The sweet, delicate aroma of vanilla brings back memories of childhood and simpler times. Its warming fragrance evokes feelings of comfort, nostalgia, and contentment. Beyond just smelling good, vanilla has real soothing powers that can help you relax, relieve anxiety, and get better sleep.
Vanilla essential oils in particular provide an easy way to enjoy vanilla’s comforting scent and therapeutic benefits every day. Made from extracted compounds in vanilla beans, these oils capture the rich, intoxicating essence of vanilla in a concentrated form. With just a few drops, you can fill your home, personal care products, and even food with the essence of vanilla.
In this post, we’ll cover the top 5 vanilla essential oils that provide the most intense and authentic vanilla experience. You’ll learn how vanilla essential oils are made, what makes each type unique, and how to choose a quality vanilla oil. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about using and enjoying these comforting oils.
So curl up, take a deep breath, and savor the sweet aroma of vanilla as we explore the top vanilla essential oils available today. These nourishing oils are like a warm embrace for your senses that promotes relaxation from head to toe.
Top 5 Vanilla Essential Oils
Many essential oils actually contain no real vanilla at all, just synthetic vanillin to mimic the smell. To enjoy the full benefits of vanilla, it’s important to choose pure essential oils extracted directly from vanilla beans.
Here are 5 of the best real-deal vanilla essential oils and extracts:
Vanilla Oleoresin
Vanilla oleoresin, also known as vanilla extract, is considered the purest form of vanilla oil. It’s made by solvent extraction of cured vanilla beans, resulting in a thick, gooey liquid that contains high levels of essential vanilla compounds.
With a rich, deep aroma, vanilla oleoresin oil has the most authentic and intense vanilla fragrance out of any vanilla oil. It’s no wonder that it’s favored in aromatherapy for its superior relaxation and anti-anxiety effects. The scent envelops you in sweet comfort and nostalgia.
Beyond aromatherapy, vanilla oleoresin can be incorporated into body care products like lotions and creams. Add a few drops to your diffuser or bath water for next-level pampering. You can even add it sparingly to drinks, baked goods, and other foods as a natural vanilla flavoring.
Vanilla CO2 Extract
Vanilla CO2 extract is another premium oil made directly from cured vanilla beans. The CO2 extraction method uses carbon dioxide under high pressure to extract the essential compounds, resulting in a pure, concentrated oil.
Compared to oleoresin, CO2 extracted vanilla oil has a lighter, brighter, more floral vanilla aroma. The CO2 method better preserves delicate compounds, so the scent is exceptionally complex and well-rounded. Hints of cherry, clove, and even wine come through.
In aromatherapy, vanilla CO2 extract is very versatile and can be diluted or diffused for an instant mood boost. Add it to facial serums, body butters, and hair products to nourish your skin and senses. For cleaning, add a few drops to water in a spray bottle for an all-natural, vanilla-scented cleaner.
Vanilla Absolute
Vanilla absolute is made through solvent extraction like oleoresin, but uses a more intensive process with a higher concentration of vanilla beans. The result is an intensely thick, viscous liquor that captures the unadulterated essence of vanilla.
With an incredibly rich, floral aroma, vanilla absolute contains over 300 aromatic compounds for a multi-layered sensory experience. The intoxicating fragrance has a smooth, velvety richness that envelops you in calm.
Since it’s very concentrated, vanilla absolute is used sparingly in high-end perfumes, candles, and aromatherapy. Mix with a carrier oil or dilute before applying topically. Add a drop or two to wax melts, room diffusers, or reed diffusers for an indulgent home fragrance.
Vanilla Fragrance Oil
Not all vanilla oils are made directly from vanilla beans. Vanilla fragrance oils use synthetic vanillin to replicate the smell of vanilla at a much lower cost.
If you see “fragrance oil” or “perfume oil” on the label, it means the oil contains artificial ingredients. Vanilla fragrance oils still provide the classic comfort scent of vanilla, but lack the depth and therapeutic qualities of pure extracts.
These affordable oils are ubiquitous in mainstream cosmetics, candles, soaps, and air fresheners. They’re synthesized in a lab instead of naturally derived from plants. While synthetic fragrance oils are considered generally safe, some people may be sensitive or allergic to additives.
Vanilla-Scented Essential Oils
Some essential oils blend actual vanilla extract with the oil, like vanilla-infused jojoba or vanilla-scented tea tree oil. Others use synthetic vanillin or “natural vanillin” derived from cloves to create a vanilla-type aroma.
These provide the pleasing scent of vanilla paired with the benefits of the base oil. For instance, vanilla-infused lavender oil can provide the calming properties of lavender and the comforting aroma of vanilla.
When buying vanilla-scented essential oils, check that real vanilla extract is added rather than synthetic fragrance. For a purely natural scent, look for oils made with real vanilla beans, vanilla oleoresin, or vanilla CO2 extract.
