Incense
Incense, also known as olibanum, is a fragrant resin used in skincare and cosmetics for its soothing aromatic properties and skin-calming effects. Popular in luxury creams, serums and masks, it brings a warm, resinous scent while helping to comfort and condition the skin.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, incense extract or essential oil is valued for its ability to soothe and condition the skin thanks to its natural boswellic acids and aromatic compounds. It is often blended into moisturisers, balms and anti-ageing formulas where it helps support the skin’s natural barrier and adds a subtle, sophisticated fragrance that lingers delicately on the skin.
Key benefits
- Helps soothe and calm irritated skin
- Supports the skin’s natural moisture barrier
- Provides a warm, comforting aromatic experience
- Conditions and softens dry or rough skin
- Adds a luxurious scent to creams and serums
- Helps reduce the appearance of dull, tired-looking skin
Best for
dry skin, sensitive skin, mature skin, normal skin
Where it comes from
Incense is the dried resin obtained from the bark of trees in the Boswellia genus, primarily Boswellia sacra and Boswellia carterii, which grow in the arid regions of the Arabian Peninsula, Somalia and India.
Products with Incense
Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Incense than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.