Focus on Frankincense
What are some differences between common forms of frankincense essential oils?
Megan Tiehes CA
12/27/2025
Some Quick Introductory Explanations for Clarity:
When it comes to essential oils, you will often see them referred to by two Latin names, such as Boswellia carterii or Boswellia serrata. The Latin names stem from botanical taxonomy. Botanical refers to the plants, while taxonomy refers to the scientific categorization of the plant due to particular characteristics. Scientist use the Latin names as a way of ensuring that everyone is talking about the same thing. The Latin names are very specific, where a common name may be shared by multiple plants or essential oils.
Think of it like this:
Genus is the shared group name that links related species together
Species is the plant's specific identity within that group
I like to think of it in terms of my own household — we all share the same last name, but we have individual first names and personalities. My husband and I have seven children. Every child is unique and is known by their own first name, personality, and individual characteristics. However, they are also identified with our shared last name. Similarly, all frankincense trees belong to the Boswellia genus, but each species (carterii, serrata, frereana, and others) is a different type of tree with its own characteristics.
This matters because different species can produce resins and essential oils with very different chemical profiles, aromas, and uses. When we label an oil only by its common name, we have no idea what the individual characteristics — the species — of that oil are. Knowing the species offers valuable insight into the wisest application and use of that particular oil.
Some helpful context:
What Is an Oleoresin?
Frankincense is not distilled from leaves or flowers — it comes from a substance called an oleoresin, a natural mixture of oils and resins that a plant produces, often as a protective response when the bark is damaged. When the bark of a frankincense tree is carefully cut, a milky sap slowly seeps out and hardens with exposure to air, forming what are commonly called resin "tears."
These resin tears are collected and used in different ways:
Burned as incense
Processed into extracts
Steam-distilled to produce essential oil
The essential oil represents only the volatile (aromatic) portion of the oleoresin. The heavier resin components remain behind during distillation (the process used to extract the oil from the resin). Heavier molecules (those with greater molecular mass) have a higher boiling point — meaning they require significantly more energy (heat) to convert to vapor and are therefore less likely to vaporize under the temperatures used in steam distillation. This is why not everything found in the raw resin will be found in the essential oil. Boswellic acids, for example, are well-known compounds associated with frankincense resin that are not present in the essential oil at all.
What Does “Aromatic” Mean in This Context?
In aromatherapy, aromatic compounds are those that easily evaporate and can be detected by our sense of smell. Through the process of distillation, the essential oil captures those specific compounds within the plant’s chemistry instead of every compound found in the plant or resin. It is these aromatic compounds that offer the therapeutic benefits of the oils — with inhalation considered the fastest form of application in aromatherapy allowing the molecules to enter both the limbic system and the bloodstream almost immediately.
Why This Background Matters
Not all frankincense oils smell the same
Not all frankincense oils behave the same
Botanical names and sourcing are important in aromatherapy
The chemistry of an oil dictates the safety precautions of an oil
Understanding the Different Types of Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil is often spoken of as though it were a single substance, but in reality, "frankincense" refers to a group of aromatic oleoresins obtained from several species within the Boswellia genus. Each species (think: individuals in the household) produces a resin with a distinct chemical profile, aroma, and traditional use. The common name alone will not provide enough information for the safest and most beneficial use of an oil. For that, you need the Latin name or GC/MS testing results, which provide valuable insight into the actual chemistry of that specific oil. An oil's chemistry is what dictates every aspect of its use and benefit.
Historically, frankincense has been valued for incense, perfumery, preservation, and religious or cultural rituals. Today, it is widely used in aromatherapy for respiratory support, skin care, and emotional support.
This article explores some of the most commonly encountered types of frankincense essential oil, focusing on their botanical source, general chemistry, and appropriate aromatherapy context.
What Is Frankincense Essential Oil?
Frankincense essential oil is produced by steam distillation of the hardened resin (resin “tears”) that slowly seeps from incisions made in the bark of Boswellia trees. While all true frankincense oils come from the Boswellia genus, the dominant constituents vary significantly by species, which influences aroma, volatility, safety considerations, and practical use in aromatherapy.
A Few of the Main Types of Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense Essential Oils – Comparison
Frankincense Essential Oil
B. carterii / B. sacra
What it smells like
Fresh, clean, slightly pine-like, light resin
Areas of aromatic support
• Respiratory comfort (aromatic)
• Emotional steadiness and calm
• Skin support (diluted in blends)
Diving deeper
Typically rich in alpha-pinene, which contributes to fresh scent and quick evaporation
Good to know
Frequently mislabeled or blended; source and botanical name are important; often used as a baseline for comparison
Frankincense Essential Oil
B. serrata
What it smells like
Warm, earthy, slightly spicy
Areas of aromatic support
• Physical comfort (diluted in blends)
• Support for muscle or joint areas
• General relaxation
Diving deeper
Different balance of aromatic compounds than B. carterii and B. sacra, the Middle Eastern species, creating heavier, less sharp scent
Good to know
Research often focuses on resin extracts, not the oil; boswellic acids are absent in the essential oil
Frankincense Essential Oil
B. frereana
What it smells like
Soft, warm, slightly sweet, smooth
Areas of aromatic support
• Emotional comfort (aromatic)
• Aromatic enjoyment
• Suitable for sensitive noses
Diving deeper
Lower in alpha-pinene, higher in heavier compounds, resulting in slower evaporation and softer scent
Frankincense Essential Oil
B. papyrifera
What it smells like
Dry, resin-forward, strong
Areas of aromatic support
• Respiratory support (aromatic)
• Helps maintain focus or concentration
• Environmental purification (aromatic)
Diving deeper
Higher in octyl acetate, contributing to sharper, greener aroma
Good to know
Stronger aroma than other oils; sustainability and ethical sourcing are important
Important context for readers
When we talk about “support” in aromatherapy, we are referring to non-medical, complementary use through aroma or properly diluted topical application. Essential oils are not medications, they do not treat conditions, and should not replace professional medical care.
This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.
Sources
Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals.
Baser, K. H. C., & Buchbauer, G. (Eds.). (2010). Handbook of Essential Oils: Science, Technology, and Applications.
Lawless, J. (2013). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils.
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