Dermastir Ylang-Ylang

Ylang-ylang, Cananga odorata, is the flower of the cananga tree. The tree attains an average height of 12 meters, grows in full or partial sun, and prefers the acidic soils of its native rainforest habitat. The leaves are long, smooth and glossy. The flower is greenish yellow or pink, curly like a starfish, and yields a highly fragrant essential oil.


The word derives from the Tagalog plant name ilang-ilang, and does not allude to the pleasant scent of ylang-ylang flowers.

The fragrance of ylang-ylang is rich and deep with notes of rubber and custard, and bright with hints of jasmine and neroli. The essential oil of the flower is obtained through steam distillation of the flowers and separated into different grades (extra; 1; 2; 3) according to when the distillates are obtained.

The main aromatic component of ylang-ylang is methyl anthranilate.
Ylang-ylang essential oil is used in aromatherapy, where it is believed to relieve high blood pressure, normalize sebum secretion for skin problems, and considered to be an aphrodisiac. The oil from ylang-ylang is widely used in perfumery for oriental or floral themed perfumes. Ylang-ylang blends well with most floral, fruit and wood smells. In Indonesia, ylang-ylang flowers are spread on the bed of newlywed couples.