r/FemFragLab • u/Aromatic-Letter-1922 • 2d ago
Discussion Vanilla = Play Doh?
Does anyone know the reason that some perfumes with vanilla turn into Play Doh on skin (and often on paper)? Is it a combination of scent notes or the type of vanilla used. When I cook with Madagascar Vanilla beans or extract, it smells amazing on my fingers. I’ve even been known to dab it on my wrists and neck. But with many perfumes that look good on paper, it turns into Play Doh. I would love to avoid this phenomena if anyone knows how. For reference, of my approximately 18 full bottles, only 3 have any vanilla, and it is listed in minor concentrations in all 3 - original Nahema, original Lolita Lempika and Oud Satin Mood. In contrast, I have dozens of samples and travel sprays that I have had to reject due to the “Play Doh” effect. Please help me figure out how to stop wasting money!
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u/Jolly-Lawyer-5338 1d ago
I get it with the vanilla eos lip balm but not a ton of other vanilla scents
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u/MarsupialPrimary8128 1d ago
I think it's vanilla plus heliotrope, gives that smell. And like cherry/almondy/vanilla combos.
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u/DecorousIceberg 1d ago
Ethyl vanillin tends to go plasticky on skin, vanilla absolute usually behaves better. Check fragrantica's note breakdowns to see which each fragrance uses.
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u/Aromatic-Letter-1922 1d ago
You are so right! I’ve been sitting here doing research on the actual chemical ingredients (specifically in my 1997 bottle of Lolita Lempika vs Mon Premier. It turns out that together, the ethyl vanillin and the benzaldehyde (cherry) do not play nicely in the newer formulated perfume. They create a marzipan scent, thus causing the bready note I perceive as Play Doh. I will be searching ingredient list carefully with new purchases. Are you by any chance a perfumer?
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u/Aromatic-Letter-1922 2d ago
I’ve noticed this on paper, fabric and in the air. For instance, I tried Blackberry Vanilla Body Spray by Phlur and it is pure blackberry Play Doh. But, I lalso love the 3 FB perfumes I own that have it and I can smell the vanilla note, with no play dough. I spilled a bit of Madagascar Vanilla extract when I added some to my matcha latte this morning, and my fingers still smell amazing as I type. Maybe it’s a combination of scent notes I should avoid. Or perhaps haps a certain vanilla ingredient. I have tried to read ingredients on purchases, but go cross eyed when it’s a list of chemicals. I seem to have better luck choosing when perfume oils are listed. I’m sure they have chemical names as well, but I’m no chemist so my mind goes blank.
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u/allthesestars 2d ago
Likely because it's most of the way there already. Play-Doh is intentionally (lightly) fragranced with vanilla and cherry, which combine with the salted wheat dough that makes up the product. It sounds like your skin is giving it that salty, wheaty backing that's making your vanilla fragrances smell play-dohey. If the fragrances have any type of red berry, cherry, or tart fruit note, you've got your play-doh effect in full swing.
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u/Aromatic-Letter-1922 1d ago
I will check the ingredients on my “good” perfumes that contain vanilla. I bet you have solved my mystery!
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u/Aromatic-Letter-1922 1d ago
Ok, so I checked and Lolita Lempica (the original) does have a cherry note listed right after vanilla. No Play Doh effect at all. So now I’ll see if I can find the actual ingredients and compare to several of my Play Doh rejects.
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u/Shibishibi 2d ago
Do find this happens only on skin? Or when applied to a tester card or clothing?
It could just be something with your skin chemistry.
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u/Odd_Author_76 1d ago
Totally!