Frankincense

What Does It Smell Like?

Frankincense smells like walking into an ancient temple during incense ceremony—warm, slightly woody, with a subtle sweetness reminiscent of honey and old paper. There's a peppery, almost medicinal sharpness underneath, like the smell of a spice bazaar, combined with a dry, resinous warmth comparable to burning cedar wood. It's slightly creamy and balsamic, with whispers of citrus and pine. Imagine inhaling the aroma from inside a leather-bound antique book left in sunshine—that complexity and depth.

Origin & History

Frankincense resin comes from Boswellia trees native to the Arabian Peninsula, Horn of Africa, and India. Harvesters make small cuts in the tree bark, allowing the milky resin to weep and harden into nuggets over several weeks—a practice spanning 5,000 years. The Nabataean traders built empires on frankincense routes. In perfumery, we use essential oil distilled from resin through steam distillation, yielding a precious, labour-intensive ingredient. Synthetic versions attempt to capture its complexity but never quite replicate the depth of natural resin.

In Perfumery

Frankincense is the sophisticated anchor of oriental fragrances, lending spiritual gravitas and warm complexity. Perfumers use it as a middle-to-base note to add depth, longevity, and a contemplative quality. It bridges floral and woody notes beautifully, softening sharp accords whilst elevating compositions towards the luxurious and enigmatic.

Pairs Beautifully With

Featured In 546 Fragrances