Ylang-Ylang

Scientific Name
Cananga odorata
Family
Annonaceae
Origin
Madagascar, Comoros_etc.

CONTENTS

・Plant description
・Essential oil composition
・Functions and Efficacies
・IFRA

Plant description

Ylang-ylang trees belong to the Annonaceae family and can grow up to 10 meters, reaching 15 to 20 meters for larger trees. They thrive in well-drained soils and are remarkably strong with long, round leaves. The slender, elongated flowers start out green and ripen to yellow. The dangling blossoms emit a sweet, sensual fragrance from the flower’s underside indole gland. The name “ylang-ylang” is derived from the Malay word “alang-ylang,” which means “flower within a flower.” Harvesting takes place during the early hours, between dusk and morning when the fragrance is at its peak. Great care is taken during harvesting to avoid damaging the flowers, as any damage diminishes their overall quality. Ylang-ylang was originally brought to the Philippines for cultivation from the Maluku Islands in Indonesia. In recent years, the main growing areas are the Comoros Islands and Madagascar.

Essential oil composition

Ylang-Ylang Extra
INCI

CANANGA ODORATA FLOWER OIL
Parts of Plant Used

Flower
Extraction Method

Steam Distillation
Extraction Rate

0.4% - 2.5%
Notes

Middle - Base
Aroma Family

Floral / Exotic

Ylang-Ylang Extra Essential Oil Properties & Uses

Steam-distilled from 100 kg of fresh ylang-ylang flowers over approximately 20 hours, this essential oil is classified into four grades based on the distillation process. The distillate from the first 1 to 2 hours yields Ylang-Ylang Extra, known for its colorless to light yellow color. Enriched with germacrene D and farnesene, it contains abundant ethers and phenols, making it the highest quality of its kind. Caution is necessary when handling it due to variations in components and scent. Ylang-Ylang Extra boasts an indulgent, sweet, floral, and exotic aroma, reminiscent of tropical landscapes. Its profound richness lends itself perfectly to perfumery, offering a heady, enchanting experience.

Essential oil composition

※An example of one batch production is shown here.

Linalool　19.46%
Methyl p-cresol　13.59%
Geranyl acetate　10.04%
Methyl benzoate　8.01%
Benzyl acetate　6.60%
Germacrene D　5.75%
Benzyl benzoate　5.39%
β-Caryophyllene　4.43%
Geraniol　2.99%
Benzyl salicylate　1.69%
Farnesol　1.55%
Farnesyl acetate　1.51%
α-Humulene　1.44%
Prenyl acetate　1.16%
δ-Cadinene　1.09%
Cinnamyl acetate　1.02%

Ylang-Ylang Complete
INCI

CANANGA ODORATA FLOWER OIL
Parts of Plant Used

Flower
Extraction Method

Steam Distillation
Extraction Rate

0.4% - 2.5%
Notes

Middle - Base
Aroma Family

Floral / Exotic

Ylang-Ylang Complete Essential Oil Properties & Uses

Steam-distilled from 100 kg of fresh Ylang-Ylang flowers over approximately 20 hours, this essential oil is classified into four grades based on the distillation process. Complete is a mixture of all grades from Extra to Third, and is said to have a varying fragrance depending on the manufacturer and the year of distillation. It is colorless and transparent to light yellowish in color, most lighter than Extra. Germacrene D and β-caryolefene are the main components. Ylang-Ylang Complete boasts an indulgent, sweet, floral, and exotic aroma, reminiscent of tropical landscapes. It carries a balanced green scent giving a sense of depth. It is widely used for various purposes.

Essential oil composition

※An example of one batch production is shown here.

