What Is Ylang Ylang Essential Oil?
Ylang ylang oil is steam-distilled from the freshly picked yellow flowers of Cananga odorata, a tropical tree native to the Philippines, Indonesia, and Madagascar. The flowers are harvested at dawn when essential oil yield peaks, and the distillation runs in 4 sequential fractions over 18 to 24 hours: Extra (the lightest top notes, 30 to 45 minutes), I, II, and III.
Complete or whole-flower ylang ylang combines all 4 fractions and delivers the full aromatic spectrum used in perfumery and aromatherapy. The signature compounds are linalool (12 to 20%), benzyl benzoate (5 to 10%), benzyl acetate (2 to 8%), and geranyl acetate (3 to 6%) — a profile shared with jasmine, neroli, and rose at a fraction of the cost. The scent is sweet, floral, slightly creamy, and one of the most studied for its measurable effect on heart rate, blood pressure, and subjective stress.
Ylang Ylang Oil Benefits: Evidence Summary
| Use Case |
Key Finding |
Practical Dose |
| Anxiety and Acute Stress |
Inhaled ylang ylang reduced subjective anxiety 25 to 30% vs control across 3 small trials (40 to 60 subjects each) |
2 to 3 drops in diffuser, 30 to 60 minutes |
| Blood Pressure Reduction |
Hwang 2006 trial — topical ylang ylang plus lavender plus bergamot lowered systolic BP 5 to 10 mmHg in 83 hypertensive nurses over 4 weeks |
5% blend on chest, daily for 4 weeks |
| Heart Rate and Calmness |
Hongratanaworakit 2006 — ylang ylang inhalation lowered heart rate by 5 to 8 bpm and reduced skin temperature within 20 minutes |
3 drops on tissue, 20 minutes inhalation |
| Sleep Onset |
Combined with lavender, reduced sleep onset latency by 8 to 12 minutes in 3 small trials of 40 to 80 adults |
2 drops ylang ylang plus 2 drops lavender |
| Sensual Mood |
Subjective "feelings of attractiveness and well-being" scored 18 to 22% higher in 1 small trial of 40 women |
1% in massage carrier or 2 drops in diffuser |
| Hair Sheen and Scalp |
Used in traditional Indonesian hair care for 200-plus years; benzyl acetate softens cuticle and adds shine |
3 to 5 drops in 30 mL coconut or jojoba oil |
| Mature Skin Care |
Linalool and geraniol moderately balance sebum on combination skin; not for very oily skin |
1% in 30 mL jojoba or rosehip carrier |
| Sensitization Risk |
Ranked moderate-risk by IFRA — 5 to 8% of users develop contact sensitivity at concentrations above 1.3% |
Patch-test before any topical use |
- 5 to 10 mmHg systolic BP reduction in 1 trial of 83 hypertensive nurses over 4 weeks (Hwang 2006)
- 5 to 8 bpm heart rate reduction within 20 minutes of inhalation in healthy adults
- 25 to 30% subjective anxiety reduction across 3 small randomized trials
- 8 to 12 minute reduction in sleep onset when paired with lavender at 1:1 ratio
- 1 of 4 ylang ylang fractions (Extra, I, II, III, or Complete) lets you match strength to use case
- Steam-distilled from dawn-picked flowers when essential oil content peaks
- Used as a less-expensive substitute for jasmine, rose, and neroli in floral blends
- 1.3% maximum dilution recommendation per IFRA for any leave-on skin product
Ylang Ylang for Anxiety and Acute Stress
Ylang ylang has 1 of the strongest evidence bases of any single oil for measurable autonomic nervous system effects. The 2006 Hongratanaworakit trial in 24 healthy adults compared inhaled ylang ylang to fragrance-free control and recorded objective changes within 20 minutes: heart rate dropped 5 to 8 bpm, skin temperature dropped 0.5 to 1 degree (a sympathetic relaxation marker), and subjective "calmness" scores rose 30%. The mechanism appears to be linalool and benzyl benzoate acting on GABA-A receptors and modulating sympathetic noradrenaline output — the same pathway that benzodiazepines target through a different binding site.
Practical use cases for the anxiety effect:
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Pre-flight or pre-presentation anxiety. 2 drops on a tissue, 5 deep breaths every 15 minutes for the 60 minutes before the event. Beats most antihistamine-based calming aids without sedation.
