Frankincense Frereana (Maydi) EO

Discover the king of incense: pure Boswellia Frereana

Boswellia frereana is a rare and refined resin that plays a special role in the world of fine perfumery.
Unlike other frankincense varieties, Frereana has a fresh, piney scent with a deep woody-resinous heart and a light citrus top note—a profile perfectly suited for luxury and niche fragrances.

 

Why this oil is special

Boswellia frereana grows at high altitudes and has a unique chemical composition high in α-thujene, p-cymene, sabinene, and limonene , which gives it powerful therapeutic properties.
It is often called the “king of frankincense” because of its rarity and quality.

The word “Maydi” is the local name used in Somalia for Boswellia frereana.

Unique properties

Unlike other types of frankincense (such as Boswellia sacra or carterii ), Maydi has a softer, fresher scent without any harsh undertones. This makes her popular in perfumery and aromatherapy

Application in fine perfumery

• Fixative : Frereana is often used as a natural fixative. It extends the longevity of volatile top notes and gives depth to the perfume.
• Heart and base notes : With its warm, balsamic character, Frereana forms a rich heart note and an elegant base that pairs well with woods, amber, and spices.
• Aromatic balance : The oil has a soft diffusivity without sharp edges, making it ideal for perfumes that want to evoke a meditative or serene atmosphere.
• Combinations : Frereana blends well with ingredients such as:
  • Sandalwood – for a creamy, earthy depth
  • Cedarwood – for a dry, elegant woody tone
  • Amber – for warmth and sensuality
  • Citrus notes – to accentuate the fresh top

Perfumery-wise

According to Cosmile Europe, Boswellia frereana resin oil is classified as a fragrance in cosmetics and perfumes.
It is used to enhance the scent of a product or to perfume the skin.
The oil is rich in terpenoids and diterpenes, which gives it a balsamic, warm scent that is loved by natural perfumers.

 

Why do perfumers choose Frereana?

• Rarity : Frereana grows only in Somalia and is difficult to obtain, making it exclusive.
• Gentleness : Unlike other frankincense varieties, Frereana contains hardly any boswellic acids, making it milder and more skin-friendly .
• Tradition and mysticism : The fragrance evokes associations with age-old rituals and luxury.

Boswellia frereana (Maydi) is one of the most unique frankincense species, and it stands out clearly from its “sisters” such as Boswellia carterii, sacara, and serrata.

Frankincense Varieties Comparison

Feature	Frereana (Somalia)	Sacra (Oman/Yemen)	Carterii (East Africa)	Serrata (India)
Aroma	Fresh, clear, piney	Sweet, light, almost floral	Deep, citrusy	Spicy, complex
Unique properties	No boswellic acids	“Holy” resin, premium	Most studied	High α-thujene content
Application	Perfumery, skin care	Meditation, skin, breathing	Aromatherapy, skin	Ayurvedic medicine
Oil yield	Low (~2%)	High (9–10%)	Average (5–6%)	High (~10%)
Therapeutic effect	Anti-aging, calming	Immunity, anti-inflammatory	Antimicrobial, expectorant	Anti-arthritis, anti-asthma

Boswellia frereana falls into the resinous fragrance group within perfumery, with clear overlap into the woody and aromatic families.

Fragrance group classification of Boswellia frereana

• Primary fragrance group :
  🔸 Resinous / Resinous – for its deep, balsamic undertone reminiscent of ancient churches and rituals.
• Secondary scent groups :
  🔸 Woody – due to the intense, warm base that combines well with cedarwood, sandalwood and agarwood.
  🔸 Aromatic / Spicy – thanks to the presence of molecules such as α-thujene and sabinene, which give a fresh, piney and slightly citrusy top note

 

In perfume compositions

Boswellia frereana is often used as:

• Heart note – for depth and aromatic balance
• Base note – as a fixative and to add warmth
• Accent in niche perfumes – especially in oriental, meditative and natural fragrance profiles