Not All Vanilla Scent Is Created Equal: How to Tell The Difference

When it comes to creating the perfect mood in any area, one pleasing aroma always seems to suit the bill: vanilla. Whether you are trying to relax on your own, spend time with family, or have folks over for a special occasion, the relaxing notes of a vanilla candle smell will create a warm and inviting ambience that everyone can appreciate.

Not all vanilla candle smells, however, are created equal. Choose a high-quality vanilla candle smell to create a peaceful environment in your home. Here, we’ll look at some of the differences between high-quality and low-quality products to help you decide which is ideal for you.

Ingredients Matter

The most crucial element to consider when deciding which sort of vanilla candle is worth the expense is the ingredients. Let’s examine the distinctions between natural and manufactured vanilla scents:

Synthetic Vanilla Aromas

Artificial vanilla scent can offer a strong, immediate aroma that is more intense than natural vanilla. This type of scent is created in a laboratory to mimic the natural aromas of vanilla, often offering a more intense and direct fragrance. However, this scent is not as deep or as complex as natural vanilla.

As such, artificial vanilla tends to be less preferred for luxury candles. Artificial vanilla is often used to scent candles that are intended to be more affordable or enhance a stronger scent. Artificial vanilla thus can be used in candles that are purposely intended to have a strong aroma, such as warm, comforting holiday candles.

Natural Vanilla

When it comes to candles, the natural vanilla scent is unmistakable. Natural vanilla comes from the bean of the vanilla orchid, which has a complex and alluring aroma. Its scent is multi-faceted, often described as warm, floral, creamy, and powdery.

Natural vanilla has a depth and richness that is hard to replicate. The aroma of natural vanilla is known to have calming and invigorating properties, making it a popular choice for luxurious spa candles. It also pairs well with a variety of other scents, such as sandalwood, lavender, and orange. The natural vanilla scent is subtle but lingering, allowing it to enrich a room without overpowering any other scents.

The aromas and characteristics of vanilla beans vary depending on their origin. Let’s look at five of the most well-known origins and the properties of their pure or natural extracts:

Madagascar Vanilla

This type of vanilla is considered to be the best quality vanilla and is often used in high-end cosmetics and aromatherapy products. It is grown on the island of Madagascar, which is the largest producer of vanilla in the world.

Tahitian Vanilla

Tahitian vanilla is grown in the islands of French Polynesia, including Tahiti. It is known for its delicate, floral aroma and flavour, which makes it a popular choice for perfumes and fragrances.

Bourbon Vanilla

Bourbon vanilla is named after the island of Réunion, which was known as Île Bourbon during the time when vanilla was first cultivated there. It is known for its strong, rich flavour and creamy aroma.

Mexican Vanilla

Mexican vanilla is grown in Mexico and is known for its warm, spicy flavour. It is often used in traditional Mexican dishes and desserts, as well as in perfume and soap making.

Ugandan Vanilla

Ugandan vanilla is grown in Uganda, a country located in East Africa. It has a unique aroma and flavour, which makes it a popular choice for use in desserts and other dishes.

Longevity Is Important

By choosing a high-quality, natural vanilla candle scent, you can trust that your investment will last. Natural extracts offer superior longevity compared to synthetic counterparts and can linger in the air for hours after first lighting the candle. 

Low-quality scents, however, can quickly fade away after just a few hours of burning, regardless of how much you add to the wick. Since these synthetic scents are not as concentrated as natural oils, the scent will dissipate quickly.

Purity Contributes to The Complexity of Aromas

When it comes to the purity of vanilla scent, there is a huge difference between high-quality and low-quality products. Natural extracts will be highly concentrated, making for a richer and more intense scent.

On the other hand, low-quality scents from synthetic ingredients offer fewer subtle notes and may not have the same level of purity. For this reason, they can smell artificial or heavy-handed. Scientists have found that synthetic fragrances can be unpleasant for some people or, in the worst case, cause allergic reactions.

Conclusion

Whatever type of ambience you’re attempting to create in your house, nothing beats the pleasures of a calming, natural vanilla smell. When shopping for your perfect aromatherapy product, make sure you keep the differences between high-quality and low-quality scents in mind.