Black Copal Resinoid vs Frankincense (Carterii)
Black Copal Resinoid and Frankincense (Carterii) are both resinous essential oils. Black Copal Resinoid carries a base note (resinous, sweet), while Frankincense (Carterii) sits as a base note (resinous, citrus-wood). For topical use, Black Copal Resinoid tops out at 1%, while Frankincense (Carterii) tops out at 10%; everyday blends stay around 1–3%.
Black Copal Resinoid vs Frankincense (Carterii) at a glance
| Attribute | Black Copal Resinoid | Frankincense (Carterii) |
|---|---|---|
| Latin name | Protium spp. | Boswellia carterii |
| Aroma family | Resinous | Resinous |
| Perfumery note | Base | Base |
| Aroma | resinous, sweet, smoky | resinous, citrus-wood |
| Chemical family | Sesquiterpene | Monoterpene |
| Max topical dilution | 1% | 10% |
| Max facial dilution | 0.5% | 5% |
| Pregnancy | Not recommended | No specific caution recorded |
| Children | Not recommended | Generally suitable (well diluted) |
| Pets | Not recommended | Generally suitable (well diluted) |
| Extraction | Solvent extraction | Steam distillation |
Which should you choose?
Black Copal Resinoid leans resinous, sweet, while Frankincense (Carterii) leans resinous, citrus-wood — pick whichever aroma you want to lead the blend. For leave-on or sensitive-skin use, note that Black Copal Resinoid needs the tighter 1% topical limit. On safety, Frankincense (Carterii) is the safer choice around pregnancy (Black Copal Resinoid is best avoided); Frankincense (Carterii) is the safer choice around children (Black Copal Resinoid is best avoided); Frankincense (Carterii) is the safer choice around pets (Black Copal Resinoid is best avoided). Always patch-test and dilute.
Not sure how much to use? Try the free dilution calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Black Copal Resinoid and Frankincense (Carterii)?
Black Copal Resinoid and Frankincense (Carterii) are both resinous essential oils. Black Copal Resinoid carries a base note (resinous, sweet), while Frankincense (Carterii) sits as a base note (resinous, citrus-wood). For topical use, Black Copal Resinoid tops out at 1%, while Frankincense (Carterii) tops out at 10%; everyday blends stay around 1–3%.
Can you blend Black Copal Resinoid and Frankincense (Carterii) together?
They can be combined, but Black Copal Resinoid and Frankincense (Carterii) aren't a classic pairing — start with small amounts and adjust to taste.
Which is better during pregnancy, Black Copal Resinoid or Frankincense (Carterii)?
Black Copal Resinoid carries a pregnancy caution in our dataset and Frankincense (Carterii) does not — which makes Frankincense (Carterii) the less cautioned of the two, not one that is established as safe. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
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.