Frankincense essential oil is used in the care of mature and dry skin – always diluted in a base oil, serum or cream. In aromatherapy, its warm resinous aroma creates a peaceful atmosphere at home and is a traditional companion to meditation and evening rituals.
At MAKASA you will find five frankincense essential oils from Primavera, Alteya Organics and Wooden Spoon – see how they differ in the Which Frankincense to Choose section.
What is incense and where does it come from?
Frankincense is an aromatic resin that flows from the bark of trees of the genus Boswellia . For centuries, it was valued more than gold: it was burned in temples and during rituals, and according to the Gospel, the Magi offered it as a gift to a newborn child along with gold and myrrh. In ancient Egypt, the resin was used in face masks, cosmetics, and perfumes.
The resin is collected by hand according to a centuries-old tradition. The bark is carefully scratched and the sap is released, which hardens in the sun into small pieces called “tears”. The work requires experience in order not to harm the tree, which also needs periods of rest. The dried resin is distilled to obtain the essential oil – a pale yellow to slightly greenish liquid with fresh top notes and a warm, sweet-balsamic aroma. Read more about the process in How is frankincense oil produced?
Basic data
Harvest
By scratching the bark; the resin is collected as "tears"
Part of the plant
Dried resin (olibanum)
Extraction method
Steam distillation
Types of incense: Carterii, Serrata, Frereana
There are several species of Boswellia , the most well-known being Boswellia carterii , Boswellia serrata , and Boswellia frereana , and the less common Boswellia sacra . Their chemical composition differs, but their uses largely overlap, so the choice is often a matter of flavor.
Frankincense Carterii – Somali (Arabic) Frankincense
Boswellia carterii is the most common species, known as traditional, Arabian or African frankincense. It grows in Northeast Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The aroma is resinous, sweet and balsamic, softer than Indian. It is most often chosen for the care of mature and dry skin, for meditation and for calm evening blends. At MAKASA you will find it as Somali Frankincense Essential Oil Organic Primavera and Carterii Frankincense Essential Oil Organic, 5/10 ml Alteya Organics.
Frankincense Serrata – Indian Frankincense
Boswellia serrata grows in the dry regions of India. The aroma is more smoky, woody and slightly spicy, with a grounding character. It is especially suitable for diffuser and meditation, and diluted - for skin care. Indian frankincense offers Indian frankincense essential oil, 5 ml Primavera , Frankincense Organic Essential Oil Alteya Organics and Frankincense Organic Essential Oil, 5 ml Wooden Spoon.
Frankincense Frereana
Boswellia frereana is mainly harvested in Somalia. The aroma is woody-spicy, with an attractive resinous note, and in cosmetics it is used in the care of dry and mature skin. MAKASA does not currently offer this type of oil.
Frankincense facial oil – care for mature skin
Frankincense is one of the favorite oils for mature, dry, and sensitive skin. Added in a small amount to your evening routine, it leaves skin softer, smoother, and fresher-looking, and its warm aroma turns application into a little ritual.
How to incorporate it into your routine:
- In a base oil or serum: 1 drop of frankincense essential oil in 10 ml. For a base, it is suitable Organic jojoba oil 50/100 ml Primavera, which is felt lightly on the skin, or Organic oil from Shipka 30 ml Primavera for dry and demanding skin.
- In cream: a few drops in a package of cream or lotion – mix well.
- When: best in the evening, on cleansed skin, with light massage movements. Avoid the eye area.
Why never undiluted? Essential oils are highly concentrated – applied directly, even a gentle oil like frankincense can irritate the skin. Diluted in a carrier oil, it spreads evenly and is much more well-tolerated by the skin.
Rose water and frankincense. The combination is simple and pleasant. Spray your face with Primavera Organic Rose Floral Water 100 ml and while your skin is still slightly damp, apply a few drops of the diluted frankincense oil.
