Ingredient
Boswellia Serrata Gum
Boswellia Serrata Gum is flagged for pregnancy. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body.
- Frankincense Extract
- Indian Frankincense
- Olibanum
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 Serrata Gum and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
Boswellia Serrata Gum, also known as frankincense, is a botanical resin extract that contains boswellic acids and essential oil compounds. It has been used traditionally for its anti-inflammatory properties and as a fragrance ingredient. While topical Boswellia is less studied than oral forms, there is some concern because oral Boswellia supplements are sometimes advised against during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulation effects noted in traditional medicine. The boswellic acids can be absorbed through the skin to some degree. ACOG does not specifically address topical Boswellia, but many obstetricians recommend caution with botanical extracts that have traditional use as emmenagogues (substances that stimulate menstrual flow) or that lack adequate safety data during pregnancy. Due to limited safety data on topical use during pregnancy and traditional concerns about uterine effects, many healthcare providers suggest avoiding concentrated Boswellia products during pregnancy. If present in low concentrations in a fragrance blend, the risk is likely minimal, but pregnant women may prefer to choose products without this ingredient.
Boswellia Serrata Gum and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
Boswellia Serrata Gum applied topically is unlikely to reach breast milk in significant amounts. The molecular compounds in the resin are applied to skin rather than ingested, and dermal absorption is limited compared to oral consumption. While oral Boswellia supplements during breastfeeding have limited safety data, topical use in cosmetics at typical concentrations poses minimal concern. The AAD has no specific warnings against topical botanical extracts like Boswellia during breastfeeding, though allergic reactions are possible as with any botanical. Most dermatologists consider topical Boswellia safe for breastfeeding women when used in cosmetic formulations. Women with sensitivities to fragrances or botanicals may want to patch test first.
Boswellia Serrata Gum and postpartum
Safe to Use
Boswellia Serrata has anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial for postpartum skin concerns. It contains boswellic acids that can help reduce redness and irritation. There are no specific concerns with topical Boswellia use postpartum when not breastfeeding. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to botanical extracts, so patch testing is recommended for those with sensitive skin.
Boswellia Serrata Gum and trying to conceive
Safe to Use
While oral Boswellia has traditional associations with menstrual effects, topical application in cosmetics at typical concentrations is unlikely to affect fertility. The absorption through skin is minimal compared to oral intake. There is no evidence that topical Boswellia affects reproductive hormones or fertility. Women who are actively trying to conceive and prefer to be very cautious may choose to avoid it, but most dermatologists do not consider topical use in cosmetics to be a concern.
Boswellia Serrata Gum and PCOS
Safe to Use
Boswellia Serrata Gum has no known hormonal effects and does not interact with androgen or insulin pathways. Some research suggests oral Boswellia may have anti-inflammatory benefits that could theoretically help with PCOS-related inflammation, though this hasn't been studied with topical application. The anti-inflammatory properties of Boswellia may be beneficial for reducing skin inflammation associated with PCOS-related acne. The ingredient does not affect hormone levels when used topically in cosmetics. Dermatologists have no concerns about topical Boswellia use for women with PCOS. As with any botanical, those with sensitive skin should patch test first to rule out allergic reactions.
Boswellia Serrata Gum and general use
Safe to Use
- Common allergen
Boswellia Serrata Gum is a natural resin extract with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It contains boswellic acids that can help reduce skin inflammation and provide a pleasant fragrance to products. Studies show that Boswellia has good anti-inflammatory effects and is generally well-tolerated. However, as with any botanical extract or fragrance ingredient, some individuals may experience allergic contact dermatitis. Reactions are relatively uncommon but more likely in people with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies. Boswellia is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. Those with known sensitivities to tree resins or fragrances should patch test products containing this ingredient before full application.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Boswellia Serrata Gum, each one with its own page here.
Ingredients that raise the same concerns.
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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