Fab Find of the Week: Neal's Yard Frankincense Intense range (updated formulations)

We go back nearly three decades with Neal’s Yard Remedies Frankincense range. In our book The Anti-Ageing Beauty Bible, in which this natural brand’s age-defying cream – based around frankincense – wowed our testers so much that when it was subsequently featured in an extract from the book in YOU Magazine, it not only flew off the shelves but demand was such that it triggered a global shortage of blue glass! Astonishing, but (so Neal’s Yard Remedies told us), true.

The range has grown, and its efficacy further enhanced (and measured), since then. Just launched, meanwhile, is what this British brand calls their most effective formulations yet, with these enhanced plant-based formulas getting incredibly positive feedback from testers – for instance, 83% agreed that after using Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Serum over four weeks, the appearance of fine lines was visibly reduced.

We always used to comment that it was no surprise that these frankincense-powered creams performed so well, actually, since frankincense was used to preserve skin during mummification (and it worked!) – so, just imagine how it can enhance living skin.

Frankly, we have always been suckers for the gorgeous, frankincense-y scent of these products (which is based on responsibly sourced frankincense from Oman), finding it soothing. Now there’s proof that we weren’t imagining it, because clinical research has shown that after three weeks, the fragrance promotes a sense of calm, relaxation and wellbeing.

So: we have no hesitation in pointing you in the direction of this new-and-improved range, which is as follows. (And which we love.)

Across the range, the Frankincense Intense products tackle dullness, dryness ageing, dark spots, loss of skin’s collagen and elastin (in other words, skin doesn’t bounce back like it did). How to choose between them? (Our only complaint about this range is that it can be slightly confusing, when deciding which to go for.)

Well, if lines and wrinkles are more your thing, go for the Age-Defying range – but if you also have concerns about sagging and age spots, opt for the Lift products.

Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Serum (£75 for 30ml). You saw those stats, above, about fine lines and wrinkles, but 81% agreed skin feels plumper. (We just LOVE the no-sticky formula, which has glorious ‘slip’ and glides on beautifully.

Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Cream (£68 for 50ml). 74% agreed that fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced, with four out of five noting that skin feels plumper.

Frankincense Intense Lift Serum (£85 for 30ml). 83% noted firming action and the same number commented that skin ‘feels lifted’.

Frankincense Intense Lift Cream (£80 for 50ml – out of stock at time of press, alas!). 81% noticed a firmer jawline, while 77% agreed skin feels lifted. This has a truly plumptious texture that we LOVE. (Not surprised that it’s currently a sell-out, frankly.)

Frankincense Intense Lift Eye Cream (£60 for 15ml) . The stats: after just two weeks (two weeks!), 79% agree eye bags are visibly reduced, 77% say it works on deep lines and wrinkles and 75% say it’s effective on crow’s feet.

Reckon we’ll probably still be recommending this range in 30 years’ time.

Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Serum/£75 for 30ml – buy here

Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Cream/£68 for 50ml – buy here

Frankincense Intense Lift Serum /£85 for 30ml) – buy here

Frankincense Intense Lift Cream/£80 for 50ml – join waitlist here

Frankincense Intense Lift Eye Cream/£60 for 15ml – buy here