Well, while I'm happy to hear that your family has had good luck in using
vanilla in recipes, room fresheners, etc., the literature I have (Consumer's
Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients and Consumer's Dictionary of Medicines)
indicates that there are problems with putting it on your skin.  Here is the
exact quotation:
 
"Vanilla Extract/vanillin: One part vanillin equals 400 parts vanilla pods.
The lethal dose in mice is 3 grams (30 grams to the ounce) per kilogram of
body weight.
 
A skin irritant that produces a burning sensation and eczema.  May also
cause pigmentation of the skin."
 
Most of the soapmakers I know just use synthetic skin-safe vanilla
fragrance oils instead, to avoid that problem.  I believe my fragrance
supplier (www.sweetcakes.com) also has vanilla lip balm flavor that is
skin safe and safe for *human* ingestion (in minute quantities).  She
stocks it for use in lip balms and lipsticks.  Perhaps this would be a
safer alternative to the vanilla extract?
 
- Ela
 
    ___     ___
   (000)___(000)        Ela Heyn
   /   @    @  \        [log in to unmask]
   |           |
   ======@======    http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/5483
[Posted in FML issue 2332]