What Is Vanilla Lotion?

Vanilla lotion usually refers to body, hand, or face cream scented with vanilla. Many people enjoy the pleasant aroma vanilla lotion can leave on the skin. This type of lotion is widely available from a number of manufacturers. Sometimes, other scents, like coconut, raspberry, or orange, are mixed with vanilla to enhance the fragrance of the lotion. Vanilla lotion is typically made from ingredients such as shea butter, goat's milk, almond oil, vitamin E, and other nourishing, moisturizing substances that can help support skin health.

Most manufacturers of body, face and hand lotions provide a vanilla-scented option, since it is generally one of the most popular lotion scents. The scent is typically achieved by adding essential oil of vanilla bean to a typical lotion recipe. Vanilla oil is typically good for moisturizing dry skin. It also contains antioxidant ingredients that can help prevent skin damage due to oxidation on the cellular level. The fragrance of vanilla may also be soothing to the nerves.

Vanilla orchids, the plants from which vanilla beans or seed pods are harvested, are native to the tropical and subtropical regions of North, Central, and South America. Three main varieties of vanilla orchids are typically cultivated for their fragrant seed pods. These are commonly known as the Mexican, Tahitian, and Bourbon vanilla orchids. These vanilla orchids can produce potently aromatic seed pods, although the potency and particular aroma of the seeds is said to be variable, depending on the exact conditions in which the plants are raised.

Most vanilla lotion products contain additional oils and botanical ingredients designed to soften, strengthen, and moisturize skin. Additional ingredients often found in vanilla lotion include milk, which may have anti-aging properties as well as hydrating ones. Jojoba oil, almond oil, vitamin E, coco butter, and shea butter may all be used in vanilla lotion to enhance its moisturizing effects. Sunflower seed oil, honey, coconut oil, sugar, and soybean oil are also popular vanilla lotion ingredients.

The benefits of vanilla lotion are said to include smoother, softer, more supple skin. Vanilla lotion may be able to add moisture to the skin to hydrate it, and some types may help skin to better retain moisture. Depending on the ingredients used, vanilla lotion may have antioxidant properties that help maintain skin's youthful appearance.