Frankincense Oil (from Boswellia carterii) is a renowned essential oil in skincare for its regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and balancing properties. With roots in ancient ritual and medicine, it's now a staple in modern formulations for promoting a calm, resilient, and youthful-looking complexion.

What is Frankincense Oil?

Frankincense oil is steam-distilled from the resin of the Boswellia carterii tree, native to Somalia and parts of the Middle East. It's rich in monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and boswellic acids—powerful phytoactives with distinct skin-healing, balancing, and protective effects. Frankincense oil is best for firming aging skin, soothing and repairing sensitive skin, reducing excess oil and tightening oily/combo skin, as well as healing and fading post-acne skin.

How is Frankincense Oil used in skincare?

• Face oils and serums: Enhances regeneration, glow, firmness
• Creams and balms: Calms inflammation, smooths texture
• Spot treatments: Soothes acne, scars, dark marks
• Toners: Tightens, balances, refreshes
• Aromatherapy skin rituals: Supports emotional well-being and skin de-stressing

What are the benefits of Frankincense Oil for your complexion and skin microbiome?

Frankincense Oil (Boswellia carterii) can be beneficial for your skin microbiome when used properly and in synergy with a well-formulated product. Its value comes not from acting like a prebiotic or probiotic itself, but from its ability to support the conditions in which a healthy microbiome can thrive.

Bonus: Frankincense’s aromatherapeutic effects indirectly benefit the microbiome. Stress dysregulates barrier function and microbial balance—so its nervine benefits may also contribute to a healthier skin ecosystem. Let’s take a closer look at each benefit:

• Cell Regeneration & Wound Healing: Frankincense supports cell turnover and tissue remodeling—aiding in fading scars, fine lines, and stretch marks. It’s also useful for post-acne recovery and improving skin tone irregularities.
• Anti-Inflammatory & Soothing: A balanced microbiome requires calm, non-inflamed skin. Chronic inflammation can disturb microbial harmony. Frankincense oil’s sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes help reduce redness, irritation, and inflammatory markers, making it a gentle support for barrier balance. This is beneficial for rosacea, eczema, and sensitive skin types.
• Astringent & Toning: Frankincense lightens and tones skin without over-drying. It also refines pores and reduces excess sebum. It’s especially beneficial in mature, oily, or combination skin.
• Barrier Support: Frankincense can reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and support lipid barrier health—vital for maintaining the right pH, hydration, and microbial homeostasis. A stronger barrier helps good bacteria stay anchored and fend off external pathogens.
• Antioxidant Protection: This oil fights free-radical damage and oxidative stress—helping prevent premature aging and maintain skin elasticity.
• Antimicrobial & Antiseptic: Frankincense has selective antimicrobial properties, targeting harmful bacteria (like Propionibacterium acnes) without wiping out the good microbes. Unlike harsher antibacterial ingredients (e.g. benzoyl peroxide), it respects microbial diversity when diluted and used thoughtfully.
• Synergy with Prebiotics & Botanicals: When paired with ingredients like plant sugars, glycerin, ceramides, or fermented extracts, frankincense oil can play a co-regulatory role—helping calm, reinforce, and condition the skin while those ingredients nourish the biome directly.