I told earlier, that I've made vanilla oil, but only for baking to use. For cosmetic purposes I often make oil infusions, mostly with lavender, rose, rosemary, basil, nettle or calendula. I've tried carrot and ginger too. Usually I use dried herbs, because that is more safe, but I've made small amounts of fresh herb infusions too when I'm using all the oil to some lotion and I'm using preservatives there anyway.
Vanilla infused is one of my must haves, with arnica (sprains, bruises), calendula (multitask) and lavender (I use this last one specially for post-depilation oil). I have a few tonka beans and I think I'm going to give them a try...
The double tea bag is genius! I've used tea bags to infuse the oil for the whole infusion process, depending the form of the material and if I'm using heat or not. It takes longer, but makes the decanting much easier. Sun infusions with powdered matter is great for this technique as long as you remember to agitate the bottles often.
@María - tonka beans sound super interesting! I look forward to hearing how it turns out for you!
@Gwen - I agree with you about sun infusion. I am partial to this method, and never forget to agitate daily as I cannot help but see the bottles every day.
I have been wanting to make a vanilla infusion for sometime now, although dragging my feet bc of the high price of vanilla oleo resin. After seeing your post on using vanilla beans, I literally stood up and got started, why hadn't I thought of using the bean to start with? I am ready to strain today and love the idea of the double tea bag - thanks for the tip! I'll be making the jojoba/vanilla infusion into a winter lip balm with shea, and cocoa butter for Christmas presents. Thank you for the inspiration; the wheels are turning on what to do next! I would love to see how you end up using yours!
Hey there Anon- the vanilla fragrance does indeed last. I'm not quite sure what you mean when you ask what percentage I suggest? If you mean how much vanilla infused oil to use in your formulation, you can pretty much go by personal taste. I have used as little at 0.5% up to 10% of a formulation - but this will of course depend on what you are making.
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I have a few tonka beans and I think I'm going to give them a try...
@Gwen - I agree with you about sun infusion. I am partial to this method, and never forget to agitate daily as I cannot help but see the bottles every day.
Does the vanilla smell last? what percentage do you suggest?