Ylang-ylang essential oil: the floral scent of the tropics

Some scents can be recognised with your eyes closed. Ylang-ylang is one of them: a rich, sweet, slightly spicy floral note that instantly carries you to the islands of the Indian Ocean. Perfumers love it, and it is easy to see why. At the drugstore it is valued for creating a soft, enveloping atmosphere, or for scenting a beauty product.

What is ylang-ylang?

Ylang-ylang, Cananga odorata, is a tropical tree of the Annonaceae family, native to South-East Asia. Today it is grown notably in the Comoros and Madagascar. Its large yellow flowers, with narrow drooping petals, are picked by hand and then distilled.

Ylang-ylang distillation is unusual: it can be split into several grades collected one after another ("extra", "first" and so on), or carried out in one go to obtain a complete oil that brings together every nuance of the scent.

According to the product sheet, our ylang-ylang is precisely such a complete oil, obtained by distilling the flowers, in a 10 ml bottle. The sheet also states that its use requires the advice of a specialist. Another presentation, ylang-ylang essential oil, is described as an oil "with a floral, exotic scent". To see where this oil stands among the others, read our guide to essential oil families.

How to use it

Our druggist recommends it for diffusion or in cosmetics, for its floral scent and a relaxing atmosphere.

In a diffuser

• Its scent is powerful: start with a single drop, perhaps combined with a citrus oil such as sweet orange or grapefruit, which lightens it.
• Diffuse for 15 to 20 minutes, then air the room. A heady scent that is too present soon becomes overwhelming.

In cosmetics, diluted

• For the lengths of your hair: one drop in a teaspoon of vegetable oil, spread over the ends before shampooing.
• For a scented massage oil: one drop in a tablespoon of neutral vegetable oil.
• Always do a test in the crook of your elbow 24 hours before first use.

Prefer something ready to use? Our mild ylang-ylang shampoo (250 ml) "cleanses and respects the hair", says its sheet.

Precautions

Before use. As its sheet points out, the use of ylang-ylang essential oil requires the advice of a specialist. Do not swallow it and never apply it undiluted. Avoid the eyes and mucous membranes. Ask for advice during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for a child or if you are receiving medical treatment. Use it sparingly: a few drops are enough. Keep the bottle closed, away from light and out of the reach of children.

Our products

• Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) – complete oil distilled from the flowers, 10 ml.
• Organic ylang-ylang essential oil, 10 ml – from organic farming.
• Ylang-ylang essential oil – floral, exotic scent.
• Mild ylang-ylang shampoo, 250 ml – for fragrant everyday washing.

Want to smell it?

Ylang-ylang is one of those oils best discovered in person before you adopt it. Come and smell it at Droguerie Perusset in Yverdon-les-Bains: we will help you find the dosage and pairings you like.