Frankincense has been among the most prized substances on earth for thousands of years — carried along ancient trade routes, burned in temples, and valued across the Middle East and the Horn of Africa. Today it is finding a place in modern skincare, and this guide covers what it is, why it is used, and how to bring it into a routine.
What is frankincense?
Frankincense is a resin harvested from Boswellia trees, native to the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. When the bark is cut, the tree weeps a milky sap that hardens into golden-amber tears. These tears can be burned as incense, steam-distilled into essential oil, or infused into skincare formulations.
The resin is tapped and harvested by hand, sorted by grade, and — in our case — distilled in the UK.
Why frankincense is used in skincare
1. A comforting, cosseting feel
Frankincense oil has long been chosen for its warm, resinous character and the comfortable feel it leaves on the skin. It suits routines built around calm and ritual rather than harshness.
2. The look of radiance
Frankincense has been part of beauty rituals for centuries, valued for helping the complexion look fresher and more luminous. It remains a favourite ingredient in facial oils for exactly that reason.
3. The appearance of firmness and tone
It is widely used in premium facial oils and serums where the aim is skin that looks smoother, firmer and more even in tone, with a refined-looking surface.
4. Lightweight moisture
Frankincense oil absorbs readily and feels light rather than heavy, which is why it works well layered into a routine rather than sitting on top of it.
5. An aroma with history
Few ingredients carry as much heritage. The scent alone — warm, woody, faintly citrus — is a large part of why frankincense has been treasured for five thousand years.
How to use frankincense in a routine
- Facial oil: a few drops of frankincense essential oil blended into a carrier oil, applied to cleansed skin morning or evening.
- Facial ritual: a dedicated frankincense facial product that combines the oil with complementary botanicals.
- Cleansing: a frankincense soap for a gentle daily cleanse.
Never apply undiluted essential oil directly to the skin.
Our frankincense collection
At The Frankincense Company, every product is built around frankincense sourced from the Horn of Africa.
- Frankincense Essential Oil (10ml) — steam-distilled in the UK, for blending into an existing routine.
- Natural Frankincense Soap — a handcrafted cleansing bar for face and body.
- Frankincense Resin (50gm) — golden-amber tears, graded by hand, for burning as incense.
Explore the full skincare collection.
Is frankincense suitable for all skin types?
Frankincense is a versatile cosmetic ingredient used in products formulated for a wide range of skin types. As with anything new, patch test on a small area first. If you have a skin condition or any concerns about your skin, speak to a pharmacist or GP rather than relying on a cosmetic product.
Final thoughts
Frankincense has lasted five thousand years for good reason: the aroma, the ritual, and the quality of the raw material itself. Explore the range.