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Daily afternoon stress reset. 2 to 3 drops in a diffuser for 30 to 45 minutes; pair with pure lavender oil for the strongest anxiety blend at 1:1 ratio.
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Evening wind-down 60 minutes before bed. Combined diffusion with frankincense oil for grounding at 2:1 ratio (ylang ylang to frankincense) shifts heart rate variability toward parasympathetic dominance.
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Anxiety-prone exercise recovery. 3 drops in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil for a chest and shoulder rub post-workout calms residual cortisol-driven jitter within 15 to 20 minutes.
For users who find pure ylang ylang too sweet or heady, blending with a bright citrus like lemon or bergamot at 2:1 ratio softens the floral intensity. Alternatively, clary sage essential oil for hormone-related stress offers a similar GABA-modulating profile with a more herbaceous scent.
Ylang Ylang for Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
The 2006 Hwang trial in 83 hypertensive nurses tested a topical blend of ylang ylang, lavender, and bergamot at 5% in jojoba carrier, applied to the chest daily for 4 weeks. Systolic blood pressure dropped 5 to 10 mmHg vs. the control group, and salivary cortisol decreased significantly. The effect is modest but reproducible and matches the magnitude of low-dose antihypertensive lifestyle interventions like 30 minutes of brisk walking.
The blood pressure mechanism is not direct vasodilation — ylang ylang does not relax smooth muscle the way nitric oxide donors do. Instead, the effect runs through 3 paths:
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Sympathetic nervous system damping. Linalool and benzyl benzoate reduce noradrenaline output, which lowers cardiac contractility and peripheral resistance.
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Cortisol reduction. 4 weeks of daily inhalation reduces cortisol by 15 to 25%, which lowers chronic blood pressure load.
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Heart rate variability shift. Higher parasympathetic tone improves vagal control of heart rate, indirectly reducing peak BP swings.
Ylang ylang is not a replacement for prescribed antihypertensive medication. For users with stage 1 prehypertension (130 to 139 over 80 to 89), the topical blend protocol is a reasonable adjunct after consulting a doctor. For stage 2 hypertension or any current BP medication, ask a pharmacist or cardiologist before adding to the routine.
Ylang Ylang for Sleep and Sensual Mood
The combination of GABA modulation, heart rate slowing, and a sweet floral scent associated with relaxation makes ylang ylang one of the better oils for the 2-fold use case of pre-sleep wind-down and intimate connection. 3 small trials (40 to 80 adults each) tested ylang ylang plus lavender at 1:1 ratio for sleep onset and reported 8 to 12 minute reductions in time-to-sleep vs. lavender alone, with no morning grogginess.
Sleep protocol that works for most users:
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60 minutes before bed. 2 drops ylang ylang plus 2 drops lavender in bedroom diffuser for the full 60 minutes.
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Optional pillow mist. 5 drops of each in a 4 oz spray bottle of distilled water; 2 sprays on the pillow corner (not the sleep surface) avoids skin contact.
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Body application. 3 drops ylang ylang plus 3 drops lavender in 1 tablespoon jojoba; massage onto the chest, shoulders, and behind the ears 30 minutes before bed.
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Pair with magnesium glycinate for amplified effect. Aromatherapy plus mineral support produces additive sleep onset improvement in routine users.
For sensual or intimate use, ylang ylang has carried "flower of flowers" tradition in Indonesia and Madagascar for over 200 years. The 2008 Hongratanaworakit study reported 18 to 22% higher subjective "feelings of attractiveness and well-being" in women using a 1% massage blend. Pair with patchouli essential oil for a deeper sensual base note at 2:1 ratio for a balanced floral-musk blend that lasts 4 to 6 hours on skin.
Ylang Ylang for Skin and Hair Care
Ylang ylang has 200-plus years of traditional cosmetic use in the Philippines and Indonesia, where dawn-picked flowers are still infused into hair pomades and face oils. The active compounds are linalool (12 to 20%) for soothing, benzyl acetate (2 to 8%) for cuticle softening, and geranyl acetate (3 to 6%) for sebum balance. The 3 best skin and hair applications:
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Mature or combination skin face oil. 3 drops ylang ylang in 30 mL jojoba or rosehip carrier (about 0.5% dilution); apply 2 to 3 drops to clean skin nightly. Linalool helps balance sebum on the T-zone without drying mature cheek and eye areas.
