Frankincense (Serrata) (Boswellia serrata) is a resinous essential oil with a warm, balsamic aroma and a base note. Steam distillation from resin, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Lavender, Cedarwood (Atlas), Myrrh. For topical use, keep dilution at or below 10%.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Base |
| Aroma family | Resinous |
| Chemical family | Monoterpene |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | resin |
| Origin | India |
| Blending factor | 5 |
| Volatility index | 3 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 5.0 |
Safety & dilution
| Max topical dilution | 10% |
| Max facial dilution | 5% |
| Pregnancy | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Nursing | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Children | Generally suitable, well diluted (from ~2 months) |
| Cats | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Dogs | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
Safety flags
Evidence: Traditional — EODB: 5 GC-MS analyses (Boswellia serrata).
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.
Not sure how much to use? Try the free dilution calculator.
Blends well with
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Frequently asked questions
What does Frankincense (Serrata) essential oil smell like?
Frankincense (Serrata) has a warm, balsamic aroma, classed as a resinous oil with a base note.
What is the safe dilution for Frankincense (Serrata)?
For topical use, keep Frankincense (Serrata) at or below 10%, and 5% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Frankincense (Serrata) safe to use during pregnancy?
Frankincense (Serrata) is generally considered suitable during pregnancy when properly diluted. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
Is Frankincense (Serrata) safe to use around children?
Frankincense (Serrata) is generally considered suitable for children when well diluted (from around 2 months). Consult a professional for young children.
Is Frankincense (Serrata) safe around pets?
For cats — generally lower-risk when well diluted and diffused sparingly; dogs — generally lower-risk when well diluted. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does Frankincense (Serrata) blend well with?
Frankincense (Serrata) pairs well with Lavender, Cedarwood (Atlas), Myrrh, Blood Orange, Bergamot (FCF).