New Saje Premium Diffuser Blends: Vanilla Orchid & Pepper Bloom

Autumn has arrived, and with it two new exceptional diffuser blends unlike anything we've created before: Vanilla Orchid and Pepper Bloom. To explore how these premium formulas honor the change that's literally in the air, we caught up with Saje's Sr. In-House Aromatherapist, Linnette Carrière—the genius behind these two new blends and our last 10 years of formulations—to talk hand-pollinated flowers, CO2 extraction, and mood-setting intentions.

LINNETTE, THESE NEW BLENDS ARE EXCEPTIONAL. WHAT MAKES THEM SO EXQUISITE?

All the experienced and passionate hands that brought these oils to life. From pollination to extraction to filling the bottles, these blends were a communal effort of farmers, botanists, formulators, and designers—many skilled hands.

TELL US ABOUT HAND-POLLINATION AND HOW THAT'S DONE.

We’ve been in search of the perfect vanilla partnership for years. Vanilla is native to Mexico, where it’s pollinated by the melipona bee—and only the melipona bee. Since this species of bee is endangered, so is the vanilla plant it cares for: vanilla planifolia. Therefore, we stopped using vanilla a few years ago. However, our new farm partnership in Madagascar hand-pollinates these transplanted plants, preventing those precious pollinators from further risk. The process is a blend of science and art: the conditions for successful pollination are very specific and the flowers are extremely delicate.

The pink peppercorns in Pepper Bloom also come from Madagascar, where picking and sorting is likewise by hand. This oil is not just handcrafted—it’s wildcrafted, too.

WHAT DOES WILDCRAFTED MEAN?

It means the plants grow wildly in their native environment. This method of horticulture is renowned for its sustainability, and that is especially true of this peppercorn farm. Fruit-bearing branches are trimmed, leaving the tree unharmed for future growth cycles.

THE NEXT STEP IS PRETTY COOL.

Literally. The vanilla and peppercorns were distilled using CO2 extraction; a rare, heatless method of distillation that is widely used by the highly innovative cannabis industry. Currently, it’s considered the global gold-standard for essential oil production.

Pressurized CO2 is entirely colorless, tasteless, and odorless. It leaves absolutely no trace of residual solvents in the finished product, preserving the aroma and aromatherapeutic properties of the oils entirely. The high cost of the equipment required is what makes this process so rare. And it’s why every bottle was measured and filled by hand—we didn’t want to risk wasting a single drop.

LET'S TALK VANILLA ORCHID. WHAT DOES IT SMELL LIKE AND WHEN SHOULD WE DIFFUSE IT?

Vanilla Orchid is sweet, velvety, and lightly smokey; it feels like a warm embrace. True vanilla is earthy and a little bit leathery, so we softened the blend with bright neroli and grassy vetiver for a well-rounded richness. It’s sexy.

I recommend diffusing this blend during a romantic date night or any time you want the ambience to invite connection. Honestly, this is my favorite blend we’ve ever made.

AND PEPPER BLOOM.

This blend is fiery, earthy, and bright; it feels like the cusp of new beginnings. Its intention is to be supportive through seasons of change; to help clear out your space, body, and mind of energy that’s no longer serving you.

Diffuse Pepper Bloom while celebrating (or grieving) big changes like a new career path, moving homes, or a break-up. It’s my new go-to for intention-setting, too.

Experience these blends for yourself (and find a diffuser to match).