How to Spot Real Frankincense Resin: A Buyer’s Guide from an Aromatherapy Expert

Frankincense resin is revered for its therapeutic properties—but not all resins are genuine. As a clinical aromatherapist and artisan distiller, I’ve seen firsthand how misleading labeling and market tricks can fool even seasoned buyers.


In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to verify authenticity, avoid dyed or adulterated resin, and understand the subtle differences between Boswellia species. Whether you’re using it for distillation, burning, or internal use, knowing what you’re buying is essential.


If you’re purchasing frankincense resin, the most critical detail to look for is the Latin botanical name—Boswellia. If the label simply says “frankincense” without specifying the species (e.g., Boswellia carteri), proceed with caution. There are multiple species of Boswellia, and knowing exactly which one you’re getting is essential for understanding its properties and how best to use it.


🛑 Avoid Open Markets
Buying resin from open-air markets is risky. Purity is often compromised, with vendors mixing in stones or plastic that mimic the resin’s color. True frankincense, when burned, produces a clean white smoke. If your resin gives off dark smoke, it’s likely adulterated.


👃 Smell and Taste Matter
Authentic resin should have a distinct aroma and a noticeable taste. If it tastes like chalk or has no flavor at all, it’s not genuine. Likewise, a lack of scent is a red flag.


💧 Hot Water Test
Drop a piece into hot water. Real frankincense will begin to soften and dissolve, releasing a beautiful, unmistakable fragrance. Fake resin—often just dyed rocks or plastic—won’t break down and may emit a chemical or earthy odor instead. You’ll also notice that dyed fakes may leach color into the water.


⚠️ Beware of Dyed Boswellia sacra
Some sellers artificially enhance the green hue of Boswellia sacra to make it appear more desirable. This dye is toxic. Online photos can be misleading—resin color can be digitally altered. In reality, resin exudes in various shades and is later sorted. While green and white varieties may contain slightly higher levels of alpha-pinene and have a stronger scent, all colors have therapeutic value. After drying for about a month, even vibrant green resin fades to a lighter tone with a powdery white coating—less photogenic, but still potent.​

💡 Industry Insight
Having worked closely with distillers in Oman, I’ve learned that color sorting is often a marketing tactic. The truth is, the differences are subtle and mostly aromatic. Some people respond better to one variety over another, but no single color is inherently superior.

✅ Buy from Trusted Sources
Always purchase from a reputable seller who specializes in resin and understands its nuances. Look for reviews, transparency, and a clear commitment to quality. Avoid mass-market platforms like Amazon, where resin may be old, improperly stored, or misrepresented.

As someone deeply immersed in this industry, I take pride in offering authentic, high-quality Boswellia resin. When you buy from a dedicated supplier like myself, you’re not just getting a product—you’re getting integrity, expertise, and a commitment to purity.