Skip to content
SupplyList
Menu

Frankincense oil

Frankincense oil suppliers and sourcing guide

Frankincense oil is the essential oil steam-distilled from olibanum, the gum resin tapped from Boswellia trees. The main commercial species are Boswellia carterii and B. sacra from Somalia, Oman and Ethiopia, B. serrata from India and B. frereana from Somalia, and each gives a different profile. Resin quality and species are the main price drivers. The oil is used in fragrance, cosmetics, soaps and aromatherapy blends; resinoids and absolutes are also made from the resin.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Olibanum oil · Boswellia carterii oil · Boswellia sacra oil · Boswellia serrata oil · Boswellia frereana oil
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of frankincense oil

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Boswellia carterii or sacra oil

    The classic frankincense oils, high in alpha-pinene with a fresh, resinous odor.

  • Boswellia serrata oil

    Indian frankincense oil, often higher in alpha-thujene and lower in cost.

  • Boswellia frereana oil

    Somali oil with a distinct lemony, peppery profile, lower in pinene.

  • Resinoid and absolute

    Solvent-extracted olibanum resinoid or absolute for perfumery fixation.

  • Organic or traceable

    Certified organic or origin-traced oil, often tied to sustainable resin tapping programs.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

GC-MS profile
Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry, reporting key constituents such as alpha-pinene, alpha-thujene, limonene, sabinene and myrcene against the supplier's or ISO ranges; the main identity and adulteration check.
Species confirmation
Comparison of the GC-MS profile against reference ranges for the species stated, since species are often mixed or mislabeled.
Physical constants
Specific gravity, refractive index and optical rotation at 20 °C against the specification.
Adulteration screen
Checks for added turpentine, pinene or other cheap terpenes.
Fragrance allergens
Levels of declarable fragrance allergens (such as linalool, geraniol, citronellol, limonene) for cosmetic labeling and IFRA compliance.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store in full, tightly closed amber glass, aluminum or lined steel containers in a cool, dark place, ideally with a nitrogen headspace once opened; heat, light and air oxidize the oil and change its odor. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and a GC-MS and odor retest is the usual way to confirm older stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Profile varies by species, origin and resin grade, so record the botanical name, origin and GC-MS profile for each lot and keep a retained sample. Confirm the species on the certificate matches the label you intend to use.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Frankincense oil suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking frankincense oil suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell frankincense oil? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of frankincense oil can brands buy?

Common forms include boswellia carterii or sacra oil, boswellia serrata oil, boswellia frereana oil, resinoid and absolute and organic or traceable. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for frankincense oil include?

Expect gC-MS profile, species confirmation, physical constants, adulteration screen and fragrance allergens, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should frankincense oil be stored?

Store in full, tightly closed amber glass, aluminum or lined steel containers in a cool, dark place, ideally with a nitrogen headspace once opened; heat, light and air oxidize the oil and change its odor. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and a GC-MS and odor retest is the usual way to confirm older stock.

What is the regulatory status of frankincense oil?

21 CFR 172.510 lists olibanum (Boswellia carteri and other Boswellia spp.) among natural flavoring substances that may be safely used in food. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists olibanum oil (Boswellia spp.), also called frankincense oil, with the technical effect flavoring agent or adjuvant, citing 21 CFR 172.510. Health Canada's aromatherapy essential oils monograph lists frankincense (olibanum) essential oil from the stem resin of Boswellia sacra and Boswellia frereana.

More flavors, spices and essential oils

All 70 flavors, spices and essential oils

Sell ingredients to brands?

Request a free listing for the ingredients you make or distribute. No paid placement.

Request a listing