The Problem With Frankincense in Skin Care: Sustainability, Benefits & Alternatives
The Problem of Overharvesting Frankincense in Skin Care
Frankincense is one of the world’s most beloved essential oils—and it’s easy to see why. One breath of its warm, resinous blend of pine, citrus, and spice feels like stepping into an ancient temple. But while its scent evokes luxury and tradition, the growing demand for frankincense in skin care is putting immense pressure on the trees and communities that produce it.
What Is Frankincense and Why Is It Popular in Skin Care?
For centuries, frankincense was used in religious ceremonies and niche aromatherapy. Today, it’s gone mainstream—appearing in serums, face creams, soaps, and perfumes. This surge in popularity is part of a larger movement towards natural ingredients, as more people seek to avoid synthetic colours, fragrances, and preservatives.
The Anti-Aging Benefits of Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense is more than just a beautiful fragrance. It has long been prized for its potential anti-inflammatory, skin-soothing, and anti-aging properties. Many believe it can help improve skin tone, soften the look of fine lines, and encourage a radiant, youthful glow. This reputation for renewing and revitalising skin is one reason it’s become such a sought-after ingredient in beauty products worldwide.
How Boswellia Trees Are Harvested for Frankincense
Frankincense comes from the Boswellia tree, which must grow for around 25 years before it can be “tapped.” Tapping involves making careful cuts in the bark to release the aromatic resin. Done correctly and sparingly, this process can be sustainable. But when trees are tapped too early—or too frequently—they become weak, produce poor-quality seeds, and eventually die.
The Environmental Impact of Overharvesting Frankincense
According to National Geographic, more than half of all Boswellia populations studied had no young trees at all. Cattle grazing, uncontrolled fires, and overtapping are to blame. The problem is compounded by the fact that Boswellia grows almost exclusively in harsh, arid regions where poverty is widespread. For many families, resin sales are the only source of income, so the pressure to harvest more is intense. As one expert put it: “Local people want to make a living… it’s about short-term—taking care of your family.”
When you add in unsustainable farming practices and the low prices demanded by large companies, the result is a cycle that harms the environment, weakens tree populations, and threatens the livelihoods of local harvesters in the long term.
Sustainable Alternatives to Frankincense in Beauty Products
Sustainably sourced frankincense does exist, and supporting it can help protect Boswellia trees while providing fair wages to communities. However, truly ethical sourcing can be expensive, and transparency in the supply chain isn’t always guaranteed.
For now, we’ve chosen to remove frankincense essential oil from our products in favour of alternative ingredients that are gentler on the planet but still effective for skin care. Because beauty should never come at the cost of extinction.
