How to Burn Resin Incense Without Charcoal
- Astrid van Essen
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
If you love natural resins like frankincense, myrrh, or benzoin but find charcoal discs a little too smoky or messy, there’s good news — you don’t need charcoal to enjoy their beautiful fragrance. There are several gentle, clean ways to release the aroma of resins without the strong burn or ash that comes with charcoal.
In this guide, you’ll learn 3 easy, low-smoke methods for burning resin incense safely and effectively — perfect for small spaces, mindful rituals, or simply creating a calm, fragrant atmosphere at home.
Why Avoid Charcoal?
Charcoal discs burn hot and fast. While they’re traditional, they can overpower delicate scents, fill a room with smoke, and even cause irritation for those sensitive to strong odours. Burning without charcoal allows resins to release their aroma slowly, offering a more subtle and refined scent experience.
Method 1: Use an Electric Incense Burner
Best for: Clean, effortless diffusion
Electric incense burners (also called resin warmers) use gentle heat to melt the resin instead of burning it. You simply place a small piece of resin on the metal or ceramic plate, set the temperature (usually between 80 °C and 120°C), and let it release its aroma over time.
I’ve also experimented with burning resin using a hot plate, a concrete bowl, and a layer of sand — gently heating it on the lowest setting and gradually increasing the temperature. It worked beautifully, releasing a clean, rich aroma without excess smoke. Be cautious not to overheat the resin, and keep a close eye on it while it’s warming.
Tip: Start with a low heat to avoid burning the resin. This method works beautifully for benzoin, copal, or myrrh.
Method 2: Ceramic Burner with Sand and Tea Light
Best for: A natural, low-tech option
Fill a heatproof ceramic bowl or concrete burner with a layer of sand or small stones. Place a tea light underneath or inside a holder below the bowl. Add a small piece of resin on top of the sand — the indirect heat will slowly warm it, releasing fragrance without flame or smoke.
Tip: Keep the flame a few centimetres away from the base of the bowl to prevent overheating or burning.
Method 3: Oil Warmer with Aluminium Foil or Dish
Best for: Small spaces and layered scents
If you already have an essential oil burner, you can also use it for resins. Line the bowl with aluminium foil or use a small heatproof dish. Place a piece of resin on top and light the candle beneath. The gentle heat melts the resin, creating a rich but subtle scent.
Tip: Add a drop of essential oil (like sandalwood or orange) to enhance the aroma and help the resin melt evenly.
Extra Tip: Make a Resin Blend Paste
For a creative twist, mix powdered resin with a few drops of carrier oil (such as jojoba or sweet almond) and a touch of beeswax. Once set, it can be gently warmed on a burner or in a dish to release scent slowly and continuously.
This technique is especially beautiful with blends of myrrh, pine, and benzoin — perfect for winter evenings.
Inspired? Read More: The Best Natural Resins for Incense Making (Beyond Frankincense & Myrrh)
👉 Safety Notes
Always use heatproof holders and never leave a burning candle unattended.
Avoid adding water directly onto hot resin or burners.
Ventilate the space slightly to maintain a balanced and comfortable scent.
Final Thoughts
Burning resin incense without charcoal allows for greater control over the fragrance, reduced smoke, and a cleaner way to enjoy natural aromatics. Whether you use an electric burner or a simple sand-filled bowl, you can experience the grounding and uplifting qualities of resins — naturally and beautifully.
Burning Resin Incense Without Charcoal: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I still get the same scent strength without charcoal?
Yes — the fragrance is often softer but more layered and true to the resin’s natural aroma.
2. Do all resins melt at the same temperature?
No. Copal and pine melt quickly, while harder resins, such as myrrh, require slightly more heat. Start low and adjust gradually.
3. Can I reuse melted resin?
Once a resin has released most of its scent, it becomes hard and dark. Discard it and clean the burner before adding new resin.
4. Is an electric incense burner worth it?
If you burn resins regularly, absolutely. It’s safer, cleaner, and ideal for daily use.
5. What resins work best without charcoal?
Benzoin, copal, and myrrh perform especially well as they melt smoothly and release a gentle, lasting scent.