β-Caryophyllene　14.89%
Germacrene D　14.48%
Geranyl acetate　6.84%
Benzyl benzoate　6.76%
Linalool　6.03%
α-Farnesene　5.00%
α-Humulene　4.21%
δ-Cadinene　3.62%
γ-Muurolene　2.70%
Methyl p-cresol　2.46%
Farnesol　2.11%
α-Cadinol　1.97%
Benzyl salicylate　1.71%
Farnesyl acetate　1.64%
α-Muurolene　1.48%
Geraniol　1.36%
Methyl benzoate　1.25%
α-Copaene　1.15%
Elemene　1.09％
Benzyl acetate　1.06%
γ-Cadinene　1.04％
T-Muurolol　　1.00%

Ylang-Ylang First
INCI

CANANGA ODORATA FLOWER OIL
Parts of Plant Used

Flower
Extraction Method

Steam Distillation
Extraction Rate

0.4% - 2.5%
Notes

Middle - Base
Aroma Family

Floral / Exotic

Ylang-Ylang First Essential Oil Properties & Uses

Steam-distilled from 100 kg of fresh Ylang-Ylang flowers over approximately 20 hours, this essential oil is classified into four grades based on the distillation process. Ylang-Ylang First is an essential oil extracted for about 2-3 hours after the Extra, and has a clear colorless to light yellowish color. First is often slightly yellow in color than Extra. Germacrene D and esters are the main components, with esters making up the majority.
Ylang-Ylang First boasts an indulgent, sweet, floral, and exotic aroma, reminiscent of tropical landscapes. It carries a balanced green scent giving a sense of depth. It is best used to enjoy its distinctive scent, and enhances the overall fragrance when used in blends. It is primarily used for skincare products.

Essential oil composition

※An example of one batch production is shown here.

Germacrene D　16.66%
Benzyl acetate　12.08%
Linalool　10.57%
Methyl p-cresol　7.35％
Benzyl benzoate　6.03%
Geranyl acetate　5.88%
Cinnamyl acetate　4.47%
Methyl benzoate　4.24%
β-Caryophyllene　3.87%
α-Farnesene　3.50%
Benzyl salicylate　3.02%
Farnesyl acetate　1.77%
α-Humulene　1.48%
Prenyl acetate　1.38%
Farnesol　1.29%
δ-Cadinene　1.08%
Prenyl benzoate　1.00%

Ylang-Ylang Second
INCI

CANANGA ODORATA FLOWER OIL
Parts of Plant Used

Flower
Extraction Method

Steam distillation
Extraction Rate

0.4% - 2.5%
Notes

Middle - Base
Aroma Family

Floral / Exotic

Ylang-Ylang Second Essential Oil Properties & Uses

Steam-distilled from 100 kg of fresh Ylang-Ylang flowers over approximately 20 hours, this essential oil is classified into four grades based on the distillation process. Ylang-Ylang Second is an essential oil extracted for about 6 hours after the extraction of Extra and First, and has a clear colorless to light yellowish color. Second is often slightly yellow in color than Extra. The primary components are Germacrene D and β-caryophyllene, with sesquiterpene hydrocarbons comprising the majority, varying in fragrance and subtstance.
Ylang-Ylang Second boasts an indulgent, sweet, floral, and exotic aroma, reminiscent of tropical landscapes. It carries a balanced green scent giving a sense of depth. Compared to other grades, this grade has a slightly less intense and rich Ylang-Ylang character, making it suitable for those who do not like its distinct fragrance. It is best used to enjoy its distinctive scent in a balanced manner, and enhances the overall fragrance when used in blends. It is primarily used for skincare products.

Essential oil composition

※An example of one batch production is shown here.

Germacrene D　16.06%
β-Caryophyllene　10.94%
Linalool　7.78%
Benzyl benzoate　6.92%
Geranyl acetate　6.90%
Benzyl acetate　4.45%
α-Farnesene　4.00%
Methyl p-cresol　3.95%
α-Humulene　3.30%
δ-Cadinene　2.59%
Benzyl salicylate　2.25%
Methyl benzoate　2.16%
γ-Muurolene　2.13%
Farnesol　1.91%
Farnesyl acetate　1.82%
Geraniol　1.31%
α-Cadinol 　1.36%
α-Muurolene 　1.15%
Cinnamyl acetate　1.67%

