Frankincense and myrrh are remarkably durable raw materials — but durability is not the same as permanence. The resins themselves last a very long time, yet the fragrance that gives them their value is carried in volatile oils that slowly escape and oxidise. Store resin carelessly and you will still have resin; you simply will not have the aroma you paid for. For a business holding stock between deliveries and production runs, good storage directly protects product quality and margin.
This guide sets out how to store frankincense and myrrh properly, the conditions that matter most, and the differences that come with scale.
What actually degrades in stored resin
Both frankincense and myrrh are oleo-gum-resins: a blend of gum, resin, and essential oil. It is the essential oil fraction — the volatile aromatic compounds — that is most vulnerable. Three forces work against it:
- Heat drives volatile oils out of the resin faster and accelerates chemical change.
- Light, particularly direct sunlight and UV, speeds oxidation and can affect colour.
- Air exposes the surface to oxygen, gradually oxidising aromatic compounds and dulling the scent.
Humidity is a fourth factor. Because these resins contain water-soluble gum, excess moisture can make tears tacky, encourage clumping, and in poor conditions create the surface dampness that leads to mould. The goal of storage is simply to limit all four: heat, light, air, and moisture.
Core storage principles
Keep it airtight
An airtight container is the single most important step. It limits oxygen exposure and slows the loss of volatile oils. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids are ideal for smaller quantities; for larger volumes, sealed food-grade containers or lined drums serve the same purpose. Minimising the air space above the resin helps too.
Keep it cool and stable
Store resin somewhere cool, and — just as importantly — somewhere whose temperature stays steady. Repeated warming and cooling stresses the material and encourages condensation inside containers. A cool, dark store or cupboard well away from radiators, ovens, and sun-facing walls is ideal.
Keep it dark
Light accelerates oxidation, so keep resin out of direct sunlight. Opaque containers, amber glass, or simply storing in a dark space all help preserve both aroma and appearance.
Keep it dry
Protect resin from humidity. In damp environments, ensure containers seal well and consider how ambient moisture might reach the material when containers are opened during production.
Whole tears versus ground resin
One of the most useful habits is to store resin whole and grind only what you need, when you need it. Intact tears have far less exposed surface area than powder, so they hold their volatile oils much longer. The moment resin is milled, oxidation accelerates and aroma starts to fade more quickly. For manufacturers, this argues for milling in line with production rather than grinding large quantities to hold in stock.
Storage at scale
The principles do not change as volumes grow, but the practicalities do. A few points matter more at trade scale:
- Stock rotation. Use older stock first so nothing sits indefinitely. Clear date labelling on every container supports this.
- Container choice. Food-grade, well-sealing containers protect aroma and keep material clean; liners help in larger drums.
- Storage environment. A dedicated cool, dry, dark store with stable temperature beats ad hoc shelving near production heat.
- Handle less. Every time resin is opened, decanted, or handled, it meets more air. Sensible batch sizes reduce unnecessary exposure.
Storing well also preserves the qualities you bought to begin with — the grade and cleanliness covered in our guide to the types and grades of frankincense. There is little point sourcing premium pale tears only to let them dull in a warm, bright storeroom.
A simple storage checklist
Before resin goes into storage, run through the essentials: airtight container, cool and stable temperature, out of direct light, protected from humidity, stored whole rather than ground, and clearly labelled for rotation. Get those right and quality frankincense and myrrh will hold their character for years.
For trade buyers: if you would like guidance on handling and storing resin across a production cycle, or want a supply partner who delivers consistent, well-prepared material, get in touch with our team.