Ingredient decoder

Frankincense oil: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Boswellia Carterii Oil

Acne verdict Watch

Worth watching on acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Essential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skin.

  • Masking
  • Tonic

Frankincense oil in plain English

Frankincense oil is an essential oil from the resin of boswellia trees, with a warm, resinous scent. It contains limonene and other compounds that can irritate, especially once oxidized. Like most essential oils it contains natural fragrance allergens, which can irritate or sensitize skin over time. If your acne-prone skin is easily irritated, unscented products are the safer pick.

Is frankincense oil bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. Frankincense oil is not a proven pore-clogger, but scent ingredients like this can irritate sensitive skin, and irritated skin can make breakouts look and feel worse. Notice how your skin reacts when a product lists it near the top.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • Boswellia Carterii Oil
  • Frankincense essential oil
  • Olibanum oil
  • Boswellia carterii (frankincense) oil
  • Boswellia sacra oil

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Frequently asked questions

Is frankincense oil comedogenic?

Frankincense oil has no published comedogenic rating in Fulton's 1989 table. It is not a proven pore-clogger, but it is worth watching on acne-prone skin.

What does frankincense oil do in skincare?

In short: essential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skin. In formulas it is used for masking and tonic.

What else is frankincense oil called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, frankincense oil can also appear as Boswellia Carterii Oil, Frankincense essential oil, Olibanum oil, Boswellia carterii (frankincense) oil or Boswellia sacra oil.

Sources