Gourmand

Vanilla

Note Profile

Natural 2918 perfumes

Also Known As

Black Vanilla, Black Vanilla Husk, Bourbon Vanilla, Bourbon Vanilla Absolute, Madagascan Vanilla, Madagascar Vanilla, Mexican Vanilla, Papua New Guinean Vanilla, Salted Vanilla, Vanilla Absolute, Vanilla Bean, Vanilla Bourbon, Vanilla Caramel, Vanilla Cream, Vanilla Flower, Vanilla Infusion, Vanilla Orchid

About

Sweet, warm vanilla

Scent Profile

Vanilla has a sweet, creamy, and warm aroma with subtle balsamic and slightly spicy undertones. Its scent can evoke nuances of caramel and soft woods, developing a rich, comforting depth as it lingers. Over time, it mellows into a smooth, enveloping base note.

Citrus 0%

Floral 5%

Fruity 0%

Green 0%

Sweet 85%

Warm 20%

Woody 0%

Earthy 5%

Animalic 0%

Fresh 0%

Origin

Vanilla is primarily sourced from the cured seed pods of Vanilla planifolia orchids, grown in tropical regions such as Madagascar, Mexico, and Tahiti. The pods undergo a lengthy curing process before extraction, with vanillin as the principal aromatic compound. Extraction is typically done via solvent or CO2 methods to produce vanilla absolute or resinoid for perfumery.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use vanilla mainly as a base note, providing warmth, sweetness, and longevity to compositions. It blends well with florals, spices, woods, and other gourmand notes, often serving as a fixative and softening element in both oriental and modern gourmand fragrances. Vanilla is valued for its ability to round out sharp edges and add depth to blends.