Frankincense (Boswellia)
What frankincense is, how classical Indian texts describe it, what published studies show and where they fall short, how to use it safely, and which GraceYes products contain it.
Names
Salai (Hindi); Shallaki or Kunduru (Sanskrit). Boswellia serrata is the Indian species. The parts used are the resin and essential oil.
Classical Indian view
API Vol IV (Kunduru) lists it as Vata-Kapha-reducing, but gives no direct skin use (API Vol IV).
Key compounds
Boswellic acids (AKBA) in the resin; alpha-pinene in the oil.
What studies show
- A 0.5% boswellic acid cream improved fine lines and elasticity over 30 days. This was a double-blind split-face trial (n=15) (PubMed).
- A Boswellia cream reduced radiotherapy skin redness compared with placebo (PubMed).
Limits
The evidence covers resin extract, not the essential oil.
Safety
Dilute the oil and patch test.
GraceYes products that contain it
Age Gracefully Face Cream, Age Gracefully Face Oil, Under Eye Cream, Relaxing Aromablend Oil.
This page is for general information and is not medical advice. Studies are linked so you can read them yourself. Always patch-test a new product, and speak to a doctor about any skin or scalp condition.