Frankincense (Boswellia Carterii) Essential Oil, 10 ml

Frankincense essential oil has a woody and balsamic scent, with a light citrus note. In a formulation it serves two roles: it gives the product its fragrance and is also used as an active ingredient in care for mature and dry skin. It is obtained by steam distillation; the botanical source is Boswellia carterii.

It is commonly used in perfumes, aromatherapy, massage oils, bath preparations and facial cosmetics. The raw material is vegan, free from materials of animal origin.

Key benefits

• Depth of fragrance – woody-balsamic character with a citrus trace, suitable for perfume, massage and bath blends.
• Mature skin care – according to the manufacturer's data, it supports skin elasticity and firmness and improves its appearance.
• Skin soothing – the manufacturer states it reduces redness and the sensation of irritation, which is why it is added to oils and creams for dry and sensitive skin. Always at a low concentration and after checking tolerability.
• Aromatherapy – in a diffuser or bath oil for a calming, meditative fragrance character.
• Scalp and hair – in hair oils, mists and scalp preparations it provides a fragrance the manufacturer describes as soothing.

Use in formulation

The oil dissolves in oils and in alcohol, not in water. It is added directly to the oil phase of anhydrous products (facial and body oils, balms, massage blends). In emulsions, incorporate it only during the cooling phase.

It cannot be added on its own to water-based products such as tonics or facial mists. It requires a solubiliser, with which it is first mixed, and only then is the mixture blended into the water phase. Without a solubiliser the oil floats on the surface and will not disperse evenly in a spray.

The fragrance character is shaped by limonene and pinene. The oil contains fragrance allergens listed in Annex III of the Cosmetics Regulation. When manufacturing cosmetics for sale, these must be declared in the ingredient list if they exceed the prescribed limits. The specific allergens and their proportions can be found in the product documents.

Suitable for products such as

• Facial oils and serums for mature and dry skin, combining fragrance with an active function.
• Creams and body lotions, added at the end of production to the cooled emulsion.
• Massage and bath oils.
• Soaps, shower gels and shampoos as a fragrance ingredient in a rinse-off product.
• Hair oils and scalp preparations.
• Diffusers and aromatherapy blends.

Each product category has its own IFRA limit. The values can be found in the product parameters and in the IFRA certificate.

Good to know

The amount in the finished product is governed by the IFRA limit for the relevant category and by skin tolerability. The manufacturer does not provide exact dosage, so start at a low concentration and check tolerability on a small area of skin.

The oil may slightly tint very light bases yellow, but at typical concentrations the effect on colour is minor. In clear water-based and gel bases it will cause cloudiness without a solubiliser.

Frequently asked questions