Ylang Ylang Essential Oil: Benefits, Uses & Complete Guide

Ylang ylang is the essential oil of romance and emotional depth. Its intensely floral, exotic fragrance has made it a cornerstone of the perfume industry for over a century—Chanel No. 5 famously features ylang ylang as a key note. But beyond its seductive scent, ylang ylang offers genuine therapeutic benefits for stress, blood pressure, and skin and hair health.

Native to the tropical rainforests of Indonesia and the Philippines, ylang ylang means "flower of flowers" in Tagalog—an apt name for one of aromatherapy's most captivating essences. Understanding its unique grading system and powerful emotional effects helps you use this precious oil effectively.

Understanding Ylang Ylang Grades

Unlike most essential oils that are distilled once, ylang ylang undergoes fractional distillation—the oil is collected at different stages, creating distinct grades with different aromatic and therapeutic profiles.

Ylang Ylang Extra (Superior Grade)

The first fraction collected, typically within the first hour of distillation. This is the lightest, most floral, and most expensive grade.

Characteristics:

Lightest, most delicate fragrance
Highest in linalool (floral note)
Preferred by perfumers
Most expensive grade
Best for: Fine perfumery, emotional aromatherapy

Ylang Ylang First Grade (Grade I)

Collected during the second hour of distillation, still highly aromatic but with slightly deeper notes.

Characteristics:

Still predominantly floral
Balanced aromatic profile
Good for perfumery and aromatherapy
Best for: Personal fragrances, romantic blends

Ylang Ylang Second Grade (Grade II)

Collected during hours 2-6 of distillation, this grade begins showing more of the oil's deeper, earthier characteristics.

Characteristics:

More balanced floral and earthy notes
Higher in sesquiterpenes
More affordable than Extra or First
Best for: Therapeutic applications, massage blends

Ylang Ylang Third Grade (Grade III)

The final fraction, collected from hours 6-20, with the deepest, most earthy-balsamic scent.

Characteristics:

Heaviest, most earthy scent
Highest in sesquiterpenes
Most affordable grade
Best for: Therapeutic use, soap making, diffuser blends

Ylang Ylang Complete

Rather than a fraction, Complete is the whole oil from start to finish of distillation—essentially a blend of all grades.

Characteristics:

Full spectrum of compounds
Balanced aromatic profile
Good all-purpose choice
Best for: Therapeutic aromatherapy, skincare, hair care

Research-Backed Benefits

Blood Pressure and Heart Health

Ylang ylang has been studied for cardiovascular effects with promising results. A 2012 study in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that inhaling ylang ylang essential oil significantly decreased blood pressure and heart rate in healthy men.

Mechanism: The sedative compounds in ylang ylang appear to activate the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest), counteracting stress-related cardiovascular activation.

Application insight: Simply inhaling ylang ylang during stressful moments may help moderate stress-related blood pressure spikes.

Stress and Anxiety Reduction

Research supports ylang ylang's traditional use as a calming agent:

A 2006 study in Phytotherapy Research found that ylang ylang reduced stress markers and increased feelings of calmness and relaxation compared to control conditions.

Emotional support: Beyond measurable stress markers, ylang ylang's rich, floral scent creates a sense of luxury and self-care that enhances its calming effects.

Mood Enhancement

Ylang ylang influences mood in complex ways:

Euphoria: Some users report mild euphoric feelings from ylang ylang aromatherapy
Self-esteem: The luxurious scent can enhance feelings of attractiveness and confidence
Romantic mood: Traditional aphrodisiac reputation has some basis in its mood-lifting properties

Skin and Hair Benefits

The traditional use of ylang ylang for skin and hair has practical basis:

Sebum regulation: Ylang ylang may help balance oil production, making it suitable for both oily and dry skin/hair conditions.

Scalp health: When added to hair care products, ylang ylang can support a healthy scalp environment and add shine to hair.

Skin conditioning: The oil's fatty acid content helps soften and condition skin.

How to Use Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Safely

Diffusion

Ylang ylang's intense fragrance means less is more. Start with fewer drops and add more if desired.

Romantic evening blend:

2 drops ylang ylang
2 drops sandalwood
2 drops sweet orange

Stress relief blend:

2 drops ylang ylang
3 drops lavender
2 drops bergamot

Self-care spa blend:

2 drops ylang ylang
2 drops geranium
2 drops frankincense

Diffuse for 20-30 minutes. Ylang ylang can become overwhelming if over-diffused.

Topical Application

Ylang ylang is generally well-tolerated on skin when properly diluted.

Standard dilutions:

Body massage: 2% (12 drops per ounce carrier)
Facial skincare: 1% (6 drops per ounce carrier)
Hair treatments: 2-3% (12-18 drops per ounce carrier)
Pulse point perfume: 3-5% (18-30 drops per ounce carrier)

Best carrier oils:

Jojoba (all-purpose, good for hair)
Sweet almond (massage)
Argan (hair treatments)
Fractionated coconut (light, non-greasy)

Hair Care Application

For healthy, shiny hair:

Add 5-10 drops ylang ylang to 1 oz carrier oil (jojoba or argan)
Warm between palms
Apply to damp hair, focusing on ends
Leave in as treatment or shampoo out after 20-30 minutes
Use weekly for conditioning benefits

Perfume Creation

Ylang ylang excels in natural perfumery:

Top/heart note: Contributes floral sweetness
Blends well with: Citrus oils, sandalwood, jasmine, rose, bergamot
Fixative quality: Helps anchor lighter notes

DIY Ylang Ylang Recipes

Romantic Massage Oil

A sensual blend for couples:

2 oz sweet almond oil
10 drops ylang ylang essential oil (Complete or Grade II)
8 drops sandalwood essential oil
5 drops sweet orange essential oil
3 drops vanilla absolute (optional)

Combine in a bottle. Warm between palms before massage. The blend improves with age as the scents meld.

