Vanilla Infused Oil - Straining


A couple of weeks back, we started a vanilla oil infusion and did a comparison test of vanilla bean quality.

Today, we strain and check out the final product and, as promised, I'm going to share an easy peasy straining tip that is perfect for smaller amounts.

Shall we strain our vanilla-infused oil?


Necessities






Straining Tip 




Place one tea filter inside of another

Roll the top down a bit so the filters do not risk separating. Place the tea filters inside a clean container (beakers are perfect because you can pour directly from them when you're done)






Pour the oil into the filters



Lift the filter bag up and let strain completely


If necessary, filter again.

It usually isn't necessary if you 'double bag'.

Transfer the oil to your final container.

Rejoice at your expertly strained vanilla-infused oil


Comparison Test

I'll bet you already know the answer to this one, and you are absolutely right. The pricier, juicier, plumper vanilla beans resulted in a richer, warmer, more luxurious scented oil.

Once again proof that choosing quality raw materials is the best way to ensure a top-quality result.




Where to Use Infused Oil

It's almost more fitting to ask where not to use an infused oil. An infused oil can replace part or all of a regular carrier oil in any formula.

As for this oil, I have plans of trying it out in

  • body lotion
  • lip balm
  • Body butter
  • balm
  • face oil
  • body oil


Visit the first post on making infused oil right here.



Do Tell

Do you infuse your own oils? What are your favorite ingredients to infuse? Do you have any special straining tips to share? Please leave a comment.

Comments

Signe said…
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.
LisaLise said…
Signe that sounds lovely!
María said…
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...
Gwen said…
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.
LisaLise said…
@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.
Carol said…
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!
LisaLise said…
Hi Carol - Oh wonderful! I hope it turns out beautifully for you! I use mine for lip balms, face oils and more..
Anonymous said…
Hello!
Does the vanilla smell last? what percentage do you suggest?
LisaLise said…
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.