Vanillin

Vanillin

Vanillin is one of the most recognizable aroma chemicals in perfumery, known for its rich, sweet vanilla aroma with warm, creamy, and slightly balsamic nuances. It is the primary aroma compound responsible for vanilla's characteristic scent and is widely used to impart warmth, sweetness, and comfort to fragrance compositions.

In perfumery, vanillin is valued for its ability to create soft gourmand sweetness while enhancing the smoothness and depth of a fragrance. It is a key ingredient in many fragrance families including gourmand, oriental, amber, and woody compositions.

Vanillin blends exceptionally well with balsamic notes, tonka bean materials, resins, florals, and woody accords. Because of its pleasant and familiar aroma, it is widely used in fine fragrance, soaps, candles, detergents, and cosmetic products.

Why Perfumers Use Vanillin

• Classic warm vanilla aroma
• Adds sweetness, warmth, and softness to perfumes
• Essential ingredient in gourmand and oriental fragrances
• Improves the roundness and smoothness of fragrance blends
• Blends well with balsamic, woody, and floral notes
• Provides long-lasting sweetness in perfume compositions

Common Applications

• Gourmand perfume compositions
• Oriental and amber fragrances
• Sweet floral accords
• Soap and detergent fragrance
• Candle and home fragrance products
• Cosmetic and personal care fragrances

Vanillin works particularly well with materials such as coumarin, heliotropin, tonka bean notes, sandalwood, and many floral ingredients. Its warm sweetness helps round compositions and create comforting, luxurious fragrance profiles.

Technical Information

CAS Number: 121-33-5

INCI Name: VANILLIN

IUPAC Name: 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde

Alternative Names: Vanilla Aldehyde

Odour Family: Sweet / Gourmand

Classification: Base Note

Appearance: White crystalline powder

Odour Profile: Rich sweet vanilla aroma with creamy, warm, and slightly balsamic undertones.

Uses: Adds sweetness, warmth, and depth to fragrance compositions and is widely used in gourmand, oriental, and amber perfumes.

IFRA 51: Use according to current IFRA guidelines