Benzoin (Siam) vs Frankincense (Carterii)
Benzoin (Siam) and Frankincense (Carterii) are both resinous essential oils. Benzoin (Siam) carries a base note (sweet, warm), while Frankincense (Carterii) sits as a base note (resinous, citrus-wood). For topical use, keep Benzoin (Siam) at or below 2% and Frankincense (Carterii) at 10%.
| Attribute | Benzoin (Siam) | Frankincense (Carterii) |
|---|---|---|
| Latin name | Styrax tonkinensis | Boswellia carterii |
| Aroma family | Resinous | Resinous |
| Perfumery note | Base | Base |
| Aroma | sweet, warm, vanilla-like, balsamic, fresh | resinous, citrus-wood |
| Chemical family | Ester | Monoterpene |
| Max topical dilution | 2% | 10% |
| Max facial dilution | 1% | 5% |
| Pregnancy | Generally suitable (well diluted) | Generally suitable (well diluted) |
| Children | Generally suitable (well diluted) | Generally suitable (well diluted) |
| Pets | Generally suitable (well diluted) | Generally suitable (well diluted) |
| Extraction | Solvent extraction | Steam distillation |
Scale amounts to any container with the dilution calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Benzoin (Siam) and Frankincense (Carterii)?
Benzoin (Siam) and Frankincense (Carterii) are both resinous essential oils. Benzoin (Siam) carries a base note (sweet, warm), while Frankincense (Carterii) sits as a base note (resinous, citrus-wood). For topical use, keep Benzoin (Siam) at or below 2% and Frankincense (Carterii) at 10%.
Can you blend Benzoin (Siam) and Frankincense (Carterii) together?
Yes — Benzoin (Siam) and Frankincense (Carterii) are commonly paired and complement each other in blends.
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.