Ingredient

Olibanum Oil

Boswellia carterii

As you close your eyes and inhale olibanum oil, you see yourself walking in a pine and eucalyptus forest, your steps taking you to a sun-bathed clearing. Here, a steamy spring welcomes you in its warm and surprisingly citrus-scented water. While you thought you couldn't be more relaxed, a misty incense smoke spreads around you, balancing and settling your mind once and for all.

Also called frankincense, olibanum resinoid was one of the first materials to be used as a perfume. Firstly burned as incense and used during religious ceremonies by ancient civilisations, it became extremely popular at the time of the pharaohs, where it was also used in the embalming process. It retained an important role in religions throughout the centuries, to purify the air, ward off evil spirits and soothe the environment.

Olibanum resin is mainly produced in Somaliland, an autonomous region in northern Somalia. This area is the home of more than half of the world's olibanum and myrrh trees, which have become endangered as farmers are forced to over-harvest due to the low prices they receive.

Lush buys olibanum oil and resinoid from two suppliers who work directly with Somali producers, guaranteeing fair prices and sustainable production. One is based in Morocco and the other in Vermont, USA, where they obtained the first organic certification for olibanum oil in the world. They sell the raw resin or distil it into a fragrant oil, that is known to be toning and soothing for the skin.