Vanilla History: Enslaved Little Boy Revolutionizes Vanilla Cultivation

Vanilla isn’t just for desserts—it’s a powerhouse ingredient for your skin! Research shows that vanilla is rich in antioxidants which help fight free radicals and slow down skin aging. Vanilla also has antibacterial properties making it great for soothing irritation and keeping your skin clear, plus its natural aroma is calming and uplifting.

A recent study found that vanilla extract can help reduce inflammation and improve skin hydration making it a great addition to skincare routines (Zhang et al 2023). That’s why we love using it in our vanilla almond soap at Thera-suds. This creamy blend of ingredients leaves your skin silky soft, nourished and lightly scented with warm comforting notes.

But vanilla has a deeper story one that starts with a 12-year-old enslaved boy named Edmond Albius in 1841 on Reunion Island (a French colony in the Indian ocean) he discovered a simple but revolutionary way to hand-pollinate vanilla orchids. Before his discovery vanilla could only grow naturally in Mexico because it relied on a specific bee for pollination his method changed the industry forever. 

This black history month we tell the story of Edmond Albius and all the hidden figures whose brilliance shaped the world. We celebrate the power of knowledge, resilience, and fair opportunities just as we support ethical vanilla farming we also ensure our shea butter is fair trade empowering women in Ghana with every bar of soap we create!

Reference:

Zhang H. Liu  & Wang J. et al (2023) Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of vanilla extract in skincare journal of dermatological science 78(2) 45-57