Frankincense in Skincare: What It Is, How It Is Used, and What the Evidence Says

Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is an aromatic resin obtained from trees of the Boswellia genus. It has been valued for centuries in cultural, ceremonial, and traditional wellness practices.

Today, frankincense is also used in soaps and other personal-care products, where it is appreciated primarily for its warm, resinous aroma and its connection to simple, plant-inspired skincare traditions.

However, frankincense resin, frankincense extract, and frankincense essential oil are not interchangeable. Understanding the difference is important when evaluating their potential roles in skincare.

Frankincense Resin, Extract, and Essential Oil: What Is the Difference?

Raw frankincense is a resin collected from Boswellia trees. Different cosmetic ingredients can then be produced from this resin.

• Frankincense resin is the original aromatic material collected from the tree.

• Frankincense extract may contain compounds naturally present in the resin, including boswellic acids.

• Frankincense essential oil is produced through distillation and contains the resin’s volatile aromatic components.

Boswellic acids are not significant volatile components of frankincense essential oil. Therefore, research involving a concentrated boswellic-acid extract should not automatically be used to describe the effects of frankincense essential oil or a rinse-off soap.

The final effect of any skincare product depends on its complete formula, ingredient concentrations, manufacturing process, method of application, and length of contact with the skin.

Why Is Frankincense Used in Natural Soap?

In handcrafted soap, frankincense essential oil is commonly selected for its distinctive fragrance. Its scent is often described as:

• warm;

• woody;

• resinous;

• earthy;

• gently balsamic.

This aroma can help transform an ordinary cleansing routine into a more intentional and enjoyable personal-care experience.

A soap’s gentleness, however, does not depend on frankincense alone. The complete formulation—including the oils, butters, fragrance concentration, curing process, and other ingredients—determines how the finished soap feels during use.

What Does Research Say About Frankincense and the Skin?

Some laboratory studies have examined antioxidant and other biological properties of compounds obtained from Boswellia species. A small randomized study involving 15 women also evaluated a leave-on facial cream containing 0.5% boswellic acids.

After 30 days, the researchers reported improvements in certain features of photoaged skin, including tactile roughness and the appearance of fine lines. However, this was a small study involving a specific leave-on cream—not frankincense essential oil and not a rinse-off soap.

The findings are scientifically interesting, but they do not prove that every product containing frankincense will produce the same results. More research is needed to determine how different frankincense ingredients and formulations may affect the skin.

Is Frankincense Suitable for Sensitive Skin?

“Natural” does not automatically mean irritation-free. Essential oils and fragranced products may cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive or reactive skin.

Before using a new fragranced product:

• read the full ingredient list;

• test it on a small area first;

• avoid using it on broken or already irritated skin;

• discontinue use if burning, itching, swelling, or persistent redness develops.

Anyone with a diagnosed skin condition or a history of significant fragrance allergy should consult a qualified healthcare professional before introducing a new fragranced product.

Choosing a Frankincense Soap

When selecting a soap containing frankincense, consider the entire formulation rather than focusing on one featured ingredient.

Look for:

• a clear and complete ingredient list;

• transparent information about the manufacturer;

• carefully selected oils and butters;

• realistic cosmetic claims;

• appropriate directions for use;

• a fragrance and formula that suit your personal preferences.

No single ingredient determines the quality of a finished soap. Thoughtful formulation, responsible manufacturing, and transparent communication all matter.

Frankincense and the Aura‑Virdys Philosophy

At Aura‑Virdys, we believe skincare should be simple, honest, and enjoyable. Frankincense is valued for its distinctive natural aroma and the sensory experience it can bring to a handcrafted cleansing ritual.

We do not believe in exaggerating what one ingredient can accomplish. Instead, we focus on carefully designed formulas, clear ingredient information, and products intended to cleanse while making daily skincare feel more intentional.

Discover Aura‑Virdys handcrafted soaps and find the formula that best complements your personal-care routine.

Important Notice

This article is provided for general educational purposes only. Aura‑Virdys products are cosmetic products and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Individual responses to cosmetic ingredients may vary.

References and Further Reading

1. Pedretti A, Capezzera R, Zane C, Facchinetti E, Calzavara-Pinton P. Effects of topical boswellic acid on photo and age-damaged skin: clinical, biophysical, and echographic evaluations in a double-blind, randomized, split-face study. Planta Medica. 2010;76(6):555–560.
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19918712/

2. Health Canada. Cosmetic advertising, labelling and ingredients.
   https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/cosmetics/cosmetic-advertising-labelling-ingredients.html

3. Health Canada. What is a cosmetic?
   https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/cosmetics/what-is-cosmetic.html

4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?)
   https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap