Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1544125
38 ASCP Skin Deep Spring 2026 IF YOU'VE WONDERED WHETHER MYRRH deserves a place in professional skin care, the answer is an enthusiastic yes. Long before any of us were layering serums or debating the brightening benefits of niacinamide versus vitamin C, ancient healers were reaching for a golden-brown resin they found seeping from the bark of a scrubby, thorny tree growing in some of the harshest landscapes on earth. That resin was myrrh. Thousands of years later, modern science is validating what those early practitioners knew: Myrrh offers real, measurable benefits for the skin. So, what is myrrh? Where does it come from? And why should estheticians be paying attention? WHAT EXACTLY IS MYRRH? Myrrh (known scientifically as Commiphora myrrha or Commiphora molmol) is an oleo-gum resin that can be harvested from several species within the genus Commiphora. The small, rugged trees and shrubs belong to the Burseraceae family and thrive in the arid, rocky regions of northeastern Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula. When the bark of a Commiphora tree is cut or damaged, the tree releases a pale golden, thick liquid as a protective response. This sap is a protective GETTY IMAGES An Ancient Trendsetter The benefits and rich history of myrrh in skin care by Ella Cressman mechanism to keep the vulnerable parts of the tree safe from the elements, infections, and insect infestations. It heals the wounded area of the tree. As the liquid dries, it hardens into the reddish- brown, aromatic resin we recognize as myrrh. Spoiler alert! Myrrh mimics these protective efforts in the skin to accelerate wound healing. AN ILLUSTRIOUS HISTORY Myrrh is one of the oldest documented skin care ingredients in human history. Ancient Egyptians used it in embalming practices, not just for preservation, but because they recognized its potent antimicrobial properties. Egyptian women also incorporated myrrh into facial treatments and perfumed oils, valuing it for its ability to rejuvenate and protect the skin. Its demand was so great that myrrh became a key commodity along ancient trade routes, sometimes valued as much as gold. INGREDIENT DECK