Boswellia Carterii Oil

Boswellia Carterii Oil and pregnancy

Caution Advised

• Absorbed into the body

Boswellia Carterii Oil, commonly known as frankincense essential oil, is extracted from the resin of the Boswellia tree. It contains compounds like alpha-pinene and limonene that provide anti-inflammatory and aromatic properties in skincare products. Essential oils, including frankincense, are concentrated plant extracts that can have systemic effects when absorbed through skin. While specific human studies on topical frankincense during pregnancy are limited, aromatherapy and herbalism literature generally advises caution with essential oils during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy suggests that essential oils should be used sparingly and appropriately diluted during pregnancy due to their potency and potential to cross the placental barrier. Many aromatherapists and midwives recommend avoiding or minimizing essential oil use, especially undiluted forms, during pregnancy. While frankincense is considered less risky than some essential oils (like pennyroyal or sage), the lack of specific safety data means a precautionary approach is reasonable. If using products containing frankincense oil during pregnancy, ensure they're formulated for topical use (not pure essential oil) and consider alternatives with more established pregnancy safety profiles.

Boswellia Carterii Oil and breastfeeding

Safe to Use

Boswellia Carterii Oil in properly formulated cosmetic products is generally considered low risk during breastfeeding. When diluted in skincare formulations (as opposed to pure essential oil), the amount absorbed systemically is minimal. There are no documented cases of frankincense oil in cosmetics affecting breast milk or breastfed infants. The key consideration is avoiding application directly to the breast area before breastfeeding and ensuring products are cosmetic formulations rather than concentrated essential oils. Aromatherapists generally consider frankincense one of the safer essential oils for use during breastfeeding when properly diluted. For breastfeeding mothers, using skincare products that contain frankincense oil as one of several ingredients (rather than using pure essential oil) is considered acceptable. As with all fragranced products, avoid applying directly to areas where the infant's mouth will contact during feeding.

Boswellia Carterii Oil and postpartum

Safe to Use

Boswellia Carterii Oil provides anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing benefits that can be helpful for postpartum skin concerns. Its compounds may support skin healing and have been traditionally used to improve skin appearance and elasticity. For postpartum women not breastfeeding, frankincense oil in cosmetic formulations poses no specific concerns and can be beneficial for addressing skin changes, inflammation, or supporting overall skin health during the recovery period.

Boswellia Carterii Oil and trying to conceive

Safe to Use

Boswellia Carterii Oil in cosmetic formulations poses minimal concerns for women trying to conceive. Unlike some essential oils that have documented effects on hormones or uterine tissue, frankincense does not have evidence of interfering with fertility or reproductive function. While concentrated essential oils are generally used with caution in aromatherapy during preconception, frankincense in diluted cosmetic products is considered safe. The amounts present in skincare formulations are far below levels that would cause systemic effects.

Boswellia Carterii Oil and PCOS

Safe to Use

Boswellia Carterii Oil offers anti-inflammatory properties that may help with inflammatory skin conditions sometimes associated with PCOS, such as acne or general skin inflammation. The oil contains boswellic acids (in the resin extract) and other compounds with documented anti-inflammatory effects. There is no evidence that frankincense essential oil has hormonal effects or impacts androgen levels in PCOS. The ingredient functions primarily as an anti-inflammatory and aromatic component in skincare formulations. For women with PCOS, frankincense oil in cosmetics is safe to use and may provide soothing benefits for irritated or inflamed skin. It can be incorporated into routines alongside other acne-fighting or anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Boswellia Carterii Oil and general use

Safe to Use

• Irritant
• Common allergen

Boswellia Carterii Oil is an essential oil derived from frankincense resin, valued in cosmetics for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and aromatic properties. It contains compounds like alpha-pinene, limonene, and octyl acetate that contribute to its therapeutic effects and fragrance. As with most essential oils, frankincense can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, particularly when used in high concentrations or when oxidized. The European Commission's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety notes that components like limonene can become sensitizing when exposed to air and oxidized. Proper formulation and storage help minimize these risks. Frankincense oil is approved for use in cosmetics in both the EU and US. Under EU Cosmetics Regulation, products must list certain naturally-occurring allergens like limonene if present above specified thresholds. When used in appropriate dilutions within cosmetic formulations, frankincense oil is generally well-tolerated and provides beneficial anti-inflammatory effects.

Everything else flagged for the same profiles

• Flagged in pregnancy

Related ingredients

Ingredients suggested in place of Boswellia Carterii Oil, each one with its own page here.

• Colloidal Oatmeal

Ingredients that raise the same concerns.

• Parfum/FragranceIrritant, Common allergen, Absorbed into the body
• Lavandula Angustifolia OilIrritant, Common allergen, Absorbed into the body
• Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf OilIrritant, Common allergen, Absorbed into the body
• EugenolIrritant, Common allergen, Absorbed into the body
• Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf OilIrritant, Common allergen, Absorbed into the body
• DMDM HydantoinIrritant, Common allergen, Absorbed into the body

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 15 September 2026.