The Best Natural Resins for Incense Making (Beyond Frankincense & Myrrh)

If you’ve been exploring natural incense, you’ve likely come across the classics — frankincense and myrrh. Both are ancient and beautiful resins, but there’s an entire world of lesser-known natural resins that deserve a place in your incense blends. From the sweet vanilla warmth of benzoin to the bright clarity of copal, each brings its own energy, fragrance, and symbolism to your rituals and spaces.

In this guide, we’ll look at the best natural resins for incense making and how you can use them to create blends that feel grounding, uplifting, or deeply meditative.

The Best Natural Resins for Incense Making (Beyond Frankincense & Myrrh)

1. Benzoin Resin

Scent profile: Warm, sweet, and vanilla-like

Best for: Comfort, purification, and emotional balance

Benzoin resin comes from the Styrax tree and is one of the easiest resins to work with. Its gentle aroma blends beautifully with spices like cinnamon or floral elements such as rose petals. It’s often used in meditation blends to calm the mind and soften harsh notes in other resins.

2. Copal Resin

Scent profile: Bright, citrusy, and slightly pine-like

Best for: Cleansing and mental clarity

Copal is often used in Central and South American rituals for purification. When burned, it produces a light, uplifting smoke that clears negative energy and refreshes the air indoors. It pairs beautifully with herbs like sage or rosemary in homemade incense mixes.

3. Dragon’s Blood

Scent profile: Deep, earthy, and slightly spicy

Best for: Protection and confidence

This striking red resin (from the Daemonorops or Dracaena tree) adds both colour and intensity to your incense. Dragon’s Blood is often blended with frankincense for grounding rituals or simply used alone for a bold, resinous scent that lingers.

4. Pine Resin

Scent profile: Fresh, woodsy, and invigorating

Best for: Energy, renewal, and focus

Pine resin is ideal for those who enjoy scents that evoke the forest. It’s naturally abundant and easily sourced sustainably. Combine it with myrrh or cedarwood for a clean, outdoorsy fragrance that brings a sense of renewal and grounding indoors.

5. Dammar Resin

Scent profile: Soft, lemony, and slightly sweet

Best for: Clarity and spiritual connection

Dammar (from the Shorea tree) burns with a light, uplifting fragrance that promotes clarity and focus. It’s a great choice for morning rituals or creative workspaces, helping to refresh the air and inspire a clear state of mind.

How to Use Natural Resins

To use resins in incense making, place a small piece on a charcoal disc or use an electric incense burner for a cleaner, smoke-free release. You can also grind resins into powder and mix them with makko powder to form cones or sticks. Experiment by blending resins with dried herbs, flowers, or a few drops of essential oil for added complexity.

Discover how to craft natural resins into handmade incense sticks and cones with our comprehensive guide.

Final Thoughts

Exploring different natural resins opens the door to personal, meaningful incense rituals. Whether you prefer the sweetness of benzoin or the brightness of copal, these materials bring an earthy authenticity to your home fragrance — a reminder that nature offers endless possibilities for creativity and calm.

The Best Natural Resins for Incense Making: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are all incense resins natural?

Not always. Many commercial incense blends use synthetic fragrances. Look for pure botanical resins if you prefer a natural, toxin-free option.

2. Can I mix resins with essential oils?

Yes, but use sparingly. A drop or two of oil per blend enhances the aroma without overpowering the natural resin scent.

3. Do I need charcoal to burn resin incense?

Charcoal is traditional but not essential. You can use an electric incense burner or a heat-resistant dish with sand and a tea light for gentler diffusion.

4. How should I store resin incense?

Store resins in airtight glass jars, keeping them away from direct sunlight and moisture. Proper storage preserves their aroma and texture.

5. Can I combine resins with herbs and flowers?

Absolutely. Try pairing pine resin with rosemary or benzoin with rose petals for a more layered, personal blend.