Ingredient
Boswellia Carterii Gum Extract
Boswellia Carterii Gum Extract is flagged for pregnancy. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body.
- Frankincense Extract
- Olibanum Extract
- Boswellia Serrata Extract
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Caution Advised
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 1 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 1 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Boswellia Carterii Gum Extract and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
Boswellia carterii gum extract, commonly known as frankincense, is a resin-based botanical extract used in cosmetics for fragrance and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains bioactive compounds including boswellic acids that have medicinal properties. While topical use of boswellia extract in cosmetic products is generally considered different from oral supplementation, there is limited specific research on topical safety during pregnancy. Some herbalists and aromatherapists caution against frankincense essential oil use during the first trimester, particularly in concentrated forms, due to theoretical concerns about uterine stimulation, though evidence is lacking. The extract form used in cosmetics is typically more diluted than essential oils. However, the bioactive compounds in boswellia can be absorbed through the skin to some degree. No major medical organizations have issued specific guidance prohibiting topical boswellia extract during pregnancy, but many practitioners recommend cautious use of medicinal botanicals during the first trimester when organogenesis occurs. The American Pregnancy Association suggests avoiding essential oils with potential hormonal or uterine effects during early pregnancy. For cosmetic products containing boswellia extract (not concentrated essential oil), the risk is likely lower, but due to limited pregnancy-specific data, some caution is warranted especially in the first trimester.
This one changes across the pregnancy.
- First trimester
- CAUTION
- Second trimester
- SAFE
- Third trimester
- SAFE
Boswellia Carterii Gum Extract and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
Boswellia carterii gum extract is used in cosmetics as a perfuming agent and for its anti-inflammatory properties. When applied topically in cosmetic concentrations, skin absorption is generally limited. There is minimal research on boswellia extract transfer into breast milk from topical cosmetic use. However, the extract form (as opposed to concentrated essential oil) is significantly diluted in cosmetic products, making meaningful systemic absorption and milk transfer unlikely. Boswellia supplements are sometimes used orally by breastfeeding women without reported issues, though this doesn't directly translate to topical safety data. No lactation resources specifically flag boswellia extract in cosmetics as problematic during breastfeeding. The concentration used in cosmetic products for fragrance and skin conditioning is much lower than therapeutic oral doses, making topical cosmetic use generally compatible with breastfeeding.
Boswellia Carterii Gum Extract and postpartum
Safe to Use
Boswellia carterii gum extract offers anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing benefits that may be helpful for postpartum skin. The boswellic acids in frankincense have been studied for their ability to reduce inflammation and support skin healing. For non-breastfeeding postpartum women, there are no specific concerns with using products containing boswellia extract. The anti-inflammatory properties may help with skin recovery and any inflammatory skin conditions that can occur postpartum.
Boswellia Carterii Gum Extract and trying to conceive
Safe to Use
Boswellia carterii gum extract in cosmetic products has no documented effects on fertility or conception. While some aromatherapy sources suggest caution with concentrated frankincense essential oil during pregnancy attempts, cosmetic products contain much more diluted extract forms. Women trying to conceive can generally use products containing boswellia extract. However, if you achieve pregnancy, you may wish to use extra caution with this ingredient during the first trimester due to limited pregnancy-specific data and traditional herbalist recommendations for caution with frankincense during early pregnancy.
Boswellia Carterii Gum Extract and PCOS
Safe to Use
Boswellia carterii gum extract has well-documented anti-inflammatory properties from its boswellic acid content. Inflammation is often elevated in women with PCOS and contributes to various symptoms including acne and skin issues. There is no evidence that topical boswellia extract affects hormones relevant to PCOS. Some research suggests oral boswellia supplements may have beneficial effects on inflammatory markers, though this doesn't directly translate to topical cosmetic use. The ingredient does not interfere with androgen levels or insulin sensitivity. Women with PCOS can use cosmetic products containing boswellia extract without concern for hormonal disruption. The anti-inflammatory properties may actually be beneficial for managing inflammatory skin conditions common in PCOS, such as acne.
Boswellia Carterii Gum Extract and general use
Safe to Use
- Common allergen
Boswellia carterii gum extract, derived from frankincense resin, is valued in cosmetics for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The extract contains boswellic acids that have been studied for their ability to modulate inflammatory pathways and provide skin-soothing benefits. The primary concern with boswellia extract is potential for allergic reactions or skin sensitization, particularly because it's often used as a perfuming agent. Individuals with sensitivities to fragrances or tree resins may experience contact dermatitis. However, for most users, the ingredient is well-tolerated and provides beneficial effects for inflammatory skin conditions. Boswellia carterii gum extract is approved for cosmetic use in the EU and US. The ingredient has a long history of use in traditional medicine and aromatherapy, which has translated into modern cosmetic applications where it's valued for both its functional benefits and its distinctive fragrance profile.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
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Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
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