King of Skin

Frankincense in Skincare

While historically traded alongside gold for its sacred status in spiritual rituals today, frankincense has emerged as a cornerstone botanical in contemporary anti-aging and restorative skincare. 

Benefits of Frankincense in Skincare


Frankincense is celebrated for its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It encourages cell regeneration and maintains skin elasticity, making it an excellent ingredient for mature skin.  Regular use can result in a more youthful and vibrant complexion.  

Unlike retinoids, which primarily force rapid cell turnover at the receptor level, frankincense operates via a complementary pathway.  Boswellic acids stimulate the specialized cells responsible for generating new collagen and elastin architecture, while blocking the destructive enzymes that consume healthy collagen as we age. The practical result is a structural framework that maintains skin elasticity and smooths out fine lines.

Clinical trials observing topical application have reported a noticeable reduction in surface roughness and skin elasticity within 30 days. Its ability to regulate tissue remodeling also makes it exceptional for softening post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, minor scar tissue, and blemishes.

Additionally, Frankincense possesses natural antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. It helps protect the skin from bacteria and infections, promoting faster healing of minor wounds and blemishes. This can be particularly useful for individuals dealing with acne-prone skin.  

Different Species of Frankincense

The most beneficial species of Boswellia for the skin are Boswellia sacra, Boswellia serrata, Boswellia frereana, and Boswellia carterii. Driven by a combination of their distinct genetics and specific growing climates, each variety creates a unique chemical signature that allows it to work on entirely different cellular levels.

  • Boswellia sacra (Omani Frankincense): The gold standard for cellular rejuvenation. It is rich in alpha-pinene and heavy boswellic acids, making it incredibly effective at fading hyperpigmentation, smoothing fine lines, and offering intense environmental antioxidant defense.
  • Boswellia serrata (Indian Frankincense): known for its potent anti-inflammatory effects, making it ideal for soothing irritated skin. It contains the highest concentration of AKBA, a heavy compound especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea and eczema, as it helps to reduce redness and swelling.
  • Boswellia frereana (The King of Resins): Celebrated for elasticity and smoothing, helps in maintaining skin hydration and rejuvenation.  Sourced from dry cliffs of Somalia, its unique conditioning triterpenes excel at ironing out surface creepiness, protecting the skin's structural framework, and softening rough texture.
  • Boswellia carterii (East African Frankincense): A versatile champion for barrier repair. With a balanced profile of limonene and pinene, it is highly effective at accelerating skin healing and refining an uneven complexion. 

How to Incorporate Frankincense into Your Skincare Routine

Frankincense Essential Oil

One of the easiest ways to incorporate frankincense into your skincare routine is by using its essential oil. You can add a few drops to your moisturizer, serum, or facial oil.

Find Boswellia Sacra E.O

Resin Infused Oils

Many skincare brands offer products infused with frankincense, such as creams, lotions, and serums. Look for products that list frankincense oil or extract among the top ingredients to ensure you’re getting an effective dosage.

To get the full benefits, a skincare formula should never rely on just one species. Combining a triad like Sacra, Serrata, and Frereana covers all bases, using both steam-distilled oils for instant surface glow and lipid resin infusions for deep, structural bounce.

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While frankincense is generally safe for most skin types, it's always wise to do a patch test before using any new product or ingredient, especially if you have sensitive skin.  If irritation occurs, discontinue use immediately.  Pregnant women and individuals with specific health conditions should consult with a healthcare professional before using frankincense or any essential oil.

Incorporating frankincense into your skincare routine can be a game-changer, offering a natural solution to many common skin concerns. Whether you're looking to combat signs of aging, soothe irritation, or simply enhance your skin's natural glow, this ancient resin might just be the answer you've been searching for.

Scientific References & Botanical Bibliography

[1] Clinical Efficacy on Aging Skin (Elasticity & Smoothness): Togni, S., Maramaldi, G., Di Pierro, F., & Biondi, M. (2010). Topical boswellic acids for treatment of photoaged skin. Dermatologic Therapy, 23(s1), S28–S32. View Study

[2] Dermal Fibroblast Modulation & Tissue Remodeling: Han, X., Rodriguez, D., & Parker, T. L. (2017). Biological activities of frankincense essential oil in human dermal fibroblasts. Biochimie Open, 4, 31–35. View Study

[3] Anti-Inflammatory Pathways (5-LOX Inhibition & Calming Mechanisms): Ammon, H. P. (2016). Boswellic acids and their role in chronic inflammatory diseases. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 928, 291–327. View Study

[4] Therapeutic and Protective Properties of Frankincense Resins: Al-Yasiry, A. R., & Kiczorowska, B. (2016). Frankincense—therapeutic properties. Postępy Higieny i Medycyny Doświadczalnej, 70, 380–391. View Study

[5] Antioxidant Surface Protection (Alpha-Pinene Mechanisms): Porres-Martínez, M., et al. (2016). Antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of α-pinene against oxidative stress. Journal of Natural Products, 79(4). View Study

[6] Biomimetic Skin Absorption & Jojoba Chemistry: Pazyar, N., Yaghoobi, R., Ghassemi, M. R., Kazerouni, A., Rafeie, E., & Sephervand, N. (2013). Jojoba in dermatology: A succinct review. Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia, 148(6), 687–691.