creamy yellow ylang ylang blossoms on dark tropical leaves — exotic, sensual, luxurious

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil: The Floral Oil for Mood, Romance, and Calm

Ylang ylang is not a subtle oil. Its scent is rich, heady, and intensely floral — one of the most complex and emotionally evocative in aromatherapy. Used well, it is deeply calming, mood-lifting, and sensual; used too liberally, it can become overwhelming. Learning to work with ylang ylang is one of the most rewarding skills in aromatherapy — and the results are unlike anything else in the essential oil world.

What is Ylang Ylang Essential Oil?

Ylang ylang essential oil is steam-distilled from the flowers of Cananga odorata, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia — particularly the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Comoro Islands. The name means “flower of flowers” in Tagalog, and the blossoms are among the most fragrant in the natural world.

The distillation process produces several grades of oil, collected at different stages:

  • Ylang Ylang Extra — the first fraction; the finest and most expensive; used primarily in high-end perfumery
  • Ylang Ylang I — the second fraction; still very high quality; rich, floral, and complex; the best choice for aromatherapy
  • Ylang Ylang II — the third fraction; slightly less intense; good for blending
  • Ylang Ylang III — the final fraction; the most affordable; lighter and less complex; good for hair and skin care
  • Ylang Ylang Complete — a blend of all fractions; balanced and versatile

For aromatherapy, Ylang Ylang I is the premium choice. Ylang Ylang III is excellent for hair and skin applications where the full intensity of the scent is less important.

The Scent Profile

Ylang ylang has a rich, intensely sweet, floral scent with creamy, slightly fruity, and faintly rubbery undertones. It is one of the most complex natural scents available — simultaneously exotic, romantic, and deeply calming. It is a key ingredient in some of the world’s most famous perfumes, including Chanel No. 5.

Benefits of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Mood lifting and emotional balance
Ylang ylang is one of the most powerful mood-lifting oils in aromatherapy. Its primary compounds — linalool, geranyl acetate, and benzyl acetate — have well-documented anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. A 2006 study found that ylang ylang inhalation significantly reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and self-reported anxiety. It is particularly effective for the kind of emotional heaviness, low mood, or nervous tension that sits in the chest.

Anxiety and stress relief
Ylang ylang’s calming effect on the nervous system is rapid and pronounced. It slows the heart rate, reduces blood pressure, and creates a sense of warmth and emotional safety. It is particularly effective for anxiety that manifests physically — racing heart, tight chest, shallow breathing. A few drops diffused or inhaled directly can produce a noticeable shift within minutes.

Romance and sensuality
Ylang ylang has a long history as an aphrodisiac and romantic oil. In Indonesia, ylang ylang petals are traditionally scattered on the beds of newlyweds. Its rich, floral scent creates an atmosphere of warmth, intimacy, and sensuality — making it one of the most popular oils for romantic diffuser blends and massage oils. It pairs beautifully with frankincense, sandalwood, and bergamot.

Hair care
Ylang ylang (particularly Grade III) is widely used in hair care for its ability to balance scalp sebum production, add shine, and promote hair health. It is particularly beneficial for dry or damaged hair and an itchy or flaky scalp. Add a few drops to your shampoo or dilute in a carrier oil for a pre-wash scalp treatment.

Sleep support
Used in the evening, ylang ylang’s deeply calming properties make it a valuable addition to a pre-sleep routine — particularly for those whose sleep is disrupted by anxiety, emotional stress, or an overactive nervous system. It works beautifully alongside lavender and cedarwood.

How to Use Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Diffuser

Add just 2–3 drops to an ultrasonic diffuser — ylang ylang is potent and can cause headaches if overdiffused. Blend with other oils to balance its intensity. Ideal for evenings, romantic occasions, and pre-sleep wind-down.

Direct Inhalation

Add 1 drop to your palms (just one — it is strong), rub together, cup over your nose and mouth, and breathe slowly for 30–60 seconds. Effective for acute anxiety and emotional overwhelm.

Topical Application

Dilute 1–2 drops in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil (jojoba or sweet almond work well). Apply to pulse points, the back of the neck, or as part of a massage oil. Keep dilution low — 1% is sufficient for most purposes.

Hair Treatment

Add 3–4 drops of Ylang Ylang III to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil (coconut or argan work particularly well). Massage into the scalp and through the lengths of the hair. Leave for 30 minutes then shampoo out. Use weekly for best results.

Bath

Add 3–4 drops to a tablespoon of carrier oil or full-fat milk, then add to a warm bath. The combination of warmth and ylang ylang is deeply restorative for emotional stress and tension.

Blending Guide

Ylang ylang is a powerful base-to-middle note. Use sparingly — it should enhance a blend, not dominate it.

Blends well with: frankincense, bergamot, lavender, sandalwood, rose, geranium, jasmine, patchouli, cedarwood, lemon, orange

Romance (diffuser)

  • 2 drops Ylang Ylang
  • 3 drops Frankincense
  • 2 drops Sandalwood

Calm & Lift (anxiety — diffuser)

Evening Bloom (pre-sleep — diffuser)

  • 2 drops Ylang Ylang
  • 3 drops Lavender
  • 2 drops Cedarwood

Floral Perfume (topical)

  • 2 drops Ylang Ylang
  • 3 drops Bergamot FCF
  • 2 drops Geranium
  • Dilute in 1 teaspoon jojoba oil

Safety Notes

  • Use at low dilutions — ylang ylang can cause headaches and nausea if used in excess
  • Always dilute before applying to skin; avoid use neat
  • Avoid use during pregnancy without professional guidance
  • May cause sensitisation with prolonged or repeated use at high concentrations — keep dilutions low (1% or less for regular topical use)
  • Keep out of reach of children and pets

For full dilution ratios and carrier oil guidance, see our Essential Oil Dilution Guide.

A Note on Quality

Always check the grade when buying ylang ylang — Grade I for aromatherapy, Grade III for hair and skin. Look for the botanical name (Cananga odorata) and country of origin (Comoro Islands and Madagascar produce some of the finest). Our guide to choosing quality essential oils explains what to look for.

Shop Ylang Ylang Essential Oils at Vivid Aromas

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