Hair Shine Serum

For glossy, healthy-looking hair:

1 oz argan oil
1 oz jojoba oil
10 drops ylang ylang essential oil
5 drops rosemary essential oil
5 drops lavender essential oil

Combine in a dropper bottle. Apply 3-5 drops to damp hair ends. Can be used as leave-in treatment or pre-wash mask.

Calming Bath Blend

A luxurious stress-relieving soak:

1 cup Epsom salt
2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
6 drops ylang ylang essential oil
6 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops bergamot essential oil (use bergamot FCF for bath)

Mix oils with salt and almond oil. Add to warm running bath. Soak for 20 minutes.

Personal Perfume Roller

A natural, sophisticated fragrance:

10ml roller bottle
Jojoba oil (to fill)
8 drops ylang ylang extra or first grade
6 drops sandalwood essential oil
4 drops bergamot essential oil
2 drops vanilla absolute (optional)

Add essential oils to roller bottle, fill with jojoba. Roll onto pulse points—wrists, behind ears, collarbone. Allow to meld for a week before use for best scent development.

Balancing Face Oil

For skin that tends toward oiliness:

1 oz jojoba oil
4 drops ylang ylang essential oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops geranium essential oil

Combine in a dropper bottle. Apply 3-4 drops to clean face in evening. Jojoba's similarity to skin sebum combined with ylang ylang's balancing properties can help normalize oil production.

Buying Guide: Choosing Quality Ylang Ylang Oil

Grade Selection

Choose based on your primary use:

Extra: Premium perfumery, special occasions
First Grade: Personal fragrances, emotional aromatherapy
Second Grade: Therapeutic massage, general aromatherapy
Third Grade: Household use, diffusing, soap making
Complete: Best all-around value, full therapeutic benefit

Quality Indicators

Grade clearly specified: Avoid "ylang ylang" without grade identification
Origin stated: Comoros Islands, Madagascar, or Philippines produce quality oil
Botanical name: Cananga odorata var. genuina
Appropriate scent: Sweet, floral, slightly fruity (varies by grade)
Price reflects grade: Extra costs significantly more than Complete or Grade III

Price Expectations

Ylang Ylang Extra: $25-50 per 10ml
Ylang Ylang Complete: $15-25 per 10ml
Grade III: $10-18 per 10ml

What to Avoid

No grade specified
Unusually cheap "ylang ylang" (likely cananga oil, a different species)
Harsh, chemical, or overly sweet synthetic smell
Sellers who can't specify origin

Storage

Store in dark glass away from heat
Ylang ylang has good shelf life (3-4 years)
Refrigeration not necessary but won't harm the oil
The scent mellows and improves with age

Ylang Ylang in Culture and History

Traditional Indonesian Use

In Indonesia, ylang ylang flowers are scattered on the beds of newlyweds, and the oil is used in traditional hair care and skin treatments. The plant is deeply integrated into ceremonial and daily life.

Victorian Macassar Oil

The Victorian-era hair treatment "Macassar oil"—so popular that antimacassars (cloth covers) were invented to protect furniture—typically contained ylang ylang as a key ingredient.

Modern Perfumery

Ylang ylang remains essential in the fragrance industry. Beyond Chanel No. 5, it appears in countless perfumes, adding sweetness and depth to floral and oriental compositions.

Aromatherapy Renaissance

The modern aromatherapy movement has embraced ylang ylang for its emotional and physiological benefits, moving beyond purely aesthetic use to therapeutic applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does ylang ylang give me a headache?

Ylang ylang's intensity can overwhelm some people, especially when used in excess. Use fewer drops, ensure good ventilation, and try blending with lighter oils like grapefruit or lavender to soften the impact.

What's the difference between ylang ylang and cananga oil?

Both come from related plants (Cananga odorata), but ylang ylang comes from var. genuina and undergoes fractional distillation, while cananga comes from var. macrophylla and is distilled all at once. Ylang ylang is more refined and expensive; cananga is more affordable but less aromatic.

Is ylang ylang really an aphrodisiac?

While no essential oil is a pharmaceutical aphrodisiac, ylang ylang's mood-enhancing, stress-reducing, and confidence-boosting properties can certainly support romantic mood. Its traditional use in this context has real basis.

Can ylang ylang help with anxiety?

Research supports ylang ylang's calming effects on the nervous system. It may help reduce anxiety symptoms and promote relaxation. However, some find the intense scent overwhelming—if so, blend with lavender or citrus.

How do I know which grade to buy?

Start with Complete for general use. Move to higher grades for perfumery or when you want the most refined scent. Grade III works well for diffusing and household applications where the finest fragrance isn't critical.

Is ylang ylang safe during pregnancy?

Many aromatherapists advise caution with ylang ylang during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider before use. If approved for use, stick to low dilutions and diffusion rather than topical application.

Last updated: December 30, 2025. This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils therapeutically.