Vanilla is comfort in a bottle. Its warm, sweet, creamy scent makes you feel cozy instantly, and it softens and rounds out almost any blend.
How is our vanilla oil made?
Vanilla is different from other oils. Vanilla beans (the cured pods of the Vanilla planifolia orchid) can't be steam-distilled the way lavender or peppermint can. Our vanilla oil is made by infusing vanilla beans in a carrier oil, letting the oil slowly absorb the beans' warm, sweet aroma.
That makes it different from our other essential oils in two helpful ways:
- It's already in a carrier oil, so it's gentle and ready to use on skin.
- It's softer and more subtle than a concentrated essential oil: a natural, skin-friendly vanilla rather than an overpowering perfume.
Benefits of vanilla oil
1. Calming and comforting
Vanilla is one of the most universally loved scents. Its warm sweetness is associated with comfort and relaxation, making it a perfect evening scent.
2. A natural perfume, no synthetic fragrance
Because it's infused in oil, vanilla is ready to wear. Dab it on your wrists and neck for a soft, natural scent.
3. A cozy, nourishing body oil
Smooth it onto damp skin after a shower for a lightly scented, moisturizing finish.
4. The perfect base for your own blends
Since vanilla oil is already in a carrier, you can use it as the base for a custom roll-on or body oil. Just add a few drops of an essential oil.
How to use vanilla oil
- Natural perfume: apply a few drops to pulse points (wrists, neck, behind the ears).
- Body oil: massage a few drops into damp skin after a shower, or mix with argan oil for a lighter scent.
- Bath: add 1 teaspoon to warm bath water.
- Custom roll-on: fill a 10 ml roller bottle with vanilla oil and add 2–3 drops of an essential oil like lavender or orange.
- Not for diffusers: because it's an oil infusion, it can clog ultrasonic diffusers. For a vanilla room scent, place a few drops on a cotton ball in a drawer or closet.
Vanilla blends well with
Orange, lavender, ginger and turmeric. Two favorite roll-on blends (in 10 ml of vanilla oil):
- Creamsicle: + 3 drops orange
- Bedtime: + 3 drops lavender
Side effects and safety tips
- Patch test on your inner arm 24 hours before first use.
- When adding essential oils, keep to about 1–2% (2–4 drops per 10 ml).
- Don't swallow it. Vanilla oil is not the same as vanilla extract for baking.
- Store in a cool, dark place to keep it fresh.
- Keep away from children and pets, and check with your doctor if pregnant, breastfeeding or managing a medical condition.
Frequently asked questions
Is vanilla oil the same as vanilla extract?
No. Vanilla extract is made with alcohol for baking. Vanilla oil is infused in a carrier oil for skin and body use.
Is there such a thing as vanilla essential oil?
Not in the usual sense. Vanilla can't be steam-distilled, so vanilla oils are made by infusion (like ours) or by solvent or CO2 extraction.
Does vanilla oil go bad?
Like any plant oil, it can eventually go rancid. Store it cool and dark and use within about a year of opening.
Can I use vanilla oil on my face?
Yes, if your skin tolerates it. Patch test first, and use just a drop or two.
Shop organic vanilla oil
Our Organic Vanilla Oil comes in a 10 ml glass bottle. Love vanilla? It's also a scent option in our Whipped Body Butter and Castile Body Wash.