Frankincense (Carterii) vs Gurjum Balsam
Frankincense (Carterii) and Gurjum Balsam are both resinous essential oils. Frankincense (Carterii) carries a base note (resinous, citrus-wood), while Gurjum Balsam sits as a base note (balsamic, woody). For topical use, keep Frankincense (Carterii) at or below 10% and Gurjum Balsam at 1%.
| Attribute | Frankincense (Carterii) | Gurjum Balsam |
|---|---|---|
| Latin name | Boswellia carterii | Dipterocarpus turbinatus |
| Aroma family | Resinous | Resinous |
| Perfumery note | Base | Base |
| Aroma | resinous, citrus-wood | balsamic, woody, warm, camphoraceous |
| Chemical family | Monoterpene | Sesquiterpene |
| Max topical dilution | 10% | 1% |
| Max facial dilution | 5% | 0.5% |
| Pregnancy | Generally suitable (well diluted) | Not recommended |
| Children | Generally suitable (well diluted) | Not recommended |
| Pets | Generally suitable (well diluted) | Not recommended |
| Extraction | Steam distillation | Solvent extraction |
Work out exact drops with the dilution calculator for your bottle size.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Frankincense (Carterii) and Gurjum Balsam?
Frankincense (Carterii) and Gurjum Balsam are both resinous essential oils. Frankincense (Carterii) carries a base note (resinous, citrus-wood), while Gurjum Balsam sits as a base note (balsamic, woody). For topical use, keep Frankincense (Carterii) at or below 10% and Gurjum Balsam at 1%.
Can you blend Frankincense (Carterii) and Gurjum Balsam together?
They can be combined, but Frankincense (Carterii) and Gurjum Balsam aren't a classic pairing — start with small amounts and adjust to taste.
Which is better during pregnancy, Frankincense (Carterii) or Gurjum Balsam?
Frankincense (Carterii) is generally considered more suitable during pregnancy when properly diluted, whereas Gurjum Balsam is not recommended. 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.