Frankincense (Carterii) vs Frankincense (Sacra)
Frankincense (Carterii) and Frankincense (Sacra) are both resinous essential oils. Frankincense (Carterii) carries a base note (resinous, citrus-wood), while Frankincense (Sacra) sits as a base note (bright, lemony-resin). For topical use, Frankincense (Carterii) tops out at 10%, while Frankincense (Sacra) tops out at 10%; everyday blends stay around 1–3%.
Frankincense (Carterii) vs Frankincense (Sacra) at a glance
| Attribute | Frankincense (Carterii) | Frankincense (Sacra) |
|---|---|---|
| Latin name | Boswellia carterii | Boswellia sacra |
| Aroma family | Resinous | Resinous |
| Perfumery note | Base | Base |
| Aroma | resinous, citrus-wood | bright, lemony-resin |
| Chemical family | Monoterpene | Monoterpene |
| Max topical dilution | 10% | 10% |
| Max facial dilution | 5% | 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 | Steam distillation | Steam distillation |
Which should you choose?
Frankincense (Carterii) leans resinous, citrus-wood, while Frankincense (Sacra) leans bright, lemony-resin — pick whichever aroma you want to lead the blend.
Work out exact drops with the dilution calculator for your bottle size.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Frankincense (Carterii) and Frankincense (Sacra)?
Frankincense (Carterii) and Frankincense (Sacra) are both resinous essential oils. Frankincense (Carterii) carries a base note (resinous, citrus-wood), while Frankincense (Sacra) sits as a base note (bright, lemony-resin). For topical use, Frankincense (Carterii) tops out at 10%, while Frankincense (Sacra) tops out at 10%; everyday blends stay around 1–3%.
Can you blend Frankincense (Carterii) and Frankincense (Sacra) together?
They can be combined, but Frankincense (Carterii) and Frankincense (Sacra) aren't a classic pairing — start with small amounts and adjust to taste.
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.