Frankincense is harvested from the Boswellia tree, which thrives in arid, rocky environments where few other plants can survive. These trees, found mainly in the dry regions of Somalia, Oman, Yemen, and parts of India, produce resin as a response to cuts made in their bark—a process called tapping. This resin hardens into "tears," which are collected and processed into oils, powders, or extracts.
Therapeutic Properties For Skin
1. Anti-Inflammatory
Frankincense is rich in boswellic acids, particularly acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), which inhibits inflammatory mediators like 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. This makes it a natural solution for skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and eczema, which are often driven by chronic inflammation.
2. Environmental Defense and Skin Resilience
Beyond its anti-inflammatory effects, Frankincense also acts as a protective shield against environmental aggressors. It guards the skin from oxidative stress induced by UV radiation and pollution, minimizing cellular damage while supporting collagen integrity for firmer, more radiant skin.
3. Enhanced Skin Barrier and Wound Healing
Frankincense promotes cellular regeneration and strengthens the skin barrier by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This keeps skin hydrated while accelerating the healing of damaged areas.
These properties make our Frankincense concentrate a key ingredient in our Skin Repair Balm, Rooted Balancing Balm, and seasonal favorite Frankincense Hydramist.
A Sensory Experience: Aromatic Benefits
The resinous, earthy notes in Frankincense have a grounding quality that many find brings a sense of inner calm and connection. It’s often associated with spiritual practices, meditation, and rituals, where it has been used to evoke feelings of tranquility and presence.
The gentle warmth of Frankincense encourages circulation, creating a comforting sensation that feels nurturing and therapeutic, inviting you to slow down and fully engage with the present moment.
Honoring Tradition Through Ethical Sourcing
Our Frankincense is sourced directly from the women-led Beeyo Maal Cooperative in the Sanaag region of Somaliland. This cooperative is dedicated to ensuring that the harvesters, laborers, and sorters are the direct beneficiaries of their work and expertise.
Protecting Ancient Forests
Beeyo Maal’s mission stands in stark contrast to exploitative corporate practices that have depleted these ancient forests and the people who tend the land.
As Luul Siciid Jaamac, Director of Beeyo Maal, shared in a recent article:
"Our primary objective is not to get rich; but to secure our livelihoods, ensuring that we can provide for our families, earn a fair income, and cover our children’s education expenses. Preserving our trees and forest has become a top priority… Healing from these wounds will take time, but our determination remains unwavering. We are committed to preventing [corporate exploiters'] return.”
The ancient forests where Beeyo Maal operates hold immense historical and ecological value. Despite centuries of responsible harvesting, these forests remain largely intact, a testament to traditional harvesting practices. But in recent decades, corporate extraction has devastated parts of the forest, destroying wildlife habitats and leaving trees vulnerable to pests. Beeyo Maal’s commitment to protecting these forests is as inspiring as it is necessary. Through this partnership, we honor both the environment and the people who have nurtured and protected these resources for generations.
Our Botanical Enrichment Process
We begin our journey with whole resin tears, ensuring their full spectrum of therapeutic properties is carefully preserved.
Advanced Extraction Methods
Our process includes ultrasonic-assisted extraction and triple filtration, methods designed to retain a wide range of active compounds beyond what is typically achieved with essential oils or CO₂ extracts.
These techniques help extract not only volatile aromatic components but also non-volatile compounds such as boswellic acids and other triterpenoids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing properties.
Encapsulation for Enhanced Bioavailability
The final step in our process is encapsulation, which ensures that the Frankincense concentrate is not only potent but also gentle and easily absorbed by the skin. This advanced delivery system supports the skin’s natural healing pathways, allowing it to fully benefit from Frankincense’s restorative properties.
Closing Thoughts
Our commitment to sustainability, integrity, and innovation drives every step of our Frankincense journey—from sourcing and extraction to product formulation. The result is a skincare experience that celebrates the full spectrum of this ancient resin’s healing potential while respecting the communities and environments that nurture it.
For those interested in learning more about Beeyo Maal's important work, we encourage you to read further on their website and on the Fuller Project.
