After reading an article in *The Guardian* about piracy and unsustainable practices in the Boswellia  Frankincense (also known as olibanum) industry across Africa, I set out to find a fair-trade producer. That’s when I came across *Boswellness*, a company that sustainably sources Boswellia resins from Somaliland.

Boswellness focuses on the sustainable harvesting of Boswellia trees, particularly in Somaliland. They work closely with local communities to ensure ethical practices that protect both the trees and the environment. Their process involves careful extraction of resin without harming the trees, ensuring long-term conservation. The harvested resin is then distilled into essential oils and other products, maintaining the purity and potency of the *Boswellia* species. Boswellness is dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable livelihoods for harvesters.

For more, visit Boswellness

they offer 2 types of Boswellia and a species of Myrrha. I diluted them to 10% for evaluation. Here are my impressions of three distinct products:

1. Boswellia carteri: A transparent liquid with an intensely resinous scent typical of frankincense, but this version surprises with bright citrus aspects. The initial terpenic aroma quickly dissipates, leaving behind a complex, resinous, and citrusy fragrance with hints of herbal bitter notes resembling of Angelica root but without the liquorish aspects.

2. Boswellia frereana: Similar to *B. carteri* but less citrusy and more woody. The terpenic undertone may seem overpowering at first, but I found it perfect for blending in an Opoponax-based perfume, where its terpenic strength balances beautifully with softer notes like vanilla and bergamot. It gives an edge to the blend.

3. Commiphora myrrha: Myrrh’s initial impression is bold, with strong hints of gasoline and leather, but as you delve deeper, it reveals balsamic, spicy, black pepper notes, alongside citrus and mint. I’m considering diluting this further to 1% to explore the fragrance’s softer, fruitier undertones, similar to how thyme mellows with dilution.
after 30 minutes it has a lot of similarities with Elemi resenoid, but's more complex and resinous. its absolutely beautiful.

The Frankincense that i own are miles away from these 3 samples, for instance olibanol from Fraterworks is a completely different product, yet it comes from the same source. Same as the Olibanum Vulcain that i frequently use.  

Here are some common resinous materials i use in my perfumes, these are fundamental building blocks in my fragrance work:

Frankincense: A resin from Boswellia trees, frankincense has a fresh, citrusy and slightly piney aroma. It's used in incense, perfumes, and traditional healing practices. It is also called Olibanum

Myrrh: Derived from Commiphora trees, myrrh has a deeper, earthy, and spicy scent. Known for its spiritual and medicinal uses, it adds warmth to blends.

Labdanum: Extracted from the Cistus ladanifer shrub, labdanum has a leathery, sweet, and resinous scent. It’s valued for its long-lasting base note in perfumes. In ancient times sheeps would walk against the bushes and the resin would later be washed out of the wool.

Cistus Absolute: This is another extract from the Cistus plant, known for a floral, herbaceous scent with a sharp edge and hints of honey and warmth. It’s more delicate than labdanum but still deeply aromatic.