Floral · Natural material · Top notes, Heart notes
Ylang-ylang
Ylang-ylang is the scent of the flowers of Cananga odorata, a tropical tree known in Indonesia as kenanga. It smells sweet, creamy and slightly banana-like, with a warm spicy side. In perfume, ylang-ylang usually sits in the heart notes, sometimes in the top notes, and often forms part of a white-flower blend.
· Written by the FRAG team
What does ylang-ylang smell like?
Ylang-ylang smells sweet and rich, with a creamy, custard-like feel and a hint of ripe banana. It has a floral side that recalls jasmine, a warm spicy side and a fresh green touch at the start.
On skin, ylang-ylang moves from a bright flower to something warmer, softer and slightly balsamic. Ylang-ylang is fairly strong, so even a small amount is easy to notice in a blend.
Where ylang-ylang and kenanga come from
Cananga odorata is native from South-East Asia to Queensland, including Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi and the Philippines. Its oil is steam-distilled from the flowers and split into grades by when each part of the distillate comes off: extra, I, II and III. Comoros and Madagascar are among the main ylang-ylang producers.
Common kenanga (forma macrophylla) and ylang-ylang (forma genuina) are told apart by the shape of the tree, but they are one species. Common kenanga is native to Indonesia, and West Java still produces kenanga oil. Oil from common kenanga is sold as cananga oil, which is slightly woodier.
Ylang-ylang in a perfume
Ylang-ylang most often sits in the heart notes, and sometimes in the top notes for a bright floral start. It makes a floral blend creamier and fuller, and often forms part of a white-flower accord with jasmine and tuberose.
Common partners are bergamot in the opening, then coconut, vanilla and sandalwood in the base. Ylang-ylang with sandalwood feels creamy and warm, while ylang-ylang with coconut feels tropical.
When to wear ylang-ylang
Ylang-ylang is fairly strong and sweet, so it suits late afternoon, evenings and events in air-conditioned rooms. For a hot day, choose a ylang-ylang blend with citrus or green notes so it feels lighter.
