Vanillin is used in fragrance oils when the scent of vanilla is required. It can be a naturally occurring ingredient, as it’s formed on the outside of the vanilla bean, however most Vanillin is synthetically produced.

Ethyl Vanillin is a synthetic chemical that is similar in structure to Vanillin. Ethyl Vanillin is three times stronger than Vanillin, but it is slightly different in scent.

🕯 Colour Darkening

Fragrance oils containing Vanillin or Ethyl Vanillin will oxidise faster than those that do not. Oxidation causes the fragrance oil to become darker in colour over time.

This is not a problem if you are using dye in your candles or soap, or if you want your products to be naturally darker. If you are aiming for a light-coloured product without dye, Vanillin content is worth checking. The darkening could show up immediately or over time — it does not affect scent throw.

❄️ Crystallisation in Cold Weather

Fragrance oils higher in Vanillin content may crystallise when temperatures drop, appearing as small white crystals. These will redissolve as the oil warms up — simply run the bottle under warm water to speed this up. The integrity of the fragrance is not compromised.

🔍 How Do I Know How Much Vanillin Is in My Oil?

Every fragrance oil we sell comes with an Allergen Declaration document. You can download these for any of our fragrance oils from our Regulatory Documentation page. Find VANILLIN in the ingredients list:

n.d. (not detectable) — the oil contains no Vanillin and you will not experience any darkening or crystallisation.

A percentage is shown — Vanillin is present at that level. The higher the percentage, the more likely you are to see darkening or crystallisation in your finished product.

If you are unsure which oils are best for your project, get in touch and we will be happy to help.