Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract

Vanilla planifolia fruit extract is a lovely, fragrant extract obtained from vanilla pods - the same ones that are used as a food flavoring and spice. Vanilla is a commonly used ingredient in foods and skincare products due to its beautiful scent.

Vanilla pods are full of various fragrant compounds. The main compound responsible for vanilla scent and taste is called vanillin and can be prepared synthetically, although the true vanilla extract contains dozens of other fragrant compounds which make the true vanilla scent so rich and beautiful (e.g., benzoic acid, anisaldehyde, benzaldehyde, glucovanillin, and many others). Vanilla extract is also used as a flavoring in lip balms.

Other compounds present in the vanilla pod are tannins, various polyphenols, free amino acids, and a sticky resin that is able to retain the vanilla aroma for a long time. These compounds have antioxidant and soothing properties, which is why the whole vanilla extract provides more benefits than just the vanilin.