Ingredient
Boswellia Carterii Gum Oil
Boswellia Carterii Gum Oil is flagged for pregnancy and trying to conceive. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body.
- Frankincense Oil
- Olibanum Oil
- Boswellia Carterii Oil
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
- 2 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 2 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Boswellia Carterii Gum Oil and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
Boswellia Carterii Gum Oil, or frankincense oil, is an aromatic essential oil used for fragrance in cosmetics. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that can be absorbed through the skin. While frankincense has been used traditionally, specific safety studies during pregnancy are limited. Many aromatherapists and obstetricians recommend caution with essential oils during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, due to their potential for systemic absorption and hormonal effects. The concentration in cosmetic products is typically lower than in pure aromatherapy applications, which reduces risk, but the lack of definitive safety data makes many healthcare providers recommend avoiding or limiting exposure. The American Pregnancy Association suggests pregnant women consult their healthcare provider before using products containing essential oils. ACOG does not have specific guidance on frankincense oil, but general precaution with essential oils is advised due to insufficient reproductive toxicity data.
Boswellia Carterii Gum Oil and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
Frankincense oil in cosmetic products poses minimal concern during breastfeeding when applied topically to areas away from the breast. The oil is used as a fragrance component in low concentrations. There is no evidence that topical application of frankincense oil in cosmetic formulations affects breast milk composition or infant health. The AAD notes that most topical cosmetic ingredients applied away from the nipple area are unlikely to transfer to breast milk in significant amounts. As a general precaution, avoid applying products containing essential oils directly to the breast area before breastfeeding, and ensure adequate time between application and infant contact to prevent direct exposure through skin-to-skin contact.
Boswellia Carterii Gum Oil and postpartum
Safe to Use
Frankincense oil is safe for postpartum women who are not breastfeeding. The oil may help soothe skin and reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial during postpartum recovery. There are no specific contraindications for postpartum use. The anti-inflammatory properties may support skin healing and comfort during the recovery period.
Boswellia Carterii Gum Oil and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
Women trying to conceive may want to exercise the same caution as during pregnancy, since conception timing is uncertain. Essential oils including frankincense have limited safety data regarding fertility and early pregnancy. While there's no evidence of harm, many fertility specialists recommend adopting pregnancy-safe practices when actively trying to conceive. This precautionary approach helps ensure no exposure during the earliest stages of pregnancy when women may not yet know they've conceived.
Boswellia Carterii Gum Oil and PCOS
Safe to Use
Boswellia Carterii Gum Oil is safe for women with PCOS and may provide anti-inflammatory benefits. The oil does not have known hormone-disrupting properties. Some preliminary research suggests boswellia extract (not specifically the essential oil) may have anti-inflammatory effects that could potentially benefit inflammatory aspects of PCOS, though this is not well-established for the topical oil form. There are no contraindications for PCOS. The ingredient does not interfere with insulin sensitivity, androgen levels, or other hormonal aspects of the condition.
Boswellia Carterii Gum Oil and general use
Safe to Use
For the general population, frankincense oil in cosmetic products is considered safe when used at appropriate concentrations. It provides fragrance and may offer skin-soothing benefits. The main considerations are individual sensitivity and potential allergic reactions. Those with sensitive skin or known fragrance allergies should patch test products containing essential oils before full application. Frankincense oil has a long history of safe use in cosmetics and personal care products. When formulated properly within IFRA guidelines, it poses minimal risk to healthy adults.
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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