Frankincense Rivae Essential Oil

Frankincense Rivae essential oil. I only distilled a small amount of this essential oil, but it is gorgeous!
After an absence of almost two years, this most unusual (and my favourite) Frankincense essential oil is back in the shop.

Frequently asked questions

Some questions and answers are automatically generated.

How does this frankincense differ from other types?
Frankincense Rivae is sweeter and spicier than other frankincense varieties, with woody and amber notes rather than the rougher herbal tones customers associate with standard frankincense. Many reviewers note it offers a complex, unusual profile with hints of citrus, woodiness, and soft sweetness that make it distinctive among frankincense oils.
Is this oil good for natural perfumery?
Yes. Multiple reviewers mention using it for perfumery, and several say they've purchased it specifically for that purpose. The product description also notes it lends itself beautifully to natural perfume work and will be valued in a perfumer's collection.
What scent notes does it have?
The oil features a haunting, rich fragrance with soft sweetness reminiscent of Palo Santo, a deep amber heart, dry woody musk, and light spiciness. Reviewers describe it as sweet, woody, complex, with a path from woody to citrus notes, and often praise it as beautiful and intoxicating.
How does it pair with other oils?
Customers report success combining it with ambergris, myrrh, lime, and Frankincense Occulta. One reviewer described a pairing with lime as especially enjoyable.
Is the resin harvested sustainably?
Yes. Unlike most frankincense types, Frankincense Rivae yields its resin naturally without tapping, making the species less susceptible to damage from human intervention. The product description notes it is purchased from harvester co-ops in the Ogaden region of Ethiopia with support for conservation and fair trade initiatives.
Does this product match the description?
Yes. Multiple customers confirm the oil arrives exactly as described, with one reviewer noting items from this shop consistently meet and exceed the shop description.
Boswellia Rivae breaks the mould and challenges our expectations of the Frankincense family's aromatic profile. The essential oil has a haunting, rich fragrance with a soft sweetness reminiscent of its distant cousin Palo Santo (Bursera Graveolens). A deep amber heart, dry woody musk, and a light, sweet spiciness broaden our perspective of this aromatic family of resins.


An added benefit of Frankincense Rivae resin is that it is not tapped for its fragrant resin and instead yields it naturally. This means the species is less likely to suffer from human intervention than other Frankincense types.

The essential oil of Frankincense Rivae is sweeter and spicier than its Frankincense brothers. It is one of the most vibrant Frankincense essential oils I have encountered. It lends itself beautifully to natural perfume work and will be a treasured guest in any perfumer or apothecary's collection.

Frankincense Rivae grows only in the remote Ogaden region of Ethiopia, where it is purchased from harvester co-ops, shipped to North America and eventually arrives in my shop and my still.

Management of natural resources in developing countries is, well, developing...However, with our support, programs and initiatives geared towards conservation, local employment, added value and fair trade, can make a huge difference in the landscape.

Like all others in its family, Boswellia or Frankincense Rivae is ruled by the Sun from an astrological point of view. Thus it is considered warming and strengthening to the heart and mind, grounding, cleansing and spiritually uplifting.

Boswellia, or Frankincense Rivae, is an olfactory treat, a rare and unusual Frankincense that should be in every perfumer and aromatherapists collection.