Vanilla content & Discoloration

[John Harris]

I've been looking at fragrance oils and some of them list vanilla content. If I remember right, they ranged from 0% up to 9%. Can anyone speak to at what level discoloration begins to happen?

 

[amd]

I've found that it varies depending on the FO. Typically lower vanillan = less discoloration... but I've had two different FO's with the same vanillan content discolor to varying degrees. I typically shoot for 3% or less to discolor to a light tan or beige, anything above 3% a darker brown, but those are just my guidelines. Good supplier will share the discoloration photos - such as NG:

 

[jcandleattic]

I agree with amd, it will vary greatly - I've had some vanilla's discolor dark with only 3%, but yet some barely go tan with 7% or higher. I know "it just depends" is not the answer you are looking for, but this has been my experience.
Vanilla is also not the only component that will discolor a soap. I've had 0% vanilla soaps discolor to varying degrees also.
This is why I use a VS in every batch I make. It's just part of my recipe now.

 

[ResolvableOwl]

Can anyone speak to at what level discoloration begins to happen?

According to @Todd Ziegler, it never happens when you're doing it right .