Plant Extracts

Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract

INCI: Vanilla bean, Vanilla tahitensis, Vanillin

Also known as: Vanilla bean, Vanilla tahitensis, Vanillin

Known for its antioxidant benefits Serves as a skin-soothing ingredient

Best For Skin Types

All skin types

Usage Frequency

As directed on product packaging

What Is Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract?

Vanilla planifolia fruit extract is a natural ingredient used in skin care primarily for its antioxidant benefits. The vanilla plant’s seed, commonly referred to as vanilla bean, is a source of catechins (also known as polyphenols), which have antioxidant activity and serve as skin-soothing agents.

This edible ingredient is also used as a flavoring agent in many foods, and is also sometimes added to lip balms, glosses, and lipsticks to create a pleasant taste.

The aromatic component of vanilla is known as vanillin, and it’s a significant source of antioxidant compounds that help stop the oxidation of proteins and lipids in skin. Despite vanilla’s unique, familiar scent, it’s one of the few such plants considered non-sensitizing, with the extract form being very mild, the oil form being stronger yet still well tolerated, even on skin prone to eczema.

A safety assessment of different types of vanilla by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review board revealed that while Vanilla planifolia was non-irritating and non-sensitizing, another form known as Vanilla tahitensis triggered irritation and sensitization when tested on human skin at a relatively low level (0.8%). Therefore, it’s important to avoid this form of vanilla in skin care.

Benefits for Your Skin

How It Works

Vanilla planifolia fruit extract is a natural ingredient used in skincare primarily for its antioxidant benefits. The vanilla plant’s seed, commonly referred to as vanilla bean, is a source of catechins (also known as polyphenols), which have antioxidant activity and serve as skin-soothing agents. This edible ingredient is also used as a flavoring agent in many foods, and is also sometimes added to lip balms, glosses, and lipsticks to create a pleasant taste. The aromatic component of vanilla is known as vanillin, and it’s a significant source of antioxidant compounds that help stop the oxidation of proteins and lipids in skin. Despite vanilla’s unique, familiar scent, it’s one of the few such plants considered non-sensitizing, with the extract form being very mild, the oil form being stronger yet still well tolerated, even on skin prone to eczema. A safety assessment of different types of vanilla by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review board revealed that while Vanilla planifolia was non-irritating and non-sensitizing, another form known as Vanilla tahitensis triggered irritation and sensitization when tested on human skin at a relatively low level (0.8%). Therefore, it’s important to avoid this form of vanilla in skincare.

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