Ylang-Ylang Third
INCI

CANANGA ODORATA FLOWER OIL
Parts of Plant Used

Flower
Extraction Method

Steam Distillation
Extraction Rate

0.5％
Notes

Middle - Base
Aroma Family

Floral / Exotic

Ylang-Ylang Third Essential Oil Properties & Uses

Steam-distilled from 100 kg of fresh Ylang-Ylang flowers over approximately 20 hours, this essential oil is classified into four grades based on the distillation process. Ylang-Ylang Third is categorized as the last grade in the distillation process, following second extraction. It exhibits a colorless, clear to light yellowish appearance, with most oils in this grade having a slightly lighter yellow color compared to Extra. The primary components are Germacrene D and β-caryophyllene, with sesquiterpene hydrocarbons comprising the majority. Ylang-Ylang Third is used as an ingredient in fragrance blends and is favored when the strong Ylang-Ylang scent is not essential. It falls under the category of Middle notes and is particularly effective in alleviating symptoms of anxiety, nervousness, and panic. It is also beneficial for regulating excess sebum and promoting hair health, making it suitable for daily use.
Ylang-Ylang Extra Third boasts an indulgent, sweet, floral, and exotic aroma, reminiscent of tropical landscapes. It carries a balanced green scent, slightly reducing the intense opulence found in higher grades of Ylang-Ylang. This grade has a slightly less intense and rich Ylang-Ylang character, making it suitable for those who do not like its distinct fragrance. It is best used to enjoy its distinctive scent and its overall fragrance is enhanced when blended. It is primarily used for aromatic purposes in products like soaps and sundries.

Essential oil composition

※An example of one batch production is shown here.

Germacrene D　16.49%
β-Caryophyllene　13.80%
Geranyl acetate　7.37%
Benzyl benzoate　7.30%
Linalool　6.63%
α-Humulene　3.98%
α-Farnesene　3.50%
δ-Cadinene　3.21%
γ-Muurolene　2.59%
Methyl p-cresol　2.48%
Farnesol　2.17%
Benzyl salicylate　1.91%
Farnesyl acetate　1.85%
T-Muurolol　1.65%
Geraniol　1.44%
Methyl benzoate　1.31%
Benzyl acetate　1.27%
α-Muurolene 　1.22%
Elemene　1.19%
α-Copaene　1.12%
γ-Cadinene　1.05%

Functions and Efficacies

Geraniol

IUPAC Name

(2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-ol
Molecular Formula

C15H26O
Molecular Weight

154.25 g/mol
CAS No.

106-24-1
Structure

Monoterpene alcohol

Functions and Efficacies of Geraniol

	in slico	in vitro	ex vivo	in vivo
				Non-clinical					Clinical
				Mice	Rats	Guinea Pigs	Insects	Rabbits	Human
Anti-inflammatory Effects		○
Anti-bacterial Effects		○
Anti-cancer Effects					○

Anti-inflammatory Effects

A study reported that the addition of geraniol to human umbilical vein endothelial cells inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, induced by Ox-LDL.¹⁾

Anti-bacterial Effects

A study reported that growth-inhibitory effect on B. botulinum was observed in culture medium supplemented with geraniol. ²⁾ Similar inhibitory effects have also been reported against several other bacteria.³⁾

Anti-cancer Effects

A study reported an increased hepatic apoptosis (cell death) index in the group of hepatocarcinogenesis model rats treated with geraniol．⁴⁾

1)Ammar et al., Nutrients, 2022
2)Ueda et al., Nippon Shokuhin Kogyo gakkaishi, 1982
3)M˛aczka et al., Molecules, 2020
4)Ong et al., Carcinogenesis, 2006

Linalool

IUPAC Name

3,7-Dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol
Molecular Formula

C10H18O
Molecular Weight

154.25 g/mol
CAS No.

