What is Vanilla oleoresin, and what is it good for?
Vanilla oleoresin produced exclusively for Young Living Customers carries the sweet, soft scent of the flowers of the vanilla orchid, harvested and prepared over an intensive, years-long process. Vanilla was first harvested almost a thousand years ago by the Totonac people of Mexico’s east coast, where the vanilla orchids were pollinated by native melipona bees and hummingbirds. Around 150 years ago, vanilla cultivation blossomed in the Indian Ocean, including Madagascar, where Young Living sources its vanilla. In its oleoresin, or “oil” form, vanilla is best used as a fragrance, either diffused to fill a space with its subtly powerful aroma or as a perfume dabbed on the skin.
Harvesting the power of the vanilla flower
When vanilla production began in Madagascar, new methods had to be invented to pollinate the orchid flower without native Mexican bees. In 1841, 12-year-old Edmond Albius invented a method of hand-pollinating the flower in the narrow one-day window before bloomed flowers are no longer viable. After pollination, the vanilla pods are then dried and cured to allow for vanilla oleoresin extraction.
How is vanilla oleoresin made?
Young Living developed a unique and proprietary extraction method: extracting the vanilla from the beans with naturally sourced ethyl alcohol from French sugar beets, then removing the alcohol, at which point the product is processed with fractionated coconut oil.
The vanilla plant family and species
Vanilla orchids are part of the Orchidaceae family, which contains over 25,000 different species. Vanilla extract comes from one of three vanilla orchid species—Vanilla planifolia, Vanilla tahitiensis, or Vanilla pompona—and is extracted from the seed pods. The most commonly extracted constituent is called vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde), responsible for the easily recognizable vanilla aroma. Because of the intensive and expensive process to make natural vanilla, most vanilla flavoring and scent provided from other companies comes from synthetic recreations of vanillin.
Fun fact: the black specks in vanilla bean ice cream are vanilla orchid seeds!
What are the uses and benefits of Vanilla oleoresin?
Benefits of Vanilla oleoresin
Vanilla oleoresin is used mostly for its scent, but don’t let that make you think it’s not versatile. You can employ Vanilla oleoresin in a wide variety of applications, from setting a festive mood during the holidays to creating complexity and subtlety in your custom diffuser blends.
Using Vanilla oleoresin in custom blends
One of the reasons Vanilla oleoresin is such a popular fragrance is that it adds a sweet and subtle complexity to almost anything it’s paired with. Its versatility makes it great for experimentation with Young Living® essential oil diffuser blends.
Using Vanilla oleoresin for candle making
With Vanilla oleoresin, you can create your own beeswax or soy-based vanilla candles, often of much higher quality and potency than is found in synthetic, store-bought candles.
Using Vanilla oleoresin for the holiday season
Vanilla oleoresin’s sweet fragrance is indelibly tied to the holidays, and diffusing it is a great way to share the magic of the season.
Using Vanilla oleoresin as a personal fragrance
Apply a few drops of diluted Vanilla oleoresin to your wrists or neck as a signature personal scent.
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See what Vanilla oleoresin can do for you with these essential oil blog tips and tricks.
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What blends well with Vanilla oleoresin?
While Vanilla oleoresin is a great product to diffuse even on its own, adding other Young Living® essential oils to the mix really allows it to shine and show you the versatility it is known for.
Bergamot essential oil
Vanilla and Bergamot oils blend to create a sweet, tropical scent that is equal parts familiar and exotic, comforting and exciting. Use on wintry days when you’re yearning for the sand and sun of the beach.
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Cedarwood essential oil
Vanilla and Cedarwood oils blend to create a luxurious scent reminiscent of a high-end getaway in an alpine resort. Think Après-ski and mountain chalet.
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Cinnamon essential oil
This is a timeless blend, the essence of the holiday season. This is childhood excitement distilled.
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Frankincense essential oil
The soft, woodsy, earthy tones of Frankincense oil blend with the warm sweetness of Vanilla oleoresin to create a very grounded scent. Use on nights when all you want is to curl up in your favorite chair with a familiar book.
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Grapefruit essential oil
Grapefruit oil has one of the most unique scents of all the citruses, making it an ideal pairing for the complex vibrancy of Vanilla oleoresin. Use in the morning to set the mood for your day.
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Orange essential oil
Adding Orange oil to Vanilla oleoresin creates the simple, irresistible scent of an orange creamsicle. Use on days when you want to elevate or resurrect the summer sunshine.
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Sandalwood essential oil
A mix of floral and rich sweetness, Sandalwood and Vanilla oils often meet in high-end colognes and perfumes. Use this pairing to infuse your home with a bit of mystery and allure.
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The benefits of Young Living® crafted proprietary blends
While many enjoy the creativity that comes with trying to craft their own unique blend, Young Living crafted blends are scientifically formulated to fuse multiple oils with exact accuracy, providing a proprietary blend you can depend on. Inspired by D. Gary Young himself, each formulation hones in on essential oil combinations that promote specific benefits, such as a moment of clarity and an uplifted mood. Some of our favorites featuring Vanilla oleoresin include:
Vanilla Oleoresin Safety Guidelines and Notices
Vanilla oleoresin is known for enticing scent, but there are some safety guidelines users should follow while using this product:
Avoid the eyes and ears
Because these areas can be extra sensitive to essential oils, we recommend avoiding the eyes and ears when applying Vanilla oleoresin topically. Make sure all residue has been washed off your fingers before inserting contact lenses.
Be cautious with pre-conditions
Some pre-conditions such as asthma or epilepsy may be triggered by Vanilla oleoresin. We highly recommend consulting with your doctor if you have questions.
Do a skin test
Do a skin test with a single drop to identify how your body is likely to react. If the skin is hot or turns red, dilute the Vanilla oleoresin with V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex (1 drop of Vanilla with every 2 drops of V-6) or another carrier oil of your choice.
Consult your doctor if pregnant
If you are pregnant, please consult your doctor before using Vanilla oleoresin. Avoid contact with eyes, the inner ears, or sensitive areas.
Be cautious around pets
While it is safe to use Vanilla oleoresin around pets (such as diffusing), some safety guidelines should be followed when applying the product directly to their skin or fur. Because your pet may have individual skin sensitivities, we recommend using fewer drops of Vanilla oleoresin for your pets than you would use for yourself or another person. Dilute your Vanilla oleoresin when applying directly to your pet’s skin or fur for the first time. Some small animals like cats metabolize essential oils differently, therefore a “low and slow” approach works best. If you have questions, consult your veterinarian.
Where to buy Young Living® Vanilla oleoresin
When it comes to purchasing essential oils, it’s important to note that not all are created equal. To verify the Seed to Seal® quality of Young Living® essential oils, our products are tested and authenticated for quality without compromise. Our Seed to Seal quality commitment ensures a top-grade product every time, going above and beyond to supervise the process all the way from planting the seeds to distilling the essential oil. Get your first bottle of Young Living Vanilla oleoresin and experience natural vanilla for yourself.
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