Frankincense

 

The frankincense tree belongs to the balsam family and thrives in dry areas of Africa and Arabia. It can reach heights of growth of up to eight meters and has a papery, exfoliating bark. Frankincense has been used as an incense in a variety of cultures for thousands of years. However, extract or oil can also be obtained from the resin of the frankincense trees. To do this, the trunk of the tree must first be scratched. The emerging resin, which looks amber to white, dries in the air and becomes hard so that it can be harvested.

Oil can then be produced from it by steam distillation, for example.

 

The ingredients and their effects

Depending on the variety, the location of the tree and the time of harvest, frankincense contains up to 200 different substances. The boswellic acids, the ketones, the resinous substances and the triterpenes are particularly relevant both medically and cosmetically. The boswellic acids are of particular importance because they are known to have a marked anti-inflammatory effect. They influence the body’s protein metabolism and can thus prevent the outbreak of inflammation.

For this reason, frankincense is often used in natural medicine for lumbago, sprains, joint pain and rheumatic complaints. But it also provides valuable services for various skin diseases such as hives, psoriasis and neurodermatitis. Corresponding cosmetic products alleviate skin infections and have a soothing effect, even the unpleasant itching can be significantly reduced with frankincense. Irritations and redness are usually noticeably reduced by the application. Who suffers from pimples, blackheads and acne, achieves with the natural remedy just as good successes, since existing inflammations subside. And it is also an effective remedy for allergic skin reactions, especially since the resin of the tree is largely free of side effects.

In addition, frankincense contributes to a more even complexion when used regularly. Typical signs of aging are reduced and the skin looks fresher and healthier. The substance contributes to the regeneration of cells and even ensures that scars heal faster and smoother. Even unsightly stretch marks visibly recede.

Frankincense can be integrated, among other things, in creams and ointments, but also in lip balm.

 

Fact Sheet Frankincense

Resin extract of Boswellia serrata (Indian frankincense) / INCI: Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract

Frankincense Oil / INCI: Boswellia Serrata Oil

Boswellia Serrata (Frankincense) Resin / INCI: Boswellia Serrata Gum

CAS number: 97952-72-2

EC number: 308-366-6

 

We like to work with these active ingredients containing frankincense:

Trade name	INCI	Supplier	Remark
Frankincense Serrata CO2-se extract - 038.001	Boswellia Serrata Extract	Flavex Naturextrakte GmbH
Crodarom Boswellia	Butylene Glycol + Boswellia Serrata Gum	Crodarom
Boswellia LC Herbasol Extract Ethanol	Alcohol + Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract	Lipoid Kosmetik AG
Boswellin CG	Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract	Sabinsa Europe GmbH
ViaPure Boswellia	Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract	Gfn-Selco
Soothex	Dipropylene Glycol + Boswellia Serrata Gum	Givaudan Active Beauty
Soothex ISA	Isostearyl Alcohol + Boswellia Serrata Gum	Givaudan Active Beauty
BOSEXI	Lecithin + Olibanum + Boswellia Serrata Gum + Microcrystalline Cellulose	Indena SpA
Vedacalm B	Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil + Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil + Boswellia Serrata Oil	Gattefossé
Pure-Phen	Glycerin + Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract + Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract + Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract	DKSH

 

Cosmetic formulations by Cosmacon

Thanks to its strong anti-inflammatory effect, frankincense is a very effective ingredient for skin care products. As a natural remedy, it is also very well tolerated, and no side effects worth mentioning have been reported to date. Cosmacon will be happy to formulate high-quality cosmetics with frankincense oil or extract for you.

 

Literature:

Dissertation “Biologically active boswellic acid derivatives”; Anja Niesen; 2008.

www.boswellin.com

A cosmeceutical formulation based on boswellic acids for the treatment of erythematous eczema and psoriasis.

Togni S, Maramaldi G, Di Pierro F, Biondi M.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2014 Nov 11;7:321-7.

A sport cream (Harpago-Boswellia-ginger-escin) for localized neck/shoulder pain.

Hu S, Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, Feragalli B, Cotellese R, Dugall M, Scipione C, Scipione V, Maione C, Maramaldi G, Togni S, Riva A.Minerva Med. 2021 Apr;112(2):255-260.

Frankincense ( rǔ xiāng; boswellia species): from the selection of traditional applications to the novel phytotherapy for the prevention and treatment of serious diseases.

Hamidpour R, Hamidpour S, Hamidpour M, Shahlari M.J Tradit Complement Med. 2013 Oct;3(4):221-6.