5 Best Vanilla Essential Oils: Top Brands and Benefits for Wellness

Introduction

Vanilla essential oils is beloved for its warm, comforting aroma and versatile applications in aromatherapy, skincare, and holistic wellness. Extracted from the beans of the Vanilla planifolia plant, vanilla essential oil offers a range of benefits, from reducing stress to enhancing skin health. However, not all vanilla oils are created equal, making it essential to choose high-quality brands to reap its full benefits. In this guide, we’ll explore the 5 best vanilla essential oil brands and dive into the benefits, uses, and tips for choosing the right product.

What Is Vanilla Essential Oils?

Vanilla essential oil is extracted from vanilla beans, typically through solvent extraction or CO2 extraction. These processes capture both the aromatic essence and therapeutic properties of vanilla, making it suitable for use in aromatherapy, skincare, and even gourmet cooking. While vanilla extract is commonly used in baking, pure vanilla essential oil is a concentrated, undiluted oil that is mainly used for therapeutic applications due to its potent aroma and health benefits.

Vanilla essential oil offers a soothing, calming fragrance that promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and improves sleep quality. Its antioxidant properties make it a popular choice for skincare products designed to rejuvenate and nourish the skin. The rich, inviting scent of vanilla essential oil can also enhance gourmet recipes, offering a natural alternative to synthetic vanilla flavors.

Top Benefits of Vanilla Essential Oils

Vanilla essential oil provides a variety of therapeutic benefits, making it a versatile addition to any wellness routine. Here are the top advantages of using vanilla essential oil:

1 Stress Relief and Anxiety Reduction

One of the key benefits of vanilla essential oil is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. The warm, soothing aroma of vanilla has been shown to help relax the mind and body, creating a sense of peace and calm. A study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that the fragrance of vanilla essential oil significantly reduced stress markers in participants, supporting its role in emotional well-being.

2 Enhancing Sleep Quality

Vanilla essential oil can also be used as a natural sleep aid. Its calming scent helps ease the mind and prepares the body for a restful night’s sleep. Incorporating vanilla essential oil into your evening routine—whether through a diffuser, a relaxing bath, or a pillow spray—can improve sleep quality and help you wake up feeling refreshed.

3 Skin Health and Anti-Aging Properties

Vanilla essential oil contains antioxidants that combat free radicals, which are responsible for premature aging. These antioxidants make vanilla oil a sought-after ingredient in skincare products, as it helps to nourish the skin, reduce wrinkles, and promote a youthful complexion. Its natural moisturizing properties make it an excellent addition to body oils and lotions.

4 Mood Enhancement

Vanilla’s delightful scent has been shown to boost mood and foster emotional stability. According to Dr. Mary Jameson, a leading aromatherapist, inhaling vanilla essential oil stimulates the olfactory center of the brain, triggering the release of neurotransmitters that create a feeling of happiness and calm. This makes it a great choice for enhancing emotional well-being.

5 Digestive Support

Vanilla essential oil may also help with digestion. In traditional medicine, vanilla has been used to soothe an upset stomach and improve digestion. While not as widely known as its other benefits, vanilla essential oil can be applied topically (diluted with a carrier oil) to the abdomen to help reduce discomfort.

How to Choose the Best Vanilla Essential Oils

Choosing the right vanilla essential oil can be overwhelming with so many brands available. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting the best vanilla essential oil:

1 Purity

High-quality vanilla essential oils should be 100% pure, without any additives, synthetic ingredients, or fillers. Look for brands that offer third-party testing to ensure the oil is free from contaminants like pesticides or heavy metals.

2 Extraction Method

The extraction method significantly impacts the quality of vanilla essential oils. CO2 extraction is a preferred method for vanilla essential oil because it preserves the aromatic compounds and therapeutic properties without using harsh solvents. Solvent extraction is another method commonly used for vanilla, but ensure the brand you choose uses safe and non-toxic solvents.

3 Sourcing

Sourcing plays a vital role in the quality of vanilla essential oils. The best oils are sourced from regions where vanilla naturally thrives, such as Madagascar. Vanilla plants grown in their native environment tend to produce richer, more aromatic oils with enhanced therapeutic benefits.

4 Certifications

Look for certifications like USDA Organic or Non-GMO Project Verified, which indicate that the product is made from high-quality ingredients without harmful chemicals. Brands that conduct third-party testing for purity and potency should also be prioritized.

Best Vanilla Essential Oils Brands

To help you find the highest quality vanilla essential oil, we’ve rounded up the top 5 brands known for their purity, ethical sourcing, and customer satisfaction.

1 doTERRA Vanilla Essential Oil

doTERRA is a well-known brand in the essential oil industry, and their vanilla essential oil lives up to their reputation. They use a proprietary CPTG Certified Pure Tested Grade® process to ensure the oil is pure and potent. doTERRA’s vanilla essential oil is extracted using CO2 to preserve the oil’s natural therapeutic properties, making it a popular choice for stress relief and relaxation.

