Floral

Ylang-Ylang

Note Profile

Botanical 3,302 perfumes

Also Known As

Ylang-Ylang Essence, ylang‑ylang

About

Tropical, exotic floral

Scent Profile

Ylang-ylang has a rich, creamy floral scent with pronounced banana-like and custard nuances, layered with hints of jasmine, spice, and a subtle green freshness. Within minutes a rubbery, medicinal sharpness from p-cresyl methyl ether asserts itself, and that phenolic cresol edge is what keeps the flower from reading as merely pretty. Its aroma evolves from bright and slightly fruity to deeper, balsamic floral notes as it dries down, with a faint animalic warmth underneath. The scent is both exotic and enveloping, contributing a narcotic quality to compositions.

ScentWheel

Breadthmedium

EnvelopeHeart · ~8h lasting

Family Floral, Woody & Earthy, Fruity

Read off the wheel, not a label applied to the note.

WorldSee it in Note Island

ScentArt

What is ScentArt?

What this is made of

Ylang ylang oil

A natural extract

CAS 8006-81-3

Ylang-ylang extract (IFRA NCS). Graded first to third distillate, which differ; the note averages them.

Declarable allergen: Named in EU Annex III as Cananga Odorata Flower Extract products must list this name above a set concentration
Restricted: An IFRA Standard limits how much of this a perfumer can use the limit applies to the perfumer, not the wearer

These are facts about the substance, not about any perfume with this note.

Why that matters

A perfume that names Ylang-Ylang can use a different extract, a reformulated version, or a synthetic reconstruction. It can also hold less than the amount that requires a declaration. We cannot tell which applies. These rows cover only the substances we hold a link for.

How the layers join

Origin

Ylang-ylang essential oil is steam-distilled from the freshly harvested flowers of the Cananga odorata tree, native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean islands. The oil is often fractionated into several grades, with the first distillation (extra) prized for its delicacy and used in fine perfumery.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use ylang-ylang primarily in the heart of floral and oriental compositions, where it imparts richness and complexity. It blends well with jasmine, rose, sandalwood, and citrus notes, and is a key component in classic floral bouquets and exotic blends. Its balancing effect can soften sharp edges and add depth to both feminine and unisex fragrances.