I wasn't aware that you couldn't. I have used other food flavorings like mint, etc., in melt and pour recipes with no problem. Using it in cold process soap could pose a problem- the alcohol in the flavorings could react with the lye, but I am just guessing.
Susan

Thanks Susan. I'll try it in some melt and pour.

My thought was like Susan the alcohol in it, and I'm not sure if the scent would hold up long term in a soap.

This has a specific answer.

Here is a link that might be useful: scroll to the bottom question

Here's another opinion.

Here is a link that might be useful: Vanilla Extract use

So the use of extracts in CP soap is basically out. I figured that. However, in M&P it seems to be okay. I have also used cinnamon oil and clove oil in M&P soap, along with vanilla. The fragrance seems to last a long time, or at least as long as most fragrance oils do. It does require more extract to achieve a good fragrance than it does fragrance oil. The mint is especially hard to achieve a good fragrance with, I think, but the cinnamon oil and also ground cinnamon seem to produce a strong fragrance.
Susan

i would not use extract. it isn't for b&b the scent probably will not last and may go rancid. i would use products specifically for soap making.

be really careful with cinnamon oil, it can cause rashes and/or burns.

Cinnamon can be an irratant to some women on the tender parts:)

Alcohol is sometimes used in melt and pour for connecting layers of different colours etc. As for the strength of vanilla extract, I don't know. Using EOs is a good bet for a good outcome. For vanilla and cinnamon, about 1/2 of an ounce per pound of oils with no adverse effect or irratation.

Good luck!