Resins and Balsams - Frankincense

If we could pick just one resin that most people know about or have experience with, it would be frankincense (or olibanum). While most people have experience with the smoky smell of burning frankincense used in churches and homes around the world, this resin has so many other facets and nuances that come to life when it's used in perfumery.

Origins of Frankincense

Frankincense, derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree, has a rich and storied history that dates back thousands of years. The trees are primarily found in the arid regions of the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in Oman, Yemen, and Somalia. The name "frankincense" is derived from the Old French term "franc encens," meaning "high-quality incense." This resin has been highly valued not only for its aromatic properties but also for its medicinal and spiritual significance.

Historical Significance

Frankincense has played a pivotal role in various cultures and religions throughout history. Ancient Egyptians used frankincense in religious rituals and as an embalming agent, while the Greeks and Romans valued it for its aromatic qualities and believed it had healing properties. It was one of the gifts presented to the infant Jesus by the Magi, making it very important for Christian tradition. Throughout the centuries, frankincense has been traded along the Incense Route, connecting the East and West, and contributing to the wealth of civilizations that prized it.

Production and Uses of Frankincense

The production of frankincense involves a meticulous process of harvesting the resin from the Boswellia tree. The process begins with making incisions in the bark of the Boswellia tree. This allows the resin to ooze out and harden into droplets. After a few days, the hardened resin is scraped off the tree. This resin is known as "tears" and is collected for further processing. The collected resin is sorted based on quality, color, and aroma. It can be further purified and sometimes ground into a powder for various uses.

Frankincense is widely recognized for its unique and captivating scent, making it a popular ingredient in the fragrance industry. Its warm, woody, and slightly sweet aroma adds depth and complexity to perfumes. Frankincense is often used in high-end perfumes and colognes, providing a base note that enhances the overall fragrance profile. Sometimes, it is also used as a main note, providing a very powerful experience of either being in a church (if the burnt facet is being highlighted), or even a citrusy, clean, and effervescent experience (if the raw resin is the main star of the composition). Beyond perfumes, frankincense is often used in essential oil form for aromatherapy or as raw resin that is burned as incense for its calming and grounding effects. Additionally, frankincense has been used in traditional medicine and for skincare for centuries, believed to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiseptic properties.

Our Favorite Frankincense Perfumes

Rogue Perfumery - Ishtar

One of the most sparkling and effervescent fragrances you can imagine (it might even make you sneeze). Highlighting the raw resin with its citrusy, peppery, and clean laundry facets. It has huge projection and is very long-lasting. No other fragrance reminds us of this unique composition. Frankincense to the max!

Gallivant - Naples

This perfume manages to paint such a perfect picture of the city of Naples. It combines smoky notes of burnt church incense (but in moderate amounts), with citrusy and aquatic notes, and some woody notes to back it all up. It captures several beautiful aspects of this historic Italian city with its rich history and beauty.

Penhaligon's - Agarbathi

This beauty is sadly discontinued, and we really don't understand why! While frankincense is the main resin in this fragrance, the spiritual calming effects are also backed up by woody notes of palo santo. Still, it never really goes too much into meditative temple vibes, but instead uses jasmine, suede, and milky sandalwood to give it some sweetness and woody aroma. It's simply a masterpiece.