78-70-6
Structure

Monoterpene alcohol

Functions and Efficacies of Linalool

	in slico	in vitro	ex vivo	in vivo
				Non-clinical					Clinical
				Mice	Rats	Guinea Pigs	Insects	Rabbits	Human
Anti-inflammatory Effects					○
Stress Reduction		○		○
Anti-oxidant Effects		○

Anti-inflammatory Effects

A study reported that linalool reduced hindlimb edema in rats induced by carrageenan administration. ¹⁾

Stress Reduction

A study reported that linalool treatment increased the time it took for mice to escape to a dark room when under light stress. Additionally, it reduced the number and duration of attacks on other mice in a confined room, indicating its stress-reducing effects.²⁾ Linalool inhalation was observed to reverse gene expression alterations in the hypothalamus associated with stress response in mice.³⁾ Numerous studies have documented the stress-reducing capabilities of linalool.⁴⁾⁵⁾⁶⁾

Anti-oxidant Effects

A study reported that the addition of linalool was found to suppress the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by UV irradiation in human skin fibroblasts.⁷⁾

1)Peana et al., Phytomedicine, 2002
2)Linck et al., Phytomedicine, 2010
3)Yoshida et al., Neuroscience Letters, 2017
4)Harada et al., Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 2018
5)Souto-Maior et al., Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 2011
6)Weston-Green et al., Frontiers in Scichiatry, 2021
7)Gunaseelan et al., Plos One, 2017

Geraniol

IUPAC Name

(2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-ol
Molecular Formula

C15H26O
Molecular Weight

154.25 g/mol
CAS No.

106-24-1
Structure

Monoterpene alcohol

Functions and Efficacies of Geraniol

	in slico	in vitro	ex vivo	in vivo
				Non-clinical					Clinical
				Mice	Rats	Guinea Pigs	Insects	Rabbits	Human
Anti-inflammatory Effects		○
Anti-bacterial Effects		○
Anti-cancer Effects					○

Anti-inflammatory Effects

A study reported that the addition of geraniol to human umbilical vein endothelial cells inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, induced by Ox-LDL.¹⁾

Anti-bacterial Effects

A study reported that growth-inhibitory effect on B. botulinum was observed in culture medium supplemented with geraniol. ²⁾ Similar inhibitory effects have also been reported against several other bacteria.³⁾

Anti-cancer Effects

A study reported an increased hepatic apoptosis (cell death) index in the group of hepatocarcinogenesis model rats treated with geraniol．⁴⁾

1)Ammar et al., Nutrients, 2022
2)Ueda et al., Nippon Shokuhin Kogyo gakkaishi, 1982
3)M˛aczka et al., Molecules, 2020
4)Ong et al., Carcinogenesis, 2006

Linalool

IUPAC Name

3,7-Dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol
Molecular Formula

C10H18O
Molecular Weight

154.25 g/mol
CAS No.

78-70-6
Structure

Monoterpene alcohol

Functions and Efficacies of Linalool

	in slico	in vitro	ex vivo	in vivo
				Non-clinical					Clinical
				Mice	Rats	Guinea Pigs	Insects	Rabbits	Human
Anti-inflammatory Effects					○
Stress Reduction		○		○
Anti-oxidant Effects		○

Anti-inflammatory Effects

A study reported that linalool reduced hindlimb edema in rats induced by carrageenan administration. ¹⁾

Stress Reduction

A study reported that linalool treatment increased the time it took for mice to escape to a dark room when under light stress. Additionally, it reduced the number and duration of attacks on other mice in a confined room, indicating its stress-reducing effects.²⁾ Linalool inhalation was observed to reverse gene expression alterations in the hypothalamus associated with stress response in mice.³⁾ Numerous studies have documented the stress-reducing capabilities of linalool.⁴⁾⁵⁾⁶⁾

Anti-oxidant Effects

A study reported that the addition of linalool was found to suppress the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by UV irradiation in human skin fibroblasts.⁷⁾

1)Peana et al., Phytomedicine, 2002
2)Linck et al., Phytomedicine, 2010
3)Yoshida et al., Neuroscience Letters, 2017
4)Harada et al., Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 2018
5)Souto-Maior et al., Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 2011
6)Weston-Green et al., Frontiers in Scichiatry, 2021
7)Gunaseelan et al., Plos One, 2017

Linalool

IUPAC Name

3,7-Dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol
Molecular Formula

C10H18O
Molecular Weight

154.25 g/mol
CAS No.

