What is Frankincense? A Complete Guide to Its Benefits and Uses

Frankincense has been treasured for thousands of years, not only for its beautifully aromatic scent but also for its natural wellbeing properties. Sourced from the Boswellia sacra tree, this resin has played a significant role in rituals, traditional remedies and skincare rituals across cultures and centuries. At Neal’s Yard Remedies, frankincense is one of our most cherished ingredients and features in some of our bestselling formulations.

In this guide, we’ll explore its origins, how it can support your skin and wellbeing through holistic skincare, and the ways we ensure it’s ethically and sustainably sourced.

The Historical Significance of Frankincense

Frankincense Through the Ages

Once worth more than gold, frankincense was a key part of trade routes that spanned the ancient world. Its uses gradually expanded from spiritual ceremonies to more practical applications, including skincare and wellbeing. Today, its cultural significance endures, and it remains a popular ingredient in natural formulations designed to support body and mind.

Frankincense in Skincare

Supporting the Appearance of Youthful Skin

Frankincense is known for supporting the appearance of fine lines and helping to promote a more even-looking skin tone. Its natural properties make it especially beneficial for mature skin, helping it feel more toned and more balanced. Our award-winning Frankincense Intense™ collection is formulated with ingredients that nurture and support smoother, more resilient-looking skin, including sustainably sourced frankincense.

Soothing and Restoring Benefits of Frankincense

Frankincense is known for its soothing properties, helping to promote comfort and calm feelings of irritation for sensitive skin. It can be especially beneficial for skin that is prone to blemishes or in need of extra care, supporting balance and encouraging a sense of calm. Our Rejuvenating Frankincense collection harnesses frankincense’s natural benefits to nourish and visibly rejuvenates the skin, leaving it feeling comforted and balanced.

The Benefits of Frankincense Essential Oil

Aromatherapy Benefits

The aroma of frankincense essential oil is grounding and calming, making it ideal for moments of reflection or when you need to unwind. Traditionally used to help ease feelings of tension and encourage clarity, it can be used in a diffuser or added to a warm bath as part of your evening routine. For an enhanced aromatic experience, try blending it with oils such as lavender or sandalwood.

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Incorporating Into Daily Care

Frankincense essential oil can be added to your daily routine with ease. You can blend a few drops with your favourite carrier oil for a calming facial massage or mix into a moisturiser to support both your skin and your sense of wellbeing. Its versatile nature makes it a helpful companion for everyday moments of self-care. How Neal’s Yard Remedies Sources Frankincense Ethically

We are proud of our long-standing commitment to sustainability, and our sourcing of frankincense is no exception. We work directly with communities in Oman, ensuring that our Boswellia sacra resin is harvested using time-honoured methods that protect the health of the trees and surrounding ecosystem.

Our partnerships are based on fairness and mutual respect. Through ethical sourcing and fair trade practices, we help support the livelihoods of local harvesters while ensuring the long-term viability of this precious ingredient. This commitment reflects our broader mission to create products that are kind to people and the planet. Learn more about Project Frankincense.