Price: Around $60 for 5ml
Pros: High purity, rigorous testing, sustainable sourcing
Cons: Premium price point

2 Young Living Vanilla Essential Oil

Young Living is a pioneer in essential oils, offering Seed to Seal® certified vanilla essential oil. This certification ensures the oil’s purity from farm to bottle. Young Living sources its vanilla from sustainable farms and uses steam distillation to extract the oil, preserving its rich fragrance and potent benefits.

Price: Around $50 for 5ml
Pros: Organic certification, strong aroma
Cons: Expensive for the quantity

3 Plant Therapy Vanilla Essential Oil

Plant Therapy offers an affordable yet high-quality option for vanilla essential oil lovers. The brand implements third-party testing to ensure their oils are 100% pure and free from contaminants. Their vanilla essential oil is praised for its authentic scent and affordable price.

Price: Around $25 for 10ml
Pros: Affordable, certified pure, cruelty-free
Cons: Scent may be less intense than premium brands

4 Edens Garden Vanilla Essential Oil

Edens Garden is celebrated for offering 100% pure essential oils at a reasonable price. They conduct gas chromatography and mass spectrometry testing on all their oils to ensure purity. Edens Garden’s vanilla oil is known for its deep, sweet aroma and therapeutic benefits.

Price: Around $30 for 10ml
Pros: Extensive testing, ethical sourcing
Cons: Scent may vary slightly between batches

5 Now Foods Vanilla Essential Oil

For those on a budget, Now Foods is a great choice. Their vanilla essential oils is budget-friendly, making it accessible for beginners or those looking for an economical option. While it may not offer the same premium quality as more expensive brands, it delivers a pleasant vanilla scent that works well in diffusers and DIY products.

Price: Around $20 for 10ml
Pros: Budget-friendly, good quality for the price
Cons: Less potent aroma compared to higher-end brands

How to Use Vanilla Essential Oils Safely

While vanilla essential oil offers many benefits, it’s essential to use it properly to avoid adverse reactions or diminished effectiveness. Whether you’re using it for aromatherapy, skincare, or other applications, the following guidelines will help you use vanilla essential oils safely and effectively.

1 Diffusion

One of the most popular ways to use vanilla essential oils is through diffusion. Diffusing vanilla oil can create a calming and relaxing atmosphere in your home or office. The warm, sweet scent of vanilla is known to reduce stress, uplift mood, and even improve sleep quality.

How to Diffuse Vanilla Essential Oils:

Add 3-5 drops of vanilla essential oil to your diffuser, depending on the size of the room and the desired strength of the scent. For smaller spaces, start with fewer drops and adjust as needed.
Fill the diffuser with water as directed by the manufacturer. Make sure the diffuser is clean to prevent buildup or clogging.
Diffuse for 15-30 minutes at a time to enjoy the calming effects of the vanilla scent. Over-diffusing for extended periods can cause sensitization, where the body becomes less receptive to the oil, or may even result in headaches or nausea.
Ensure that the room is well-ventilated when diffusing essential oils, especially if others are present. This prevents any potential buildup of the scent and allows everyone to enjoy the benefits without feeling overwhelmed.

When to Use: Diffuse vanilla essential oils in the evenings to promote relaxation and prepare for restful sleep, or during the day to reduce anxiety and uplift your mood.

Bonus Tip: Try combining vanilla essential oil with complementary oils like lavender, sandalwood, or cinnamon for a more complex and deeply soothing aroma.

2 Topical Application

Topical application is another effective way to use vanilla essential oils, particularly for skincare or massage. Vanilla’s antioxidant properties can help nourish and protect the skin, but since essential oils are highly concentrated, they should always be diluted with a carrier oil before being applied directly to the skin.

How to Use Vanilla Essential Oils Topically:

Dilute 1-2 drops of vanilla essential oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil. Popular carrier oils include coconut oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or grapeseed oil. This reduces the risk of skin irritation or sensitivity.
Perform a patch test before applying the oil to a larger area. Apply the diluted mixture to a small area on your inner forearm and wait for 24 hours to see if any allergic reaction occurs, such as redness, itching, or swelling.
Once the patch test is successful, apply the diluted vanilla essential oil to the desired area, such as the neck, wrists, or abdomen. Vanilla essential oil is known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it excellent for soothing dry or irritated skin.
For massage purposes, blend a larger amount of carrier oil with a few drops of vanilla essential oil and massage onto the skin. This not only hydrates the skin but also provides stress relief through its relaxing scent.

Caution: Never apply vanilla essential oil directly to the skin without diluting it. Pure essential oils are extremely potent and can cause irritation, burns, or allergic reactions if applied undiluted.

Common Uses for Topical Application:

Moisturizer: Add a few drops of vanilla essential oil to your daily body lotion or face cream to enhance its hydrating and antioxidant effects.
Anti-aging treatment: Incorporate vanilla oil into your skincare routine to help reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity due to its high antioxidant content.
Massage oil: Vanilla’s calming properties make it an ideal choice for creating a soothing massage oil that can help ease tension and relax muscles.

3 Ingestion

Ingesting vanilla essential oil is not commonly recommended due to its high concentration and the potential risks associated with internal use. However, if you are considering ingesting essential oils, it’s important to ensure that the product is food-grade and specifically labeled for internal use. Many essential oils on the market are designed solely for topical or aromatic use and may contain additives or substances that are unsafe for ingestion.

