Frankincense for Skin: Benefits, Science & Why We Use It

Frankincense has been treasured for thousands of years—from ancient Egyptian temples to sacred rituals in the Middle East. But today, this revered resin has made its way into high-performance skincare, and for good reason. If you’ve ever wondered what frankincense is or why frankincense is good for your skin, you’re in the right place.

What Is Frankincense?

Frankincense is an aromatic resin derived from the bark of Boswellia trees. When the bark is cut, it exudes a sticky sap that hardens into golden droplets known as "tears." These resin tears are either steam-distilled into essential oil or extracted through more advanced methods to capture potent compounds like boswellic acids.

Frankincense is rich in monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and boswellic acids—powerful plant compounds known for their therapeutic properties. While frankincense essential oil is popular in aromatherapy, a full-spectrum resin extracts offer a more robust array of skin benefits.

Why Is Frankincense Used in Skincare?

Frankincense is far more than a fragrant add-in. It’s a clinically relevant, bioactive powerhouse that delivers real results for the skin. Here's why we use it in our formulations:

1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Frankincense is known for its ability to reduce redness, calm irritation, and soothe inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema. The boswellic acids in frankincense inhibit 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme involved in inflammation [1].

2. Supports Skin Regeneration and Collagen Production

Scientific studies have shown that frankincense may stimulate fibroblast activity, supporting the production of collagen and elastin. This helps reduce fine lines, firm sagging skin, and promote overall elasticity [2].

3. Rich in Antioxidants

Frankincense neutralizes free radicals that accelerate aging and damage skin cells. Its antioxidant activity provides defense against pollution, UV exposure, and oxidative stress, making it a powerful anti-aging ingredient [3].

4. Enhances Skin Tone and Texture

Frankincense helps reduce the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and scars by encouraging healthy skin turnover and tissue remodeling [4].

5. Naturally Antibacterial and Astringent

Frankincense tightens pores, reduces excess oil, and combats acne-causing bacteria without disrupting the skin's natural barrier—perfect for balancing oily or combination skin types [5].

Why We Use Frankincense at Alchemy Elements

At Alchemy Elements, we go beyond essential oils. Our formulations harness whole-resin extractions of Boswellia sacra, carefully crafted to preserve high concentrations of boswellic acids—the compounds responsible for frankincense's skin-rejuvenating power.

[Explore our Eternal Radiance Serum powered by Boswellia sacra →]

Unlike many skincare brands that use diluted oils or perfumery-grade extracts, we prioritize potency, purity, and performance. Our extraction process draws from both modern science and ancient tradition to unlock the full healing potential of this sacred resin.

Is Frankincense Safe for Sensitive Skin?

Yes—when formulated properly. We use carrier oils and hydrosols to deliver frankincense in its most skin-friendly form. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it ideal even for sensitive, acne-prone, or reactive skin types.

Final Thoughts: Why Frankincense Deserves a Place in Your Skincare Routine

Frankincense is more than a trendy ingredient. It is a time-honored botanical with science-backed benefits for skin health, regeneration, and radiance. Whether you're dealing with inflammation, aging, or dullness, frankincense offers a natural yet effective solution.

If you're looking for skincare that delivers real results while honoring the wisdom of nature, frankincense is the key—and at Alchemy Elements, we make sure it's used to its fullest potential.

References:

[1] Ammon HP. "Boswellic acids in chronic inflammatory diseases." Planta Med. 2006;72(12):1100-1116. doi:10.1055/s-2006-947145

[2] Siddiqui MZ. "Boswellia serrata, a potential antiinflammatory agent: an overview." Indian J Pharm Sci.2011;73(3):255-261. doi:10.4103/0250-474X.93507

[3] Poeckel D, Werz O. "Boswellic acids: biological actions and molecular targets." Curr Med Chem.2006;13(28):3359-3369. doi:10.2174/092986706779026386

[4] Ghosh S, Banerjee S, Sil PC. "The beneficial role of Boswellia serrata gum resin on the skin: a review." J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;152(1):56-66. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2013.12.027

[5] Majeed M, et al. "Boswellia-based products in skin disorders." Cosmetics. 2018;5(1):22. doi:10.3390/cosmetics5010022