Frankincense (Carterii)

Boswellia carterii

Chemotype: alpha-pinene / limonene+beta-phellandrene type

resinousfreshterpeniccitrusbalsamicwoody

PLANT PART: oleo-gum resin
EXTRACTION: steam distilled
AROMA NOTE: base

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What’s inside this oil?

Constituents are the natural chemicals that give an oil its character. See the main ones, learn what they do, and explore differences between batches.

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FOLLOW YOUR SENSES

Aroma & character

A closer look at this oil's scent, strength, and staying power.

resinousfreshterpeniccitrusbalsamicwoody

Aroma intensity: 55 / 100

Soft & subtleBold & expressive

Note layer: base
Approximate tenacity: 24–72 hours

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A LITTLE CARE GOES A LONG WAY

Using it thoughtfully

Read the full safety context before bringing this oil into your routine.

Cited dermal maximum · leave-on: 4%
Phototoxicity: Not flagged in this profile
Oxidation risk: medium

A cited maximum is a limit, not a suggested dilution. Missing restrictions do not establish safety.

Contraindications & cautions

minorOxidized frankincense oil may increase sensitization risk and should not be used topically once old or oxidized.
minorAvoid topical use during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.

Read the complete safety guide

Explore measured chemistry from supplier batches

A supplier report describes a particular sample. Open this workspace to investigate measured constituents and their original documents.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE SCENT

Inside the oil

7 constituents

An oil's character comes from its natural chemical composition. Explore each constituent to understand the connections.

About this composition

The cited chromatographic differentiation study reports Somali Boswellia carterii essential oil as a monoterpene-rich frankincense profile distinct from Boswellia sacra by optical rotation and enantiomeric composition, with alpha-pinene, limonene plus beta-phellandrene, alpha-thujene, myrcene, and sabinene as the leading quantified markers.

Constituent	Typical amount	Reported range	Chemical family	Source
alpha-thujene	7.9%	7.9–7.9%	monoterpene hydrocarbon	View source Chemical differentiation of Boswellia sacra and Boswellia carterii essential oils by gas chromatography and chiral gas chromatography-mass spectrometry https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22835693/ - abstract: "Components identified with their average percent for B. carterii are alpha-thujene (7.9%)"
alpha-pinene	37.3%	37.3–37.3%	monoterpene hydrocarbon	View source Chemical differentiation of Boswellia sacra and Boswellia carterii essential oils by gas chromatography and chiral gas chromatography-mass spectrometry https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22835693/ - abstract: "alpha-pinene (37.3%)"
camphene	0.8%	0.8–0.8%	monoterpene hydrocarbon	View source Chemical differentiation of Boswellia sacra and Boswellia carterii essential oils by gas chromatography and chiral gas chromatography-mass spectrometry https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22835693/ - abstract: "camphene (0.8%)"
sabinene	4.9%	4.9–4.9%	monoterpene hydrocarbon	View source Chemical differentiation of Boswellia sacra and Boswellia carterii essential oils by gas chromatography and chiral gas chromatography-mass spectrometry https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22835693/ - abstract: "sabinene (4.9%)"
beta-pinene	1.8%	1.8–1.8%	monoterpene hydrocarbon	View source Chemical differentiation of Boswellia sacra and Boswellia carterii essential oils by gas chromatography and chiral gas chromatography-mass spectrometry https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22835693/ - abstract: "beta-pinene (1.8%)"
myrcene	7.3%	7.3–7.3%	monoterpene hydrocarbon	View source Chemical differentiation of Boswellia sacra and Boswellia carterii essential oils by gas chromatography and chiral gas chromatography-mass spectrometry https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22835693/ - abstract: "myrcene (7.3%)"
limonene + beta-phellandrene	14.4%	14.4–14.4%	monoterpene hydrocarbons	View source Chemical differentiation of Boswellia sacra and Boswellia carterii essential oils by gas chromatography and chiral gas chromatography-mass spectrometry https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22835693/ - abstract: "limonene + beta-phellandrene (14.4%)"

Profile source: Chemical differentiation of Boswellia sacra and Boswellia carterii essential oils by gas chromatography and chiral gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; Essential Oil Safety and Dermal Limits: A Guide for Skincare Formulators (Pt 2) · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22835693/ ; https://www.craft360.com.au/blogs/news/essential-oil-safety-and-dermal-limits-a-beginners-guide-for-skincare-formulators-v2

A TRADITION OF BOTANICAL CURIOSITY

Traditional & reported uses

These uses reflect the profile's reported traditions and literature. They are not established treatment recommendations.

traditionally used in aromatherapy and meditation practices for a calming, centering effect
reported to support slow, deep breathing during relaxation practices
used in skincare blends for a soothing, comforting facet, often associated with mature-skin care
traditionally associated with spiritual and ceremonial use across many cultures
used in perfumery for its resinous, warm, slightly citrusy-woody note

Explore related intentionsRelaxation & Calming ↗

For aromatherapy and wellness use only — not medical advice. Effect statements are traditional/reported associations, not treatment claims. The Synergy Rating scores blend craft, harmony and safety, not medical efficacy. Read the safety framework.