Recipes with Frankincense Essential Oil
Anti-aging serum with frankincense and lavender
- 5 drops Somali Frankincense Essential Oil Organic Primavera or other incense of choice
- 3 drops Immortelle Essential Oil Organic Alteya Organics, 5 ml (more about the plant – in Immortelle – the herb of the Mediterranean)
- 3 drops Lavender essential oil fine organic, 5/10 ml Primavera
- 100 ml base oil of choice – Organic jojoba oil 50/100 ml Primavera or Organic Almond oil 50/100 ml Primavera
Relaxing spray with incense and mandarin
- Primavera's ready-made DIY recipe: Relaxing spray with incense and mandarin
Primavera's ready-made DIY recipe has already been translated into MAKASA: Relax-Spray with incense and mandarin . Original: Relax-Spray Weihrauch Mandarine – Primavera.
How to dilute frankincense oil for anointing
The rule is: follow the label on your bottle. Manufacturers specify different dosages and some are stricter than the general guideline. If you don't have the label handy, use 1 drop in 10 ml of facial carrier oil and never apply the oil undiluted.
Here is what the manufacturers of the five oils in MAKASA state:
| Product | Face | Body and massage | Diffuser (on label) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Frankincense Essential Oil, 5 ml Primavera | label: maximum 3 drops in 50 ml of base oil – less than the general guideline | same: maximum 3 drops in 50 ml | 3–5 drops |
| Somali Frankincense Essential Oil Organic Primavera | about 1 drop in 10 ml (0,5%) | about 2 drops in 10 ml (1%); label: maximum 15 drops in 50 ml | 3–5 drops |
| Frankincense Essential Oil Carterii Organic, 5/10 ml Alteya Organics | up to 1 drop in 10 ml | up to 3 drops in 30 ml | 3–4 drops |
| Organic Frankincense Essential Oil, 5 ml Wooden Spoon | about 1 drop in 10 ml | about 2 drops in 10 ml | 2–3 drops |
| Frankincense Organic Alteya Organics essential oil | no separate dosage for face; label: maximum 6 drops in 30 ml (about 1%) | maximum 6 drops in 30 ml | 3–4 drops |
For a bath, first mix a few drops with sea salt, honey, milk or a carrier oil and only then add them to the water – the oil does not dissolve in water. For a diffuser, see also the drop chart for Primavera diffusers.
Can frankincense oil be drunk?
No. The frankincense oils we offer are labeled for external use only, and MAKASA does not recommend taking essential oils internally. Essential oil is much more concentrated than the resin or herb from which it is derived. Use it on the skin, always diluted, or in a diffuser. Read more in Can you take essential oils internally/orally?
Incense in aromatherapy
In a diffuser, frankincense fills the room with a warm, resinous aroma that brings a sense of calm and slows down at the end of the day. This makes it a classic choice for meditation, yoga and quiet evenings. For most Primavera ultrasonic diffusers, 3–5 drops per fill are sufficient, for the mini diffuser – less ( see table ). Let the device run in intervals – 5 minutes of work and 5 minutes of rest (the Petit mini diffuser – 30 seconds of work and 90 seconds of rest) and then ventilate.
Calmness Blend
Mix the oils in a small glass bottle. For a diffuser, add 3–5 drops of the blend per fill. For a bath, mix 2–3 drops of the blend with 2 tablespoons of sea salt and add to the water.
Incense – the Christmas scent
Frankincense, myrrh, and pine are the scents of Christmas, so frankincense is first on our list of 9 oils suitable for Christmas Eve . With the heavier and earthier myrrh, it forms an ancient pair – read more about it in Myrrh Oil – The Mysteries of Antiquity . A bottle of frankincense is also a beautiful gift for someone who loves aromatherapy.
Blend for the festive table
(for one diffuser filling)
If you prefer a deeper, woody scent, replace the orange with Primavera Organic Copaiba Essential Oil, 5 ml . Copaiba and frankincense complement each other well – read more about it in the article Copaiba Essential Oil.
