The way I understand it , is that it' s a composite of many things,ie urine , gland excretions, dander ,etc. EVERYTHING BUT VANILLA!!!!! Get a bottle LRhody and take a whiff, I can almost guarantee you won' t smell vanilla. As far as allergic reaction , I can' t be sure. Try it on boots and at your level in stand. Great cover scent. To give an idea , it smells alot like a fresh deer bed. Apparently they think nothing of it or they wonder who the new kid in town is. Those have been my observances.