Every fragrance description includes a list of notes, designed to give you a sense of what a scent will smell like.
Vanilla is one of the most well-known—and often the most misunderstood. While it may call to mind cupcakes or ice cream, Vanilla in perfumery is far more nuanced.
In this series, we’re breaking down specific fragrance notes like Vanilla to help you better understand what you’re smelling, all from behind a screen.
When you think of Vanilla, you might picture a sweet summer treat, cookies baking in the oven, or that cozy, familiar feeling you can’t quite place. And while Vanilla definitely brings a delicious warmth, in perfumery it also plays a deeper role—anchoring scents and adding depth.
The Origins of Vanilla
Derived from the cured seed pods of the planifolia orchid, Vanilla’s uses date back all the way to ancient civilizations for flavoring food and drinks.
Although its raw form is commonly referred to as the "vanilla bean," it’s actually a fruit. The name comes from the Spanish word vainilla, meaning "little pod," inspired by the long, slender shape of the orchid’s fruit, which resembles a typical bean pod.
The History of Vanilla in Perfumery
It wasn’t until the 19th century that vanilla found its place in perfumery, becoming a popular base note in the powdery, romantic perfumes of the Victorian era. Still, its use remained limited due to the rarity and high cost of natural vanilla. Then came a breakthrough in the late 1800s with the discovery of synthetic vanillin, making the coveted ingredient more accessible worldwide.
Vanilla in Perfumery Today
Vanilla is part of the gourmand fragrance family—known for its creamy, comforting warmth and dessert-like sweetness. Vanillin is actually the primary aroma compound that gives Vanilla its characteristic scent, and can be naturally cultivated or synthetically recreated.
While natural vanillin has a rich, complex scent with warm, woody and spicy nuances, synthetic vanillin smells simpler, creamier and sweeter. Perfumers use both depending on the desired effect: natural vanilla for depth and nuance, and vanillin for a cleaner, more linear sweetness.
As one of the most popular and widely used notes in perfumery (and for good reason), Vanilla is typically used as a base note thanks to its versatility. Today, it’s a staple in both modern and classic fragrances alike.
Try Vanilla
You can experience Vanilla's warm embrace and versatility across our Gold Scent Space trilogy. A fan-favorite (and Vogue-endorsed), our Gold scents reflect the addictive nuances of the Vanilla note.
Gold- Personal is a soft, skin-hugging Vanilla scent layered with Sandalwood and Amber. The addition of Iso E Super gives it a light, airy, and ethereal glow and has it named Marie Claire’s “Best Woody Skin Scent.” 
Gold Expressive leans richer and more decadent. Creamy Sandalwood and molten Amber amplify the Vanilla for a balanced unisex gourmand.
And then there’s Gold+ Bold, which turns up the heat with spicy Nutmeg, Saffron, and Patchouli, creating a bold, addictive blend where sweetness and spice collide.
Not sure which one’s for you? Try them all with our Gold Scent Space Kit—the perfect way to explore before committing to a full-size bottle.