Here is a simple recipe for a delicious vanilla infused oil which can be used as a moisturizing body oil, massage oil, facial oil, or even as a fragrant hair oil. To create this vanilla infused oil, we will use the solar infused method. Although the solar infused method takes more time, it is definitely the easiest.
What you will need:
Organic Vanilla Beans
Organic Grapeseed Oil (or carrier oil of your choice)
Cut two vanilla beans into small pieces and place them in a clean glass jar. Next fill the jar with 1 cup of oil and close the lid tightly. Give the jar a good shake. Now place your glass jar in a sunny and warm windowsill for 1-2 months and shake well every day. You will notice a slight change in the color of the oil over time.
When the oil has infused to your desired strength, strain the vanilla beans out of the oil with metal strainer or even a cheesecloth. Pour the vanilla infused oil into another clean bottle for use. This recipe will fill two 4 oz glass dropper bottles. I love using glass dropper bottles the most.
If you’d like a more concentrated version of this oil to use as a natural perfume, cut up two more organic vanilla beans and add them to the strained oil to infuse again. Double infused oils are exquisitely potent, and although they take a lot of time to create, it is well worth it. For more herbal infused oil ideas check out this article, or even check out this amazing DIY Fragrance Body Oil which can also be used for hair and of course contains vanilla too!
Peace & Sunshine!
(Image by amadeusvanillabeans.com)
Julia says
I have wanted to try to infuse some herbs in a carrier oil for a while. I might have to start off with vanilla bean! I can almost smell it 🙂
I was wondering if you could do an article on books and websites and research articles that you’ve read? I’d really like to learn more about skincare and oils, etc. in depth and I’m sure you have a wealth of information to share. Thank you!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Julia, I share a few books which have taught me about herbs and natural remedies here. Have a beautiful weekend and thanks for your comment!
AJ says
This sounds amazing! I’ll have to try it out! 🙂
AJ | TheAJMinute
Dawn Michelle says
Hi AJ, Let me know if you do. This one of the most pleasant infusions. Enjoy your weekend!
D.E. says
I adore the smell of vanilla. Many moons ago, I use to wear this vanilla body lotion that used to draw many compliments. I will definitely try this recipe in the near future as I haven’t worn any dedicated scent (other than soaps or oils with infused EO) in ages.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi D.E.,
Let me know if you do try this recipe. I love how simple it is to make. Wishing you a beautiful day!
E says
Hi Dawn Michelle,
I can’t wait to try this! I had a quick question, I am fairly new at making my own products. What is the difference between the vanilla absolute, whole vanilla bean and vanilla powder sold on mountain rose herbs? I get the obvious physical difference, but could these be used in the same manner with the same results? Thanks again for submitting these, I adore you and your site!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi E,
Vanilla absolute is a very concentrated essential fragrance oil, the vanilla beans are considered the dry herb, and vanilla powder is the dried vanilla beans ground. Hope this helps and enjoy your day!
Thetruthisoutthere says
Hi Dawn Michelle – I wanted to try the solar infused vanilla oil, so I purchased vanilla bean pods and placed one cut up into a 2 oz. bottle of jojoba oil and set it on a sunny windowsill. I was somewhat dismayed by the masculine fragrance, but a few days later I added drops of orange essential oil to the infusion. Wow, what a difference! I loves it! Thank you for posting such wonderful holistic recipes!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Thetruthisoutthere,
Vanilla and orange sounds amazing! I hope you enjoy your new infused oil mix! <3
Norma says
Hi Dawn,
I just wanted to thank you for these marvelous recipes. You are amazing and generous.
I live in France and wear my hair natural, it can be hard here to find good organic ingredients.
Thank you, you save me, my skin, my hair. What a wonderful blog.
God or the Infinite power bless you, and I hope that you are fulfill in all areas of your life, you are an amazing lady.
Ps: sorry for my english, I surely did some spelling mistake.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Norma,
Wow thank you so much for your beautiful comment and compliment. I am so glad Minimalist Beauty has been helpful to you and I wish you the very best of everything!
Maicurls says
Oh! I have to try this! Love love love the idea. I do something similar with Lemon peel but do not keep it to infuse for as long (I am impatient.)
Will try to keep the vanilla beans in for 1 month 🙂 Thanks!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Maicurls,
Let me know how your infusion come out. Hope all is well and have a beautiful day <3
Theresa says
I’ve heard Grapeseed oil has one of the fastest rapidity rates among the carrier oils, like 3 months. It can be delayed with adds like rosemary extract, but is there another oil you can recommend? Given the time it takes to infuse the oil, it would barely have a safe usage time frame after the infusion, and I would love to have some that I wouldn’t have to rush through. Thanks, I love your website!!!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Therese,
You can try coconut, sweet almond, or jojoba oil for this infusion as well. Thanks for the compliment too! <3