Frankincense's Backstory
Frankincense gets its name from the term “franc encens,” which means “high-quality incense” in French. It is renowned as one of the most precious essential oils. For millennia, frankincense has been used in religious ceremonies by cultures the world over. The oil comes from the dried and distilled resin of the frankincense tree, which is native to specific regions of Africa and the Middle East. It has a woody, earthy, and spicy aroma with a nuance of fruit. This comforting fragrance soothes tension and helps stay fresh and calm.
Frankincense resin was used by the ancient Egyptians for everything from perfume to salves for soothing skin. This centuries-old knowledge is still informing our use of frankincense today! Applied topically and cosmetically, frankincense has astringent and beautifying qualities that help reduce the appearance of skin imperfections. Try adding 3–5 drops of Frankincense to your skin care routine (such as a moisturizing face cream) morning and evening.