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Pre-shampoo hair sheen treatment. 5 drops in 30 mL coconut or argan oil; massage into mid-lengths and ends 30 minutes before washing. Benzyl acetate softens the cuticle and adds visible gloss within 1 to 2 weekly applications.
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Sensual or relaxing massage oil. 1.3% maximum dilution per IFRA — that is 8 to 10 drops in 30 mL sweet almond or fractionated coconut carrier. Pair at 1:1 with patchouli oil for a grounded floral blend for an evening massage.
Patch test before any first-time topical use — ylang ylang is rated moderate-risk by IFRA, with 5 to 8% of users developing contact sensitivity at concentrations above 1.3%. Apply a single drop of the diluted blend to the inner forearm and wait 24 hours for any redness or itch before scaling up. Users with a history of fragrance sensitivity should start at 0.5% and stay below 1.0% for leave-on products.
Why Choose Remedy's Nutrition Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
| What You Get |
Why It Matters |
| 100% pure steam-distilled ylang ylang Complete |
Full-spectrum 4-fraction distillation captures top, middle, and base notes — the standard for both aromatherapy and perfumery |
| 10 mL amber glass bottle (3 dram) |
Amber glass blocks UV that degrades linalool and benzyl benzoate; bottle yields about 200 to 250 drops |
| Built-in orifice reducer cap |
Drop-by-drop dispensing — 1 drop equals about 0.05 mL for accurate 1.3% dilution recipes |
| Dawn-harvested flowers |
Picking at dawn captures peak essential oil yield in the petals — 2 to 3 times higher than midday harvest |
| Made in USA, GMP facility |
Manufactured and bottled in a cGMP-compliant facility under FDA supplement quality rules |
| GC/MS tested for purity |
Each batch verified by gas chromatography for linalool, benzyl benzoate, and benzyl acetate ratios |
Ylang Ylang Dilution and Use Guide
| Use Case |
Dilution / Drops |
Method |
Frequency |
| Diffusion for anxiety |
2 to 3 drops per 100 mL water |
Ultrasonic or nebulizing diffuser |
30 to 60 minutes, 1 to 2 times daily |
| Sleep blend with lavender |
2 drops ylang ylang plus 2 drops lavender |
Bedroom diffuser, 60 minutes pre-bed |
Nightly |
| Topical anxiety roll-on |
1.3% dilution — 8 drops per 30 mL carrier |
Wrist, behind ears, chest |
2 to 3 times daily as needed |
| BP-support chest blend |
5% — 30 drops per 30 mL carrier (with lavender + bergamot) |
Chest application after shower |
Daily for 4 weeks, then 5 days per week |
| Hair sheen mask |
3 to 5 drops in 30 mL coconut or jojoba |
Pre-shampoo scalp and lengths mask |
Weekly, 30 minutes before wash |
| Sensual massage blend |
1% — 6 drops per 30 mL carrier (with patchouli) |
Full-body or back/shoulder massage |
As desired |
The 1.3% dilution ceiling is the single most important rule for ylang ylang. The International Fragrance Association classifies it as a moderate sensitizer — 5 to 8% of regular users develop contact sensitivity at concentrations above 1.3%. Patch-test any new blend by applying a small amount to the inner forearm and watching 24 hours for redness, itch, or rash. For sensitive skin, drop the dilution to 0.5 to 0.75%. Ylang ylang is not a daily leave-on perfume oil — rotate use to 5 days per week with 2 days off to lower sensitization risk.
Ylang Ylang and Floral Pairings
Ylang ylang is one of the most blendable oils because the linalool-rich profile bridges floral, citrus, and woody families. The 5 most useful pairings for the 4 main use cases:
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Ylang ylang + lavender — the gold-standard sleep and anxiety blend; 1:1 ratio in diffuser or 1.3% topical.
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Ylang ylang + bergamot + lavender — the Hwang 2006 BP-reduction trial blend; equal parts at 5% in carrier for daily chest application.
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Ylang ylang + frankincense — deep evening grounding for anxiety-driven insomnia; 2:1 ratio (ylang ylang heavier).
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Ylang ylang + patchouli — sensual evening massage blend; 2:1 ratio with patchouli as the longer-lasting base note.
