Ficus carica (Fig Seed) Oil Macerated with Boswellia Serrata Resin
Ficus carica seed oil macerated with Boswellia serrata resin is a rare and luxurious botanical preparation that combines two of the most revered natural ingredients for skin health and wellness. Ficus carica, commonly known as the common fig, has been cultivated for thousands of years throughout the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. Its tiny seeds yield a precious oil that is exceptionally rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, and natural antioxidants. When this delicate fig seed oil is slowly macerated with the golden resin of Boswellia serrata—also known as Indian frankincense—it becomes a powerful infusion that nourishes the skin, calms inflammation, and engages the senses with its warm, resinous aroma.
The fig tree (Ficus carica) has been revered since antiquity, symbolizing abundance and fertility in many cultures. Its fruit and seeds were valued as food and medicine in Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Fig seed oil was traditionally used as a skin softener and emollient, prized for its ability to protect skin from harsh climates.
Similarly, Boswellia serrata resin has an equally rich history, traded for thousands of years along the ancient Incense Route. In Ayurveda, it is known as “Salai guggul” and used to balance the doshas, particularly to calm excess heat and support joint and skin health. The combination of fig seed oil and frankincense resin bridges two ancient traditions, offering a modern elixir that respects and revitalizes the wisdom of the past.
Shelf Life and Storage
Because fig seed oil is a delicate oil with a relatively high polyunsaturated content, this macerated product should be stored in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness. Amber or violet glass bottles are recommended to protect against light exposure. The natural antioxidants in both the oil and resin help extend the shelf life to around 15–18 months.
Composition and Maceration Process:
Fig seed oil is from tiny seeds inside the fig fruit, requiring large quantities of seeds to produce even a small amount of oil. The resulting oil is lightweight, quickly absorbed, and rich in linoleic acid (omega-6), oleic acid (omega-9), tocopherols, and phenolic compounds. This makes it highly beneficial for barrier repair, hydration, and antioxidant protection.
To create this infusion, select pieces of Boswellia serrata resin—either in tears or powder form—are immersed into the fig seed oil. The mixture is then kept in a controlled environment where gentle warmth and darkness allow the resin’s active constituents to slowly dissolve into the oil over several weeks. This maceration process extracts not just the aromatic volatile compounds but also heavier resinous molecules, including boswellic acids and triterpenes, which are not captured in steam-distilled essential oil. The final product is filtered to remove solids, resulting in a beautifully fragrant oil.
