The essential oil (bot. Boswellia carterii) is used for skin care and has proven very effective for irritated skin. When the property of "pulling together" is required, frankincense African (formerly Arabic) is an important ingredient in proprietary aroma blends, so for example for coarse-pored skin or for leg care for heavy legs. Its regenerating abilities make the essential oil very valuable in scar oils. The combination with organic myrrh is very popular as a skin protection balm for brittle, cracked skin.
The essential oil of frankincense African, formerly Arabic (bot. Boswellia carterii) is comparable to frankincense Indian (bot. Boswellia serrata) in terms of its main effect and ingredients. The scent differs, because frankincense Indian smells fresher and less sweet. African frankincense has a more balsamic scent. The botanical names Boswellia carterii and Boswellia carteri can be used synonymously for African frankincense. The essential oil is extracted from the resin of a balsam tree (Boswellia or Olibanum tree).