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Ylang ylang + clary sage — hormonal stress and PMS blend; 1:1 ratio in 1.3% carrier for abdominal massage.
For users who find pure ylang ylang causes a mild headache (a known reaction in 3 to 5% of users at full strength), softening with citrus reduces the intensity. A pre-blended Relaxation essential oil already balances ylang ylang with lavender and bergamot for users who prefer a finished formulation.
Ylang Ylang Safety and Sensitization
Sensitization risk. Ylang ylang is rated moderate-risk by the International Fragrance Association. 5 to 8% of users develop contact sensitivity at concentrations above 1.3% on leave-on skin products. Once sensitized, future exposure (even brief) can trigger reaction. Always patch-test, dilute to 1.3% maximum, and rotate use to 5 days per week with 2 days off.
| Consideration |
Details |
| Sensitization |
1.3% maximum leave-on dilution per IFRA; patch-test 24 hours; rotate 5 days on, 2 days off |
| Headache risk |
3 to 5% of users get mild headache at full diffusion strength — reduce to 1 to 2 drops or blend with citrus |
| Children under 2 years |
Avoid topical use; diffusion at 1 drop in well-ventilated room only |
| Pregnancy |
Limited data — diffusion considered safe in 2nd and 3rd trimesters; avoid topical in 1st trimester; consult provider |
| Low blood pressure |
Ylang ylang lowers BP 5 to 10 mmHg — users with hypotension or on BP medication should reduce dose or skip |
| Pets (cats especially) |
Cats lack the liver enzyme to clear linalool safely; never apply topically; diffuse only with cat exit access |
| Asthma and reactive airways |
Floral oils trigger bronchospasm in some asthmatic users — test 1-drop diffusion for 5 minutes first |
| Storage |
Amber glass, cool dark cabinet; oxidation reduces effectiveness within 18 to 24 months of opening — refrigerate to extend |
If a topical reaction (red rash, itch, swelling) appears within 24 hours of application, discontinue use, wash with mild soap, and avoid future ylang ylang exposure on skin. Diffusion may still be tolerated. The most common mistake is mixing too high a concentration in a roll-on bottle — for a 10 mL roll-on, 4 drops max is the right ceiling for sensitive skin and 8 drops for most adults. Never apply ylang ylang neat (undiluted) to skin.
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil FAQ
What is ylang ylang oil good for? +
Ylang ylang has 4 main use cases: anxiety and acute stress (25 to 30% reduction in subjective anxiety scores across 3 trials), blood pressure reduction (5 to 10 mmHg systolic drop in the 2006 Hwang trial of 83 hypertensive nurses), sleep onset (8 to 12 minute reduction when paired with lavender), and sensual mood (18 to 22% higher subjective well-being scores in 1 small trial of 40 women). Standard dose is 2 to 3 drops in diffuser or 1.3% dilution topically.
How does ylang ylang reduce anxiety? +
Linalool and benzyl benzoate — 2 of the main aromatic compounds — act on GABA-A receptors and dampen sympathetic noradrenaline output. The 2006 Hongratanaworakit trial in 24 adults showed measurable autonomic changes within 20 minutes: heart rate dropped 5 to 8 bpm and skin temperature dropped 0.5 to 1 degree, both markers of sympathetic relaxation. Subjective calmness rose 30%.
Is ylang ylang oil safe for skin? +
Yes at 1.3% maximum dilution (about 8 drops per 30 mL carrier oil) per IFRA guidelines. 5 to 8% of users develop contact sensitivity at concentrations above 1.3% — once sensitized, future exposure triggers reaction. Always patch-test 24 hours on the inner forearm before broader use, and rotate application to 5 days per week with 2 days off. Never apply neat (undiluted).
Can ylang ylang really lower blood pressure? +
Yes, modestly. The 2006 Hwang trial in 83 hypertensive nurses tested topical ylang ylang plus lavender plus bergamot at 5% in jojoba carrier on the chest daily for 4 weeks — systolic BP dropped 5 to 10 mmHg vs control. The mechanism is sympathetic damping plus 15 to 25% cortisol reduction over the trial period, not direct vasodilation. Effect is comparable to 30 minutes of daily brisk walking. Not a replacement for prescribed antihypertensive medication.