Guidelines for Ingestion:

Only ingest vanilla essential oil if it is clearly labeled as food-grade and comes from a reputable brand that follows strict purity standards.
Always consult a healthcare professional or a certified aromatherapist before ingesting any essential oil. They can provide personalized advice based on your health status and needs.
When ingesting, use the smallest possible amount—typically just 1 drop—mixed into a larger volume of liquid or food. Essential oils are highly concentrated, and consuming too much can lead to adverse reactions, including nausea, digestive discomfort, or toxicity.
Avoid long-term or daily ingestion of essential oils unless explicitly advised by a professional, as excessive consumption can overload your liver and lead to toxicity.

Safer Alternatives: If you enjoy the flavor of vanilla and want to incorporate it into recipes, it’s safer to use vanilla extract or vanilla bean pods, which are designed for culinary use. These provide the same delicious flavor without the risk associated with consuming concentrated essential oils.

4 General Safety Tips for Vanilla Essential Oils

Store properly: Essential oils should be stored in dark glass bottles and kept away from direct sunlight or heat to prevent degradation. Proper storage helps maintain the oil’s purity and efficacy.
Keep out of reach of children and pets: Essential oils can be harmful if ingested by children or pets. Make sure to store them in a safe place where they are not accessible to curious hands or paws.
Consult with a professional: If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have pre-existing health conditions, always consult a healthcare provider before using any essential oils, including vanilla essential oil.
Avoid sensitive areas: Never apply essential oils to sensitive areas like the eyes, inner ears, or mucous membranes. If the oil comes into contact with these areas, flush with a carrier oil or water immediately.

By following these safety guidelines, you can fully enjoy the wide-ranging benefits of vanilla essential oil without risking any potential side effects. Whether you’re diffusing it for relaxation, using it topically for skincare, or incorporating it into a DIY project, using vanilla essential oil safely will ensure that you experience its full therapeutic potential.

DIY Recipes Using Vanilla Essential Oils

Vanilla essential oil is a versatile ingredient for many DIY projects. Here are a few simple recipes you can try at home:

1 Vanilla Candle

Create a natural, sweet-smelling candle with vanilla essential oil:

Instructions: Melt the soy wax, mix in vanilla oil, pour into a container

Ingredients: 1 cup soy wax flakes, 1 tablespoon vanilla essential oils, candle wick, heat-resistant container, and secure the wick in place. Let the wax cool completely, trim the wick, and enjoy the warm, soothing aroma of your homemade vanilla candle.

2 Vanilla Bath Salts

Relax after a long day with these calming and skin-nourishing vanilla bath salts:

Ingredients: 2 cups Epsom salts, 1 cup sea salt, 10 drops vanilla essential oil
Instructions: Mix the Epsom salts and sea salt in a bowl, then add the vanilla essential oil. Stir well to ensure the oil is evenly distributed. Store the mixture in an airtight container, and add a few tablespoons to your bath for a relaxing and hydrating soak.

3 Vanilla Body Scrub

Exfoliate and moisturize your skin with this simple vanilla body scrub:

Ingredients: 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup coconut oil, 10 drops vanilla essential oil
Instructions: Combine the sugar and coconut oil, then add the vanilla essential oil. Mix until well blended. Use this scrub in the shower to gently exfoliate and hydrate your skin, leaving it soft and smooth.

4 Vanilla Massage Oil

Enhance your next massage with this soothing vanilla massage oil:

Ingredients: 1/2 cup sweet almond oil, 10 drops vanilla essential oil
Instructions: Mix the sweet almond oil with the vanilla essential oil in a small bottle. Shake well before each use. This oil can be applied during a massage to moisturize the skin and help relax the muscles.

5 Vanilla Lip Balm

Keep your lips soft and hydrated with this easy DIY vanilla lip balm:

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons beeswax, 1 tablespoon shea butter, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 5 drops vanilla essential oil
Instructions: Melt the beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil in a double boiler. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla essential oil. Pour the mixture into small lip balm containers and let it cool completely. This homemade balm will leave your lips soft and smelling delicious!

Conclusion: Elevate Your Wellness with Vanilla Essential Oil

Vanilla essential oil is much more than just a pleasant scent—it offers a wide range of benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety to promoting skin health and enhancing your mood. Whether you choose to diffuse it, incorporate it into your skincare routine, or create your own DIY products, vanilla essential oil is a valuable addition to any wellness regimen.

When selecting a vanilla essential oil, it’s important to consider factors like purity, extraction method, and sourcing. The 5 top brands highlighted in this guide—doTERRA, Young Living, Plant Therapy, Edens Garden, and Now Foods—offer high-quality vanilla essential oils that cater to various needs and budgets.

By following safety guidelines and exploring creative ways to use vanilla essential oil, you can unlock its full potential and enjoy its therapeutic benefits in your daily life. Whether you’re looking to relax, improve your skin, or simply elevate your home’s ambiance, vanilla essential oil can help you achieve your wellness goals.