How to Choose Quality Vanilla Oils
With so many options available, choosing a pure, high-quality vanilla oil can get confusing. Here are a few tips for picking the best vanilla oil to provide relaxation and comfort:
Look for “100% Pure” and “Natural”
Synthetic vanilla fragrance oils often include hidden ingredients and additives. Check that the label states the oil is “100% Pure” and “Natural” to avoid artificial fragrances or chemistry lab derivatives.
Buy from Reputable Essential Oil Brands
With essential oils, quality can vary widely between brands. Seek out ethical, sustainable companies known for their rigorously tested pure oils. Avoid untested drugstore brands that may cut corners.
Ensure Sustainably Sourced Vanilla Beans
Pure vanilla is derived from labor-intensive orchid blooms, so it’s important to choose ethically sourced beans. Look for oils made with fair trade, organic, and sustainably grown vanilla.
Judge by Price
While price doesn’t equal quality, pure vanilla oils are generally pricier than synthetic versions. Expect to pay more for premium, unadulterated, therapeutic-grade vanilla oil.
Give it a Smell Test
A quick sniff test will reveal if an oil uses real or synthetic vanilla. Pure oils smell fresh, nuanced, and rich while artificial oils often have a chemical, overly pungent odor.
By carefully reading labels and comparing oils, you can find a top-notch vanilla essential oil to incorporate into your self-care routine. A few drops can transport you to a happy place with vanilla’s nostalgic, comforting fragrance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vanilla Oils
Vanilla essential oils provide so many options for usage. If you’re new to using these oils, you probably have some questions about the best and safest ways to enjoy them. Here we’ll tackle some of the most commonly asked questions.
How can I use vanilla essential oil?
Pure vanilla oils have many different applications depending on the type:
- Oleoresin and CO2 Extract: Add to diffuser, baths, body care, cooking
- Absolute: Use sparingly in aromatherapy, perfumes, candles
- Fragrance Oil: Add to soaps, candles, cleaning products
Always follow usage guidelines on the label. Use carrier oils or dilute stronger oils like vanilla absolute before applying to skin. Start with small amounts to test sensitivity before increasing usage.
What are the benefits of vanilla oil?
Inhaling and absorbing vanilla essential oil provides several therapeutic benefits:
- Promotes relaxation and sleep: Vanilla’s sweet scent is naturally calming and soothing. Many people find it helps switch off the mind and body before bedtime.
- Alleviates stress and anxiety: Vanilla’s comforting fragrance helps lower cortisol levels and fight stress. Applying vanilla oil can ease anxious feelings and worries.
- Boosts mood: Vanilla’s warm, nostalgic aroma taps into feelings of joy, contentment, and security from childhood. It’s uplifting for mood and depression.
- Soothing for skin: Vanilla oil absorbs well into skin and provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to nourish and smooth.
How should I store vanilla essential oil?
To maintain freshness and therapeutic potency, store vanilla oil properly:
- Keep in cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight
- Use amber or blue colored bottles to protect from UV light degradation
- Ensure bottles have tight seal to prevent oxidation and evaporation
- Properly stored, vanilla oils have a shelf life of around 1-2 years
Is it safe to ingest vanilla essential oil?
Many vanilla oils are safe for ingesting IN SMALL AMOUNTS, except for vanilla absolute which can be toxic if swallowed. Here are ingestion tips:
- Add 1-2 drops of food-grade vanilla oleoresin or extract to drinks, yogurt, oatmeal etc.
- Avoid ingesting perfume-grade fragrance oils or poor quality oils
- Start with tiny doses to test body tolerance before increasing drops
Can I use vanilla oil on children or while pregnant?
Vanilla oil is generally safe but take precautions with sensitive groups:
- Use mild vanilla scents like CO2 extract on kids and when pregnant
- Heavily dilute oils before applying topically to minimize absorption
- Perform skin test on small area before widespread use
- Avoid applying oils directly to infants and young children
- Check with pediatrician before using oils on children with sensitivities
While more research is still needed, evidence shows vanilla’s soothing properties make it one of the safest, gentlest essential oils, especially when used properly.
Wrapping Up
For a comforting sensory experience, vanilla is one of the best essential oils you can choose. Its familiar sweet aroma brings back fond memories while helping you destress. High quality vanilla oils like oleoresin and CO2 extract provide the most intense therapeutic benefits.
We recommend keeping a bottle of vanilla essential oil on hand for anytime life feels overwhelming or your mind needs a comforting escape. Enjoy it in the diffuser, add it to nighttime baths, incorporate into body creams or perfumes, or even add a drop to your evening tea.
However you choose to use it, vanilla essential oil is like a warm blanket for your senses that promotes relaxation from head to toe. Its sweet fragrance reminds you to slow down, breathe deep, and find beauty in the simple pleasures of life.
