Vanillin Ex Bean 95: The Complete Guide To This Aroma Chemical

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining everything you need to know.
Updated on: July 30, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available standards from The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Vanillin Ex Bean 95?

Vanillin Ex Bean 95 is a natural vanilla extract designed for perfumery and aroma applications. It captures the familiar sweetness of cured vanilla pods in a highly concentrated liquid form.

The material is produced by DSM-Firmenich using supercritical CO2 extraction, a gentle low-temperature process that keeps the full spectrum of vanilla facets intact. While DSM-Firmenich markets it under the trademarked name Vanillin Ex Bean 95, other suppliers may offer comparable CO2-extracted vanilla concentrates under different labels.

At room temperature the ingredient appears as a clear to pale yellow fluid that pours easily and dissolves readily in alcohol or common fragrance bases. Unlike crystalline synthetic vanillin, this version stays liquid, which simplifies weighing and blending.

Because it comes straight from Madagascan pods, it is considered a specialty grade rather than a commodity aroma chemical. That places it in the moderate to premium price bracket, though it is still economical when used at the low percentages typical in formulations.

Perfume houses reach for it whenever they need an authentic bean nuance without the complexity of working with tinctures. The product sees year-round demand in fine fragrance, toiletries, candles and even flavor work, so availability is steady.

When stored in tightly closed, light-protected containers at cool room temperature, most batches keep their olfactive integrity for around three to four years before a noticeable loss of freshness sets in.

Vanillin Ex Bean 95’s Scent Description

This ingredient sits squarely in the gourmand family, the group of notes that evoke edible treats and comfort foods.

On a fresh blotter the first impression is a creamy vanilla bean accord drizzled with subtle caramel. Within seconds a gentle puff of icing sugar appears, giving a powdery softness that rounds off any sharp edges. As the minutes pass a faint anise-like sparkle peeks through, adding lift and keeping the sweetness from feeling heavy.

In perfumery terms the material behaves as a middle-to-base note. It starts to show its character within the first ten minutes yet anchors the drydown for many hours, binding lighter top notes to richer fonds below.

Projection is moderate; it radiates enough to be noticed without overwhelming neighboring accords. Longevity is strong, often lingering on skin or fabric well past the eight-hour mark, and in wax or detergent bases it can persist even longer.

How & Where To Use Vanillin Ex Bean 95

Perfumers turn to Vanillin Ex Bean 95 whenever they need the warmth of true vanilla without the dusty edge of synthetic vanillin crystals. It slips easily into gourmand accords alongside chocolate, caramel or coffee notes and also lends creaminess to florals such as orchid or heliotrope. In amber bases it binds resin, tonka and labdanum while softening any rough spots.

Because it is already liquid it blends straight into alcohol or oil bases with no grinding or melting. A quick premix at 10 % in ethanol or dipropylene glycol makes weighing even simpler and lets you add fine adjustments drop by drop.

Typical usage runs from a trace in sparkling citrus to about 3 % in rich oriental or bakery inspired scents. Going higher, up to 5 %, can be effective in candle blends or gourmand body mists but past that point the material can flatten top notes and give a sticky sweetness that feels cloying. At very low dosages it offers a gentle powdery veil rather than a clear vanilla statement so performance hinges on concentration.

Vanillin Ex Bean 95 shines in soap because it survives the alkaline cure with less discoloration than raw vanilla tincture. It also holds well in detergent and softener where wash off is a concern. The main limitation appears in bright aquatic or green themes where any vanilla nuance may feel off topic.

Overuse carries the risk of making a formula smell edible in an unintended way and can mask light florals or citruses. It can also raise color issues in white bases over time. Start low, build slowly and evaluate on skin, blotter and final product to catch overload before it is too late.

Safety Information

Always dilute Vanillin Ex Bean 95 before smelling it. Avoid taking a direct sniff from the bottle and work in a well-ventilated space so vapors do not collect. Wear gloves and safety glasses to keep the liquid off skin and out of eyes.

Most users tolerate this material well in normal perfume levels yet any aroma chemical can cause irritation or an allergic reaction. If you notice redness, itching or breathing discomfort stop handling the product and seek medical advice. Pregnant or breastfeeding users should consult a doctor before working with fragrance materials.

Short contact with low concentrations is generally safe but long or repeated exposure to undiluted Vanillin Ex Bean 95 can dry skin or trigger headaches. Clean spills right away and wash hands after handling to avoid accidental ingestion.

Store the ingredient tightly closed, away from light and heat, and use glass or high-grade plastic containers that will not react with the extract. Dispose of unwanted material according to local hazardous waste rules rather than pouring it down the drain.

For the most accurate and current guidance always review the supplier’s Material Safety Data Sheet and follow the usage limits set by the International Fragrance Association. Regulations evolve so recheck documents before every new project.

How To Store & Dispose of Vanillin Ex Bean 95

Keep the ingredient in a cool dark place away from radiators heaters or direct sunlight. Room temperature is acceptable yet a fridge set between 4 °C and 8 °C can stretch the usable life by a few extra months. Wherever you store it make sure the spot stays dry and well ventilated.

Choose glass bottles with airtight polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. These caps press against the neck and block slow leaks that can creep past ordinary droppers. Avoid glass pipette tops since they let air slip back into the bottle after every use.

Oxidation dulls the vanilla profile over time. To slow that shift transfer leftovers into smaller containers so each bottle stays as full as practical and has minimal headspace. Wipe the rim before closing to keep the seal clean then tighten firmly.

Label every vessel the moment it is filled. Include the full name Vanillin Ex Bean 95 the date of transfer any dilution ratio and a quick note such as “Irritant – wear gloves.” Clear labels help you spot the right bottle fast and keep others from confusing the liquid with food or e-juice.

For disposal never pour large amounts down the sink. Small rinse residues from cleaned glassware can usually go through normal wastewater but bulk leftovers need special handling. Check your local rules then send unwanted stock to a licensed chemical waste facility or a community hazardous drop-off. The molecule is biodegradable over time yet its high biological oxygen demand can stress aquatic systems if released in one go.

Rinse empty bottles with a little alcohol let them dry with the cap off and then recycle the glass if your area accepts solvent-clean containers.

Summary

Vanillin Ex Bean 95 is a liquid CO2 extract of Madagascan vanilla pods that delivers a creamy caramel tinged bean note with a light anise lift. It behaves as a middle to base note binding bright tops to deep drydowns and adding instant gourmand appeal.

Perfumers value it for its authentic yet easy to dose profile. A few drops enrich florals ambers and bakery accords while higher levels drive candles soaps and comfort scents. Longevity and stability are strong though it can darken pale bases over time and its premium cost may limit use in budget lines.

The ingredient remains popular because it marries the romance of natural vanilla with the convenience of a ready made liquid. DSM-Firmenich supplies it in commercial drum quantities. Smaller packs for hobbyists show up through specialist resellers or generic CO2 extracts labeled simply as natural vanillin.

Handle it with care store it cool and closed and enjoy the plush sweetness it brings to almost any gourmand creation.

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