Escentia Frankincense Carterii Essential Oil - Precious & Grounding

Escentia Frankincense Carterii Essential Oil is a steam-distilled oil from the resin of the Boswellia carterii tree, traditionally burned and used in ceremony across North Africa and Arabia. Its aroma is deep, resinous and balsamic, and it is used in meditation, diffusing, perfumery and cosmetic blends. It comes in seven sizes, from 5ml to 1L.

From Nev, Secret Sense: I diffuse Carterii at the start of a session, before I sit. The scent is slow and resinous and settles a small room within minutes. We keep both frankincense oils on the shelf because they do different jobs: Carterii is the deeper, rounder one, which I prefer for ceremony and evening work, while Serrata is brighter and suits daytime diffusing. When I want a heavier, resin-led scent, I blend Carterii with a little Sandalwood and Myrrh. Keep the drops low, because it carries.

What does Frankincense Carterii essential oil smell like?

Frankincense Carterii smells warm, earthy and balsamic, with a resinous depth that settles quickly in a room. In the Escentia range it reads as deeper and rounder than Escentia's brighter Frankincense Serrata.

• Deep, resinous aroma
• Earthy, balsamic character
• Warm, soft base note that lasts in a diffuser

How do you use Frankincense Carterii essential oil?

Frankincense Carterii is used by diffusing a few drops, by blending a diluted amount into a carrier oil, or by adding it to perfumery and skin-tonic recipes. Always dilute before it touches the skin, and patch test first.

• Meditation and ritual: Diffuse to create a still, grounded atmosphere before sitting, journaling or ceremony.
• Atmosphere: Diffuse to give a room a warm, resinous, temple-like scent.
• Skin care and cosmetics: Add a few drops, well diluted, to a carrier oil or skin tonic as a fragrance ingredient.
• Massage blends: Blend into a carrier oil for a warm, resinous scented massage oil.
• Perfumery: Use as a base note in natural perfume blends.

What does Frankincense Carterii blend well with?

Frankincense Carterii pairs well with Myrrh and Sandalwood for a classic resinous blend, with Lavender, Geranium and Bergamot for a softer floral-citrus lift, and with Black Pepper, Pine and Thyme for a sharper, woodier edge. Other oils that blend well include Basil, Camphor and Lemon.

Frankincense Carterii vs Frankincense Serrata: which should you choose?

In the Escentia range, choose Carterii for a deeper, balsamic, resinous scent suited to meditation and ceremony, and Frankincense Serrata for a fresher, brighter aroma. Descriptions of each species vary between suppliers, so this is the Escentia profile. See Escentia Frankincense Serrata Essential Oil. You can also browse the full range in our frankincense essential oil collection.

Product details

• Botanical: Boswellia carterii (resin)
• Origin region: North Africa and Arabia
• Method: Steam distilled
• Key aroma constituents: α-pinene, α-thujene, limonene
• Sizes: 5ml, 10ml, 20ml, 50ml, 100ml, 500ml, 1L
• Brand: Escentia Essential Oils

Safety information

• For external use only. Do not ingest.
• Dilute before applying to the skin and patch test first.
• Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• If you are pregnant or nursing, speak to your healthcare provider before use.
• Store away from direct sunlight and heat.

Frequently asked questions

Where does Escentia Frankincense Carterii come from?

The resin comes from Boswellia carterii trees grown in North Africa and Arabia, and the oil is steam distilled from it.

Can you apply Frankincense Carterii oil straight to the skin?

No. Always dilute it in a carrier oil and patch test first. It is for external use only.

Is Frankincense Carterii the same as Frankincense Serrata?

No. They come from different Boswellia species. In the Escentia range, Carterii smells deeper and more balsamic, while Serrata is fresher, with citrus and pine notes.

Which size should I buy?

The 5ml and 10ml suit trying the scent or a small diffuser practice. The 50ml and 100ml suit regular use or blending, and the 500ml and 1L are for makers and practitioners. Order over R750 for free delivery.

Last reviewed: October 2026. This product is for topical and aromatic use only. It is not a medicine and is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any condition.