Frankincense Essential Oil — Ancient, Grounding & Skin-Nourishing

What is Frankincense Essential Oil?

A Treasure of the Ancient World

Frankincense essential oil is steam-distilled from the resin of Boswellia trees, native to the arid regions of Africa and the Middle East. For thousands of years — across ancient Egypt, Rome, and traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine — frankincense has been one of the most prized and sacred substances on earth, valued for its remarkable healing, spiritual, and skin-nourishing properties.

From Resin to Oil

The resin is harvested by making small incisions in the bark of the Boswellia tree, allowing the sap to harden into “tears” that are then steam-distilled to produce the essential oil. This slow, careful process yields an oil with a warm, woody, slightly citrusy scent that is deeply grounding and calming.

Frankincense Essential Oil's Benefits

Skin-Nourishing & Restorative

Frankincense is rich in boswellic acids and other natural compounds that support skin cell regeneration and help restore a healthy, even complexion. It is particularly valued for its ability to nourish and revitalise skin that needs extra care.

Anti-Inflammatory & Soothing

The natural compounds in frankincense have well-documented anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective for calming irritated, red, or reactive skin. It is gentle enough for sensitive skin and beneficial for a wide range of skin concerns.

Supporting Skin Recovery

Frankincense supports the skin's natural healing processes, helping to restore comfort and resilience to skin that has been exposed to environmental stressors, minor wounds, or dryness. It has long been used in traditional medicine for its wound-healing properties.

Grounding & Calming Scent

Beyond its skin benefits, frankincense has a deeply grounding, meditative scent that promotes calm and wellbeing. Its warm, woody aroma makes it a luxurious addition to any skincare or grooming routine.

How We Use Frankincense at Natural Common Scents

Across Skin, Dog & Equine Care

Frankincense's versatility and gentle nature make it a valued ingredient across our skincare, dog care, and equine care ranges — bringing its ancient healing properties to modern, handcrafted formulations.

In Our Products

Frankincense essential oil features in several of our handcrafted products:

• Nature's Nurse | Manuka & Kawakawa Healing Balm — skin-nourishing support for dry and sensitive skin
• Round of Appaws | Natural Paw & Nose Balm — restorative care for dogs' dry paws and noses
• The Dashing Hound | Natural Frankincense Dog Shampoo — warm, grounding scent with skin-nourishing properties for dogs
• The Handsome Horse | Natural Frankincense Horse Shampoo — luxurious grooming with skin-nourishing frankincense
• Healing Hands 500g — multi-purpose equine healing gel

Frequently Asked Questions

Is frankincense essential oil safe for sensitive skin?

Yes — frankincense is well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin, when properly diluted in a formulation. Our products are carefully crafted with appropriate concentrations and are free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances.

Is frankincense safe for dogs and horses?

Yes — when properly diluted, frankincense is safe and beneficial for dogs and horses. Our animal products are formulated with dog and horse-safe concentrations. Please note that essential oils are not safe for cats and should never be used on or around them.

Why is frankincense so expensive?

Frankincense resin is harvested by hand from wild Boswellia trees, which grow slowly in challenging environments. Sustainable harvesting is important to protect these trees for future generations — which is why we are committed to sourcing our frankincense responsibly.