Vanilla Absolute is a precious and intensely aromatic substance extracted from the dried pods of the Vanilla planifolia orchid. The result is a thick, dark brown liquid or paste with a lush, deep and sweet fragrance.
Although often popularly called “essential oil,” Vanilla Absolute is technically a fragrance extract. Its rich fragrance and soothing properties make it very popular in perfumes, aromatherapy, soaps, candles and skin care.
Fragrance Profile and Perfume Notes
Vanilla Absolute has an intensely sweet, warm, creamy and slightly woody fragrance. The scent is strong, complex and long-lasting, which is why it is often used as a base note in perfumes and fragrance products.
Fragrance Structure of Vanilla Absolute:
-
Top note: slightly sweet, creamy
-
Heart note: warm, balsamic, slightly spicy
-
Base note: deeply sweet, vanillin-rich, ambery, soft woody
Vanilla works beautifully as a base in fragrance compositions, especially when combined with floral notes (such as rose, ylang ylang), spices (such as cinnamon and cloves) and woods (such as sandalwood and cedar).
Application in Soap
Vanilla Absolute is a common fragrance ingredient in craft soaps, especially in warm, sweet or luxurious fragrance blends. Although the fragrance in cold process (CP) soap can partially dissipate or discolor (often to dark brown due to the natural vanillin), it remains popular for its rich, comforting scent.
Benefits in soap:
-
Gives a creamy, sweet fragrance to the finished product
-
Ideal for fall and winter blends
-
Pairs well with citrus, wood, flowers and spices
Note: Vanilla causes discoloration in CP soap (light to dark brown) and may accelerate tracing. If desired, use a color corrector or plan your design accordingly.
Aromatherapy and Wellness
Vanilla Absolute is known for its calming and comforting effects. In aromatherapy, it is used for:
-
Stress and tension
-
Insomnia
-
Emotional comfort and security
The scent evokes feelings of security, warmth and nostalgia – ideal for relaxation after a long day.
Skin Care and Cosmetics
Vanilla Absolute has antioxidant properties and is used in skin care for its fragrance and softness. It is suitable for use in:
-
Body Butters
-
Lip care (in low doses)
-
Perfumes and creams
-
Massage oil
Always dilute well before use on the skin, preferably in a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil.
Properties of Vanilla Absolute essential oil
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Vanilla planifolia |
| INCI Name | Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract |
| CAS number | 8024-06-4 / 84650-63-5 |
| EINECS number | 283-521-8 |
| HS code | 3301.29.90 (Vegetable fragrances, other) |
| Extraction method | Solvent extraction (alcohol, hexane or CO₂ extraction) |
| Origin | Madagascar, Mexico, Reunion, Uganda |
| Color | Dark brown to black, viscous |
| Consistency | Thick and viscous (sometimes paste-like) |
| Fragrance Profile | Intense sweet, creamy, warm, balsamic |
| Top note | Slightly sweet, creamy |
| Heart note | Warm, spicy, slightly woody |
| Base note | Deeply sweet, ambery, vanillin-rich |
| Main ingredient | Vanillin, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, guaiacol |
| Density (20°C) | ± 0.940 – 1.020 g/cm³ |
| Flashpoint (flash point) | ± 93 °C |
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol and oil, not in water |
| IFRA status | Limited use by product category (especially in leave-on products) |
| Application in soap | Desired for fragrance, but gives discoloration and possibly rapid tracing |
| Application in aromatherapy | Comforting, relaxing, sleep promoting |
| Application in cosmetics | Perfume, body butter, balm, lip care (in low dosage) |
| Compatible oils | Cedarwood, sandalwood, orange, cinnamon, rose, patchouli |
| Allergen information | Contains natural fragrances such as vanillin |
| Safety & Warnings | Dilute for skin use, risk of allergy, discoloration in soaps |
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.