Essential Nose Ylang Ylang
Ylang ylang oils are produced from the flowers of Cananga odorata, distilled in successive fractions — Extra, Grade I, II, III, and Complete — each carrying a distinct chemical and aromatic identity. Extra fraction, collected first, is dominated by benzyl acetate and linalool, producing the intensely sweet, narcotic floral character prized in perfumery; later fractions accumulate sesquiterpenes including germacrene-D and beta-caryophyllene, shifting progressively toward a drier, woodier character. Advanced GC×GC-TOFMS analysis of ylang ylang fractions identified 161 individual compounds across the distillation run — including 75 previously undetected terpenes, terpenoid esters, and alcohols — explaining why ylang ylang grades behave so differently in fragrance composition and physiological effect.[2]
Ylang Ylang
Cananga odorata
- Also Known As
- Cananga
- Family
- Floral
- Perfumery Note
- Base
- Intensity
- Strong
- Extraction
- Steam Distillation
- Plant Parts
- Flowers
- Origins
- Madagascar, Comoros, Indonesia
- Effect
- Calming & Relaxing, Romantic & Sensual
- Aroma
- Floral, Sweet, Exotic
- Applications
- Aromatherapy, Perfumery, Skincare, Haircare, Bath & Body, Massage
- Price
- $$$$Only the first few liters of a long distillation process; contains the highest concentration of esters
Ylang ylang oil (Cananga odorata) contains benzyl acetate (~25%), linalool, germacrene-D, beta-caryophyllene, and para-cresyl methyl ether; successive steam distillation yields distinct fractions (Extra, I, II, III) with differing ester-to-sesquiterpene ratios. Transdermal absorption studies found that ylang ylang oil significantly decreased blood pressure and increased skin temperature, with subjects self-rating as calmer.[2] Inhalation studies confirm significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, supporting its traditional use as a hypotensive and sedative agent.[3]
Ylang Ylang Extra
Cananga odorata
- Also Known As
- Ylang Extra, Ylang Ylang Superior, First Fraction Ylang
- Family
- Floral
- Perfumery Note
- Middle
- Intensity
- Very Strong
- Extraction
- Steam Distillation
- Plant Parts
- Flowers
- Origins
- Madagascar, Comoros, Philippines
- Effect
- Sensual & Romantic, Emotional Balance
- Aroma
- Intensely Floral, Sweet, Exotic, Heady, Jasmine-like
- Applications
- Perfumery, Aromatherapy, Skincare, Haircare
- Price
- $$$$Only a small first-run volume is collected per distillation batch; high demand from the fine fragrance industry drives prices significantly above the Complete grade
Ylang Ylang Extra is the first fraction collected during fractional distillation of Cananga odorata flowers — typically the first 30-60 minutes of distillation — capturing the most volatile, intensely floral constituents at their peak concentration: principally benzyl acetate, linalool, geranyl acetate, and methyl benzoate. Comprehensive two-dimensional GCxGC-TOFMS analysis has identified 161 individual compounds across the full distillation series, confirming that the Extra fraction concentrates the light ester fraction while later grades (I, II, III, Complete) progressively enrich in heavier sesquiterpenes such as germacrene D and caryophyllene.[1] Phytochemical and bioactivity reviews confirm sedative, antihypertensive, and anxiolytic activity shared across all Ylang Ylang grades, with Extra commanding premium status in fine perfumery and high-end aromatherapy for its unparalleled floral brightness and intensity.[4]
References
- [1]Improvement of ylang-ylang essential oil characterization by GC×GC-TOFMS — Brokl M et al. Molecules, 2013
- [2]Relaxing effect of ylang ylang oil on humans after transdermal absorption — Hongratanaworakit T, Buchbauer G. Phytotherapy Research, 2006
- [3]Effects of Ylang-Ylang aroma on blood pressure and heart rate in healthy men — Jung DJ et al. Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, 2013
- [4]Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang): A Comprehensive Review — Tan LT, Lee LH, Yin WF, Chan CK, Abdul Kadir H, Chan KG, Goh BH. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015