Why Myrrh Belongs in Your Routine
An Ingredient Spotlight
There are ingredients that come and go with the trends. And then there are ingredients that have been prized for over 5,000 years, referenced in ancient Egyptian cosmetic recipes, carried across trade routes on the backs of camels, and gifted to kings alongside gold.
Myrrh is the latter.
It might not be the first ingredient you think of when you’re scanning a label — but it absolutely should be. At Naturally COS, we include myrrh in two of our formulas for very deliberate reasons, and today we’re pulling back the curtain on exactly why this ancient resin deserves a place of honour in your skincare routine.
What Is Myrrh?
Myrrh is a natural resin — a thick, aromatic gum — that seeps from the bark of the Commiphora tree, a small, thorny desert tree native to northeastern Africa, Somalia and the Arabian Peninsula. When the bark is pierced, the pale yellow liquid oozes out and hardens into reddish-brown droplets, which are then steam-distilled into the essential oil used in skincare today.
The name itself has roots in the Arabic word murr, meaning bitter — a nod to its rich, balsamic, slightly earthy scent. It has a warm, resinous depth that has made it a cornerstone of perfumery for centuries, famously pairing with frankincense, patchouli and sandalwood.
But myrrh’s story has never been purely about scent. From ancient Egypt, where it was prized in facial preparations and embalming oils, to traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, to the Biblical account of the three wise men — myrrh has been considered one of the most precious substances on earth for good reason. It works.
What Does Myrrh Actually Do for Your Skin?
It is a powerful anti-inflammatory
Myrrh contains a group of active compounds including terpenoids and sesquiterpenes — molecules with well-documented anti-inflammatory properties. For skin that is red, irritated, reactive or prone to flare-ups, myrrh helps calm the inflammatory response and restore a sense of quiet to the skin. It’s particularly valued for conditions involving chronic dryness, eczema-prone skin and skin compromised by environmental stressors.
It is deeply moisturising — especially for dry and cracked skin
Myrrh has long been used in preparations specifically formulated for cracked heels, dry hands, chapped lips and dehydrated skin. It forms a gentle barrier on the skin’s surface that locks in moisture while also allowing the skin to breathe. Unlike heavy occlusive ingredients, it does this without clogging pores or leaving a sticky residue. The ancient Egyptians knew what they were doing when they worked it into their daily facial preparations.
It has natural antimicrobial and astringent properties
Myrrh is naturally antimicrobial — it helps inhibit the growth of odour-causing and skin-disrupting bacteria. It also acts as a gentle astringent, meaning it helps tone the skin, refine the appearance of pores and balance oil production without causing the over-drying that can trigger more oil production in return.
It supports the skin’s natural repair process
Myrrh has been traditionally used on minor wounds, abrasions and damaged skin for its ability to support the skin’s own healing mechanisms. In modern skincare terms, this translates to a reputation as a restorative ingredient — one that supports cell regeneration and helps reduce the appearance of scarring and uneven texture over time.
It is a genuine anti-ageing ally
This is where myrrh earns its status as liquid gold. Myrrh oil is rich in antioxidants that help neutralise free radical damage — one of the primary drivers of premature skin ageing. Regular use is associated with a smoother, firmer, more youthful-looking complexion. It’s been noted for helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and for promoting that elusive healthy, supple tone that no synthetic can quite replicate.
It has a grounding, calming aromatic quality
Myrrh has been used in meditation, ceremony and sacred ritual for thousands of years — and there’s a reason. Its warm, balsamic scent has a genuinely grounding, centring effect on the nervous system. In the context of a skincare routine, that matters. The ritual of care is as meaningful as the chemistry, and myrrh brings both in one remarkable ingredient.
Where You’ll Find Myrrh in the Naturally COS Range
We use myrrh intentionally and sparingly — in formulas where its specific properties address a real skin need.
Day Spa Hand & Body Mousse
Our richest, most indulgent body formula — and myrrh is at its heart. Crafted for the most sensitive skin and those dealing with dry, cracked or dehydrated skin, this mousse combines certified organic Myrrh Oil with Ghana harvested Fairtrade Shea Butter, Rosehip Oil, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil, Lemongrass, Lavender, Rose Geranium and Palmarosa in a White Tea Extract and Mount Tamborine Spring Water base. The myrrh works here on multiple levels: it soothes inflammation, supports moisture retention, provides its gentle antimicrobial action and contributes those remarkable anti-ageing antioxidant properties — all while lending the formula its warm, subtly balsamic scent. Use it on hands, body and feet as part of your daily routine, or as a deeply nourishing treatment on particularly dry or irritated areas.
VIVO Facial Exfoliator
Our active facial exfoliator is where myrrh plays a more targeted role. The full ingredient list — Lemon Myrtle, Spearmint, Shea Butter, Myrrh, Rosehip Seed Powder, Bamboo Powder, Olive Leaf, Chamomile, Olive Extract, Jojoba Oil, Safflower Oil, Citric Acid — reads like a who’s who of botanical efficacy. The myrrh here works alongside Rosehip Seed Powder and Bamboo Powder as a physical exfoliant, with Chamomile and Olive Leaf to calm the skin post-exfoliation, while myrrh’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties ensure that the process of renewal is as gentle as it is thorough. It’s formulated to complement the Lemon Coulis Cream Cleanser and the Madagascan Vanilla Face Custard — and the trio together is genuinely one of the most considered, cohesive routines we’ve created. Shop all three together and save with the Get the Set bundle.
A Note on Ingredient Integrity
Not all myrrh is created equal. The quality of myrrh — like all essential oils and botanical extracts — varies dramatically depending on where the resin is sourced, how it is harvested, and how it is extracted. At Naturally COS, we only formulate with Certified Organic myrrh oil, ensuring you receive the full spectrum of its active compounds without synthetic adulteration, pesticide residue or quality-compromising shortcuts. Our products are handcrafted in small batches on the Gold Coast, which means we have direct oversight of every ingredient that goes into every bottle.
It’s the Naturally COS difference — and myrrh is a perfect example of it.
The Bottom Line
Myrrh is not a trend. It is not a marketing buzzword. It is a deeply studied, historically revered, scientifically supported ingredient that has earned its place in serious skincare through thousands of years of consistent use and results.
If your skin is dry, cracked, inflamed or showing signs of premature ageing — myrrh is for you. If you want a skincare routine that draws on the wisdom of nature at its most ancient and its most effective — myrrh is for you.
We’re proud to bring it to you in formulas that honour both its heritage and its science.