Which incense to choose?
- Somali Frankincense Essential Oil Organic Primavera Boswellia carterii, 5 ml, organic. Soft, sweet-balsamic scent. Our choice for facial care and evening rituals.
- Indian Frankincense Essential Oil, 5 ml Primavera Boswellia serrata, 5 ml. A smoky, woody aroma for diffuser and meditation. Its label is the strictest for the skin: maximum 3 drops in 50 ml.
- Frankincense Essential Oil Carterii Organic, 5/10 ml Alteya Organics Boswellia carterii, in two packs. Fresh, earthy, woody-resinous scent, suitable for both skin and diffuser. A convenient choice if you use incense frequently.
- Frankincense Organic Alteya Organics essential oil Boswellia serrata Origin: India, produced in Bulgaria. Earthy, deep aroma with spicy notes. A good choice for a first introduction to the aroma of incense.
- Organic Frankincense Essential Oil, 5 ml Wooden Spoon Boswellia serrata, 5 ml, COSMOS ORGANIC certified. Resinous aroma for diffuser and meditation.
Reviews. Customers most often praise the aroma – rich but not overpowering – and use it in a diffuser, for meditation, and in their home cosmetics.
Safety and contraindications
- Tolerance test. Before first use, apply a small amount of the diluted oil to the inside of your forearm and wait 24–48 hours. If redness or discomfort occurs, do not use.
- Eyes and mucous membranes. Keep them away from contact with oil. Do not apply undiluted.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Consult a specialist before use.
- Children. Do not use essential oils on babies under 6 months old – neither on the skin nor in a diffuser. For older children, read How to use essential oils with children and store the bottles away from them.
- Storage. Light, heat, and oxygen degrade the oil. Store in a cool, dark place, tightly closed. Wooden Spoon states a shelf life of up to 6 months after opening. If the scent has changed, do not use the oil on your skin.
You can find more practical tips in How to Use Essential Oils Safely.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a basis for prevention or treatment. Carefully follow the instructions on the packaging of the product you are using.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of frankincense oil?
In skin care, frankincense is suitable for mature and dry skin – diluted in a base oil or cream, it leaves it softer and fresher looking. In aromatherapy, its warm resinous scent creates a peaceful atmosphere and is a traditional companion to meditation.
How to use frankincense oil for the face?
Dilute 1 drop in 10 ml of carrier oil or serum, or add a few drops to a cream container. Apply best in the evening, on cleansed skin, avoiding the eye area.
How do you dilute frankincense oil for anointing?
Follow the label of your oil. The lowest value among the five oils in MAKASA is Primavera Indian Frankincense – maximum 3 drops in 50 ml of base oil. The doses of all oils are in the table above.
Can frankincense oil be drunk?
No. MAKASA frankincense oils are for external use only and we do not recommend taking essential oils internally. Read more in Can you take essential oils internally/orally?
What is the difference between Indian and Somali frankincense?
Somali frankincense ( Boswellia carterii ) has a softer, sweeter, and balsamic aroma and is often a choice for facial care. Indian frankincense ( Boswellia serrata ) is smokier and woodsier and is a favorite for diffusers and meditation.
How many drops of incense should I put in the diffuser?
For most Primavera diffusers, 3–5 drops per fill, for the mini diffuser, less. Other brands' labels say 3–4 drops (Alteya Organics) and 2–3 drops (Wooden Spoon). See the drop chart.
What does incense go with?
With myrrh, lavender, immortelle, orange and copaiba, as well as sandalwood and pine.
More interesting articles from the blog
- Myrrh Oil – The Mysteries of Antiquity
- Lavandula essential oil – the rock rose of the Mediterranean
- Immortelle – the herb of the Mediterranean
- Vetiver essential oil – the scent of the earth
- Lavender – the essential oil of antiquity
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