In the eternal stream of scent experiences that enrich our everyday life, vanilla is a constant star. Its fragrance, a subtle dance between sweetness and warmth, has fascinated and enchanted people for centuries. But, we who work with fragrance also know that it is a watershed.

Originally from the lush rainforests of the Gulf of Mexico, where the Totonac people understood its enchanting properties, vanilla has grown into a global symbol of both luxury and everyday pleasure. With its rich history and complex methods of production, it is also one of the world's most copied fragrances, something that has led to confusion today about what vanilla actually smells like.

The unique scent of vanilla is more than just a sensory experience; it evokes memories and provides a sense of comfort and harmony. In the world of fragrance, vanilla is a heartwarming note that reaches deeper than just our ability to perceive with the nose – it reaches into the realm of the soul and recalls childhood pastries and a warm cup of tea. But as warm and inviting as it can be, if it's synthetic, it can be extremely irritating to some people. A scent you recognize from the last bend in the furniture department store - genuine synthetic vanilla. Pure nightmare.

But the magic of vanilla extends beyond the confines of nostalgia and commercial department stores. In the home, its subtle but distinct presence of real vanilla can create an atmosphere of calm and well-being. By learning to use the scent of vanilla in the right way, one can transform a room into an oasis of elegance and sophisticated simplicity.

So together, let's explore vanilla's rich history, discover its profound effects on our senses, and learn to embrace its delightful presence in our everyday lives.

This is how we describe the scent of vanilla

At first glance, the scent of vanilla is an embrace of sweetness and warmth. It reaches our senses with a soft and pleasant note of the natural extract of the vanilla bean, whose subtle presence can be felt from a distance. But beyond this initial experience of sweetness lies a complex symphony of scent notes that reveal the true character of vanilla.

The top notes open with a mild fruitiness, like a hint of tropical fruit that gently paves the way for the heart notes. Here, the heart of vanilla is revealed, where its iconic spiciness emerges, with a subtle florality that highlights its deeper notes. The base notes, which end this scent journey, offer a warm and enchanting sensual note of amber and musk, which gives a lasting and memorable impression of the rich essence of vanilla.

How the scent of vanilla historically became so popular

Vanilla, with its characteristic and desirable scent, carries with it a fascinating history that spans continents and centuries. The origins of its discovery can be traced to the lush forests of the Gulf of Mexico, where the Totonac people first learned to cultivate and use its aromatic beans in ceremonial rituals. This early use contributed to vanilla's role as an exotic spice that would later be embraced by Europeans in the 16th century.

However, it was not until the 19th century, with the development of techniques for artificially pollinating the vanilla orchid outside of its natural habitat, that vanilla's popularity exploded. This paved the way for its wide use in both gastronomy and the perfume industry. Historically, vanilla has not only been a sought-after spice but also a symbol of luxury and well-being.

An interesting fact is that vanilla is one of the most used ingredients in scented candles and scented sticks, thanks to its ability to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in the home. Its fragrance, which ranges from sweetness to subtle spiciness, has a unique ability to soothe and inspire our senses.

Use fragrance oil with the scent of vanilla

• Did you know that scented oil with vanilla can discolor wax when making scented candles. Scented candles have a tendency to yellow. But this is also a sign that synthetic scents reminiscent of vanilla have been used.

• Vanilla scent is strongly associated with warmth in the winter and sun and swimming in the summer. This is because the fragrance molecules behave differently depending on the temperature. In cooler temperatures, the scent of vanilla is milder and more subtle, while in summer it is experienced as more intense and spicy.

To balance the atmosphere and create calm

Vanilla's seductive scent extends beyond its simple presence as a spice or perfume component; it has a profound impact on our well-being and moods. It is said that vanilla's warm and comforting notes can calm the nerves and lift the mood, making it ideal for creating a relaxing atmosphere in the home. This fragrance is not only limited to its use in scented candles, scented sticks or scented sprays, but can also be a powerful tool to improve our mood throughout different parts of the day.

In the morning, vanilla's calming properties can help provide a smooth start to the day, while its warm and comforting presence can provide focus and stability in the middle of the day. In the evening, it can create a harmonious environment that facilitates relaxation and recovery after a long day. However, it is important to balance the presence of vanilla in the home to avoid oversaturation and maintain its ability to transform the atmosphere into something wonderful. By using the scent of vanilla with moderation and awareness, we can benefit from its positive effects and create a harmonious environment where mind and soul can find peace.

It is also well known that the scent of vanilla is often described as sensual.

What scents go well with vanilla?

The vanilla, with its distinctive and well-known scent, is more than just a single scent profile – it is also a master at lifting and enhancing other scent notes in a subtle and sophisticated way. While many may associate vanilla with traditional combinations such as chocolate or cinnamon, there is a world of more unique and challenging scent pairings that can transform the home's atmosphere into something exceptional.

One of the most unexpected but delightful combinations is vanilla together with lavender. This duo creates a balance between the warm and sweetness of vanilla and the healthy and calming properties of lavender, resulting in a harmonious and relaxing scent experience. You can notice this combination in our mosquito candle Lavender & Patchoiuli which has a base of tonka and vanilla. For those looking for a more energizing atmosphere, the vanilla can be combined with citrus notes such as bergamot or grapefruit, resulting in a refreshing and lively scent that is perfect for waking up in the morning.

For those who are more daring in their scent preferences, the vanilla can also be lifted by more earthy and woody scents such as sandalwood or vetiver. This combination creates a deeper and more complex fragrance profile that is both sensual and seductive. We love to play with the complexity of vanilla and in the scent Honeysuckle & Hinoki Cypress we combine woody notes from cypress with floral perfume notes from honeysuckle and balance the scent with just vanilla.

Exploring and experimenting with these unique scent combinations not only provides an opportunity to create a personal and memorable scent signature in the home, but also to discover vanilla's versatility and ability to enhance other scent notes in a magical way.

How is scented oil made with the scent of vanilla?

Capturing the characteristic scent of vanilla is an art that goes back to the origins of its cultivation. The vanilla bean, whose original home is the lush forests of the Gulf of Mexico, carries a unique and unmistakable scent profile that has fascinated humans for centuries. To extract this enchanting fragrance, essential oil is usually used from its beans, which are enclosed in the characteristic black fruit.

The process of producing vanilla essential oil is a complex and time-consuming process. After harvesting, the vanilla beans undergo a series of carefully controlled stages of drying and fermentation processes, which slowly develop their rich aroma. Next, the essential oil is extracted from the beans through a method involving solvents or steam, resulting in a concentrated form of vanilla's characteristic and profound aroma.

It's not just the beans that contribute to vanilla's aroma; even the bar itself has a subtle and woody undertone that further enhances its aromatic profile. The complex process of extracting the scent of vanilla is a tribute to nature's gifts and a reminder of its versatility and profound impact on our mind and senses.

So, now we stand there and have to choose a side - to love vanilla or hate it. At Remoair's start, vanilla was a scent we were passionate about. But over the years we have learned so much about vanilla and its power. How important quality is. We also believe that vanilla should be a team player that lifts other scents and that gets to come forward when its character is at its best. As warm and embracing in winter and as spicy and playful in summer. Which side are you on?