Frankincense Oil: Ancient Treasure for Modern Skin Rejuvenation
For thousands of years, frankincense resin has symbolized purity, ritual, and refined care. At Azara Natural, we honour that tradition with an artisanal process: we macerate high-grade Boswellia resin in premium cold-pressed sunflower oil for 8–12 weeks, then cold-press and filter the infusion. This slow method draws lipid-soluble constituents of the resin into a nourishing, fast-absorbing oil—without distillation and without the intensity of essential oils.
What it is (and what it isn’t)
- What we make: a frankincense resin macerate in sunflower oil—skin-friendly, leave-on, enriched with resin acids (e.g., boswellic acids) and other lipophilic molecules.
- What we do not make: frankincense essential oil. Steam-distilled essential oils contain only volatile compounds and do not contain boswellic acids; those hallmark actives are non-volatile and found in the resin/extracts—and, by design, in oil macerates.
Composition & why it matters
Carrier base: Sunflower seed oil
Naturally rich in linoleic acid and tocopherols (Vitamin E) to support barrier function and a smooth skin feel.
From the Boswellia resin (species such as B. serrata, B. sacra/carterii, B. papyrifera):
- Boswellic acids (e.g., AKBA, KBA) — widely studied for anti-inflammatory activity via 5-lipoxygenase and related pathways.
- Resin diterpenes & incensole derivatives — contribute to soothing and conditioning effects; profiles vary by species and grade.
Visible cosmetic benefits (science-aligned wording)
1) Comforts the look of stressed or reactive skin
Boswellia resin actives are known to modulate inflammatory cascades in vitro (e.g., 5-LOX, mPGES-1), providing a strong rationale for soothing and comforting claims in cosmetics.
2) Supports a smoother, firmer-looking complexion
In pre-inflamed dermal fibroblast models, frankincense preparations modulated tissue-remodelling markers (e.g., lowering collagen III expression and chemokines such as IP-10), consistent with refining texture and improving the look of firmness over time.
3) Antioxidant support story (resin-based)
Boswellia resin extracts show antioxidant effects and protection against matrix-degrading signals in lab models—a sound rationale for positioning frankincense macerates as protective and conditioning in daily skincare.
How to use (practical, safe, effective)
Because our frankincense is already macerated in sunflower oil, it is ready to apply (no further dilution needed for most users).
Facial oil (daily):
Apply 2–3 drops to clean, damp skin (AM or PM). For drier complexions, layer under a cream.
Targeted areas (fine lines/uneven texture):
Press a tiny amount onto areas of concern nightly. Assess after 8–12 weeks (aligns with skin-renewal timelines).
Body & scalp:
Massage a small amount onto areas needing supple comfort (décolleté, elbows).
For scalp, use as a pre-wash oil: massage 15–30 min before cleansing.
Safety notes
- Patch test on the inner forearm before first facial use.
- Avoid direct contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
- External use only; keep away from children.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a bleeding disorder, or use anticoagulant/anti-inflammatory medications, consult a clinician before use. Discontinue with irritation.
Sourcing & craft — the Azara Natural standard
- Botanical: Boswellia spp. (batch labels specify species such as B. serrata, B. sacra/carterii, B. papyrifera).
- Method: 8–12-week maceration of clean resin in cold-pressed sunflower oil, then cold-press/filtration; no solvents.
- Packaging: Dark glass; small-batch filling; fully traceable lots.
- Shelf life: About 24 months after opening when stored cool, dark, and tightly closed. Replace if aroma or colour changes noticeably.
FAQ (clear & transparent)
Does Azara Natural oil contain boswellic acids?
Essential oils do not contain boswellic acids (they’re non-volatile). Our Macerated Frankincense Resin Oil is designed to solubilize some boswellic/resin acids into carrier oil.
Can it help with deep wrinkles and scars?
Use precise language: “Softens the look of lines and uneven texture with consistent use.” Lab data support matrix-modulating and soothing effects; visible results are gradual and depend on regular application.
How is this different from CO₂ extracts or essential oils?
- Essential oil (steam-distilled): only volatiles; no boswellic acids.
- CO₂ extract: can retain some boswellic acids plus volatiles (more concentrated, different solvent system).
- Azara Natural macerate: a gentle oil infusion ideal for daily leave-on care; skin-friendly and resin-rich.
References
- Han X, Parker TL. Essential oils diversely modulate genome-wide gene expression in human dermal fibroblasts. Cogent Medicine. 2017. (Gene-level data on tissue-remodelling markers; EO model, mechanistic context)
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/bibliography - Siemoneit U, et al. On the interference of boswellic acids with 5-lipoxygenase. European Journal of Pharmacology. 2009.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19374837/ - Siemoneit U, et al. Inhibition of microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 as a molecular basis for the anti-inflammatory actions of boswellic acids from frankincense. British Journal of Pharmacology. 2011.
https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01020.x - Danby SG, et al. Effect of olive and sunflower seed oil on the adult skin barrier. Pediatric Dermatology. 2013.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22995032/ (PDF: https://www.loyon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Danby_2013.pdf) - Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Natural Oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2017.
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/19/1/70 - Enfleurage blog (industry testing note). “Robert Tisserand’s new boswellic acids article—are they found in frankincense essential oil?” (Summarizes independent testing: boswellic acids not present in EO.)
https://enfleurage.com/blog/robert-tisserands-new-boswellic-acids-articleare-they-found-in-frankincense-essential-oil-/
Product :- Frankincense Oil