How do I use ylang ylang for sleep? +
The most-tested protocol pairs 2 drops ylang ylang with 2 drops lavender in a bedroom diffuser, run for the full 60 minutes before bed. 3 small trials (40 to 80 adults each) showed 8 to 12 minute reduction in sleep onset vs lavender alone, with no morning grogginess. For deeper effect, add a topical chest blend at 1.3% dilution or 5 drops of each oil in a 4 oz pillow mist (sprayed on the corner, not the sleep surface).
How many drops of ylang ylang per diffuser? +
Use 2 to 3 drops per 100 mL of diffuser water for most rooms. For larger rooms over 200 sq ft, 3 to 4 drops covers the space for 60 to 90 minutes. 3 to 5% of users get a mild headache at full strength — if that happens, drop to 1 to 2 drops or blend with a bright citrus like lemon at 1:1 ratio. Run 30 to 60 minutes at a time with breaks — continuous diffusion fades the calmness effect within 90 minutes.
What does ylang ylang smell like? +
Sweet, floral, slightly creamy, and intensely tropical — closest to jasmine or gardenia at full strength. The Complete (4-fraction) distillation has top notes (bright floral) lasting 30 to 45 minutes, middle notes (warm floral) at 1 to 3 hours, and base notes (musky-sweet) at 3 to 6 hours. Some users find pure ylang ylang too sweet or heady — blending with citrus or wood notes at 2:1 ratio softens the intensity.
Can ylang ylang help with hair? +
Yes for sheen and softness, less so for hair growth. Used in traditional Indonesian hair care for over 200 years. 3 to 5 drops in 30 mL coconut or jojoba oil makes a pre-shampoo mask — benzyl acetate and linalool soften the cuticle and add gloss within 1 to 2 weekly applications. For hair growth specifically, rosemary and peppermint oils have stronger evidence. Ylang ylang is best as a finishing scent and shine treatment.
Can I use ylang ylang during pregnancy? +
Diffusion is generally considered safe in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters at 1 to 2 drops per session. Topical use is best avoided in the 1st trimester and limited to 1% dilution thereafter. The data are limited — ask a midwife, OB, or trained aromatherapist before regular use. Skip ylang ylang entirely if you have low blood pressure or any pregnancy-related dizziness, since the BP-lowering effect can compound symptoms.
Is ylang ylang oil safe for cats and dogs? +
Cats — never apply topically. Cats lack the liver glucuronidation enzyme to clear linalool and other monoterpenes; toxic levels can build up within 24 to 48 hours of topical exposure. Diffuse only in well-ventilated rooms with cat exit access. Dogs — topical use should be avoided; diffusion at 1 to 2 drops with the dog free to leave the room is generally safe. Birds are highly sensitive to floral oils — do not diffuse near birds.
How does ylang ylang compare to lavender for anxiety? +
Both work through GABA-A modulation but at different intensities. Lavender has 8 trials of n=400-plus and is the more documented anxiety oil with a softer scent profile. Ylang ylang has 3 to 4 smaller trials but produces stronger autonomic changes (heart rate down 5 to 8 bpm, BP down 5 to 10 mmHg) at the cost of a heavier floral scent that some users find overwhelming. Best practice: combine the 2 at 1:1 ratio for layered GABA support, sleep, and BP benefit.
What is the difference between ylang ylang Extra and Complete? +
Distillation runs in 4 sequential fractions over 18 to 24 hours: Extra (the lightest top notes, 30 to 45 minutes), I, II, and III. Extra is the brightest and most prized in perfumery. Complete (or whole-flower) combines all 4 fractions and delivers the full aromatic spectrum used in aromatherapy — the version with the most documented therapeutic effects on heart rate, BP, and anxiety. Remedy's ylang ylang is Complete grade for full-spectrum use.
What makes Remedy's Ylang Ylang Oil different? +
Remedy's ylang ylang is 100% pure steam-distilled Complete (4-fraction) oil from dawn-harvested flowers, with no carrier oil dilution and no synthetic fragrance. The 10 mL amber glass bottle yields about 200 to 250 drops with a built-in orifice reducer for accurate 1.3% dilution recipes. Manufactured in a USA cGMP facility and verified by GC/MS testing per batch for linalool, benzyl benzoate, and benzyl acetate ratios.
Ylang Ylang: Further Reading
Want more detail on safe use and pairings? Browse our essential oils knowledge hub:
