Vanilla (Absolute) Essential Oil

Scientific name- Vanilla planifolia

Origin- India

Method of production- Steam distilled

Color- Golden brown

Aroma- Sweet, warm and milky 

A member of the orchid family, the vanilla plant (V. planifolia) is native to Central America, South America, and the Caribbean but now it is produced worldwide for its endless health and beauty benefits.

The main chemical components of vanilla (absolute) oil are vanillin and traces of other constituents such as eugenol, piperonal, and caproic acid. Vanillin and piperonal are responsible for vanilla’s delicious taste and many of its beneficial health effects.

The fact about vanilla essential oil is that there is no such thing called vanilla essential oil because the International Organization for Standardization has ruled that true essential oils must be extracted by physical means only—no solvents of any kind. All other extraction methods do not produce essential oils. The aromatic compounds of the vanilla bean cannot be obtained through distillation or mechanical means. Vanilla beans cannot tolerate the heat required for steam distillation, and mechanical pressing will not produce any oil. Vanilla beans need a solvent in order to release their aromatic compounds. Therefore, they cannot be called essential oils. There are vanilla aromatic or flavoring products that come from real vanilla beans, but none are true essential oils due to their extraction methods and they are categorized as a fragrance oil, extract and absolute. Solvents are the most commonly used tools in the extraction of vanilla.

Vanilla Absolute is similar to essential oils. They are very concentrated aromatic extracts from plants. However, while essential oil extracts can be produced using steam distillation or expression, absolutes require the use of a solvent. Vanilla absolute can be made using solvent extraction. This can easily blend into body products. Absolutes are commonly used in beauty products.

Key Benefits

1. Vanilla is widely-credited as a calming substance that creates positive associations and evokes feelings of warmth and happiness.
2. Vanilla works on both a physical and mental level to help you relax. It quiets the mind and relieves tension, so you’re lulled more easily to sleep. It improves sleep quality.
3. Vanilla absolute contains B vitamins that are important for healthy and shiny hair.
4.  It helps prevent hair loss.
5. The niacin, thiamin, and pantothenic acid found in vanilla essential oil help promote skin health, keeping skin clear of acne and fending off free radical damage.
6. It can also help prevent wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
7. There have been no reports of side effects from the use of vanilla oil, although results may vary individually. As with all essential oils, perform a skin test first to check for any possible allergic reaction.
8. The antibacterial properties of vanilla absolute make it beneficial for the treatment of acne.
9. Vanilla is rich in antioxidants which prevent and reverse skin damage caused by free radicals.
10. It helps to slow down signs of ageing like fine lines, wrinkles and age spots.
11.  It is widely used in the cosmetic industry for its fragrance and anti-ageing benefits.
12. Vanilla has been used as a traditional remedy to heal burns, wounds and cuts.
13. Vanilla absolute makes your hair silky and shiny.
14. Promotes hair growth.
15. The antioxidant properties of vanilla oil protect the body from wear and tear by neutralizing free radicals.
16. Vanilla (absolute) oil has been documented to have antispasmodic, balsamic, calming, emmenagogue, antioxidant, antidepressant, and aphrodisiac properties.