Updated October 2026
Resin essential oils come from the sap that seeps out of certain trees when their bark is cut. Over time the sap hardens into resin, and that resin is steam distilled (or extracted) to make oils like frankincense, myrrh, elemi and copaiba. Resin oils are typically rich, warm and long-lasting, and they're loved in meditation blends, skin care and as base notes that anchor a blend.
What Is Plant Resin?
Many trees produce a sticky sap to seal wounds in their bark. Harvesters make small cuts, let the sap seep out and harden into “tears,” and then collect it. People have burned these resins as incense, used them as perfume and traded them along ancient routes for thousands of years.
Resins, Gum Resins, Oleoresins and Balsams
- Resins: hardened tree sap, like the raw tears of frankincense.
- Gum resins: resins that also contain water-soluble gum, like myrrh and galbanum.
- Oleoresins: softer, oily resins, like elemi and copaiba.
- Balsams: resins rich in sweet, aromatic compounds, like Peru balsam and benzoin.
Essential oil or resinoid? Frankincense, myrrh, elemi, copaiba and galbanum are usually steam distilled into true essential oils. Benzoin and Peru balsam are often sold as thick resinoids or extracts made with solvents. These are richer and stickier, and they can clog ultrasonic diffusers.
Best Resin Essential Oils
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)
Sweet, resinous and lightly woody. Traditionally used for mature skin, calm, deep breathing and quiet reflection. It's the most popular resin oil and blends with almost everything. Learn more in my frankincense essential oil guide.
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)
Earthy, smoky and slightly bitter. Traditionally used for dry, chapped skin, grief and grounding, and it's a natural fixative. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. See what blends well with myrrh.
Elemi (Canarium luzonicum)
A fresh, lemony, peppery oleoresin from the Philippines. Traditionally used for mature skin, meditation and easier breathing. Try my frankincense and elemi roller and elemi diffuser blends.
Copaiba (Copaifera officinalis)
A soft, sweet, woody oleoresin tapped from South American trees. It's mild and blends easily. Learn more about copaiba essential oil.
Opoponax (Sweet Myrrh) (Commiphora erythraea)
A sweeter, warmer, more balsamic cousin of myrrh, lovely in perfume and meditation blends.
Galbanum (Ferula gummosa)
An intensely green, earthy gum resin from a plant in the carrot family. Use just a drop, as it can easily overpower a blend.
Peru Balsam (Myroxylon balsamum)
Sweet, vanilla-like and warm. Peru balsam is one of the most common causes of skin allergies, so I keep it in the diffuser and don't use it on skin. See my Peru balsam diffuser blends.
Benzoin (Styrax benzoin or Styrax tonkinensis)
Rich, vanilla-like and cozy. Usually sold as a thick resinoid that may need warming before use. It can sensitize skin, so use it sparingly and keep it out of ultrasonic diffusers.
How to Use Resin Essential Oils
In the Diffuser
Resin oils add depth and help a blend's scent linger. Because they're thick, use them with thinner oils like citrus or lavender, and clean your diffuser often. Learn how to use an essential oil diffuser.
For Meditation and Relaxation
Frankincense, myrrh and elemi have been part of spiritual practice for millennia. Diffuse them before prayer or meditation, or try my meditation essential oil blends and top stress relief oils.
In Skin Care
Frankincense and myrrh are classics for mature and dry skin. Dilute frankincense to 1% for the face and 2% for the body, and myrrh up to 3%. See my frankincense roller blends and aromatherapy massage oils.
Resin Diffuser Blends
For a standard ultrasonic diffuser (about 100 ml of water).
Inner Paths
- 3 drops Rose
- 2 drops Elemi
- 2 drops Opoponax
- 1 drop Sandalwood
Soft, floral and contemplative.
Divine Inspiration
Not during pregnancy or breastfeeding (contains myrrh)
- 4 drops Sandalwood
- 3 drops Myrrh
- 1 drop Cassia
Warm and spicy. Cassia is very strong, so keep it to 1 drop and never use it on skin.
Zen Palace
- 3 drops Lavender
- 3 drops Frankincense
- 2 drops Copaiba
Calm and gentle for evenings.
Love the frankincense and myrrh pair? See what blends well with frankincense and myrrh and my frankincense and myrrh roller recipes.
Resin Oil Safety Tips
- Always dilute before using on skin, and patch test first.
- Avoid myrrh during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Keep Peru balsam and benzoin off sensitive skin; both are known sensitizers.
- Wipe bottle rims after use so drying resin doesn't seal the caps.
- Never swallow essential oils, and keep them away from cats and out of reach of children.
Read my 7 essential oil safety tips for more.
