.D.E.N.S Pledge
  • Aroma Description: Herbaceous, musky, earthy and resinous
  • Extraction Method: Steam distilled
  • Uses (according to official website):
    • Diffuse 5-6 drops in diffuser of choice 15-30 minutes before bedtime to promote relaxation
    • Personal Inhaler: 5 drops frankincense + 5 drops vetiver + 5 drops cedarwood OR 5 drops frankincense + 5 drops ylang ylang + 5 drops bergamot
    • Facial Steam: 5ml amber glass bottle – 15 drops frankincense + 20 drops fir needle + 15 drops tea tree + 10 drops cedarwood (shake well, add 2 drops in steamy water and proceed with facial steam)
    • Oily Skin Treatment: 2oz/60ml bottle – 4 drops frankincense + 1 drop carrot seed + 1 drop eucalyptus + 3 drops lavender + witch hazel and Polysorbate 20 (follow manufacturer’s instructed amount) to fill the balance
      (Add 1 teaspoon of mixture into small basin of water, soak face cloth in infused water, close eyes and apply cloth onto face like a face mask. Shelf life of mixture is 1 week)
  • Product Size: 5ml, 10ml, 30ml, 4oz/118ml
  • Price: $11.95 USD (5ml), $14.95 USD (10ml), $34.95 USD (30ml), $118.95 USD (4oz/118ml) (*as of September 2021)
  • Additional Info:
    • Full test results disclosed on official website
    • Consult doctor/physician if pregnant or under a doctor’s care
    • Do not ingest unless instructed by a licensed aromatherapist or physician
    • Keep out of access from children
    • Safe to use on children aged 2 years and above (practice 1% dilution)
    • 1-2 years shelf life
    • Base note (aroma)
  • Country of origin: Somalia
  • Reviews:
    • Customers comment that the product smells wonderful, is beneficial for the skin in various ways, a staple to help colds and coughs along with many more uses

Healing Solutions – Frankincense Essential Oil

  • Certification: GC/MS tested
  • Aroma Description: Comforting, earthy, herbal
  • Extraction Method: Steam distilled
  • Uses (according to official website)
    • Induce relaxation to both the mind and the body
    • Reduce stress
    • Reduce inflammation with its anti-inflammatory properties
    • Boost the immune system
    • Improve memory
    • Dilute with carrier oil or facial lotion to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and sun spots
    • Aid in respiratory support and the dispelling of mucus built-up
    • Dilution of 2-4% for topical usage
    • Combine with helichrysum + copaiba + lavender + carrier oil for massage blend
    • Blends well with spruce, fir needle, lavender and bergamot
  • Product Size: 10ml, 30ml, 60ml, 120ml
  • Price: $9.99 USD (10ml), $12.99 USD (30ml), $39.99 USD (60ml), $59.99 USD (120ml) (*as of September 2021)
  • Additional Info:
    • Full test results disclosed on official website
    • Not safe for children
  • Country or origin: India
  • Reviews:
    • Customers comment that the product smells delightful, induces relaxation, manages pain among copious other beneficial uses