78-70-6
Structure

Monoterpene alcohol

Functions and Efficacies of Linalool

	in slico	in vitro	ex vivo	in vivo
				Non-clinical					Clinical
				Mice	Rats	Guinea Pigs	Insects	Rabbits	Human
Anti-inflammatory Effects					○
Stress Reduction		○		○
Anti-oxidant Effects		○

Anti-inflammatory Effects

A study reported that linalool reduced hindlimb edema in rats induced by carrageenan administration. ¹⁾

Stress Reduction

A study reported that linalool treatment increased the time it took for mice to escape to a dark room when under light stress. Additionally, it reduced the number and duration of attacks on other mice in a confined room, indicating its stress-reducing effects.²⁾ Linalool inhalation was observed to reverse gene expression alterations in the hypothalamus associated with stress response in mice.³⁾ Numerous studies have documented the stress-reducing capabilities of linalool.⁴⁾⁵⁾⁶⁾

Anti-oxidant Effects

A study reported that the addition of linalool was found to suppress the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by UV irradiation in human skin fibroblasts.⁷⁾

1)Peana et al., Phytomedicine, 2002
2)Linck et al., Phytomedicine, 2010
3)Yoshida et al., Neuroscience Letters, 2017
4)Harada et al., Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 2018
5)Souto-Maior et al., Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 2011
6)Weston-Green et al., Frontiers in Scichiatry, 2021
7)Gunaseelan et al., Plos One, 2017

Geraniol

IUPAC Name

(2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-ol
Molecular Formula

C15H26O
Molecular Weight

154.25 g/mol
CAS No.

106-24-1
Structure

Monoterpene alcohol

Functions and Efficacies of Geraniol

	in slico	in vitro	ex vivo	in vivo
				Non-clinical					Clinical
				Mice	Rats	Guinea Pigs	Insects	Rabbits	Human
Anti-inflammatory Effects		○
Anti-bacterial Effects		○
Anti-cancer Effects					○

Anti-inflammatory Effects

A study reported that the addition of geraniol to human umbilical vein endothelial cells inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, induced by Ox-LDL.¹⁾

Anti-bacterial Effects

A study reported that growth-inhibitory effect on B. botulinum was observed in culture medium supplemented with geraniol. ²⁾ Similar inhibitory effects have also been reported against several other bacteria.³⁾

Anti-cancer Effects

A study reported an increased hepatic apoptosis (cell death) index in the group of hepatocarcinogenesis model rats treated with geraniol．⁴⁾

1)Ammar et al., Nutrients, 2022
2)Ueda et al., Nippon Shokuhin Kogyo gakkaishi, 1982
3)M˛aczka et al., Molecules, 2020
4)Ong et al., Carcinogenesis, 2006

Linalool

IUPAC Name

3,7-Dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol
Molecular Formula

C10H18O
Molecular Weight

154.25 g/mol
CAS No.

78-70-6
Structure

Monoterpene alcohol

Functions and Efficacies of Linalool

	in slico	in vitro	ex vivo	in vivo
				Non-clinical					Clinical
				Mice	Rats	Guinea Pigs	Insects	Rabbits	Human
Anti-inflammatory Effects					○
Stress Reduction		○		○
Anti-oxidant Effects		○

Anti-inflammatory Effects

A study reported that linalool reduced hindlimb edema in rats induced by carrageenan administration. ¹⁾

Stress Reduction

A study reported that linalool treatment increased the time it took for mice to escape to a dark room when under light stress. Additionally, it reduced the number and duration of attacks on other mice in a confined room, indicating its stress-reducing effects.²⁾ Linalool inhalation was observed to reverse gene expression alterations in the hypothalamus associated with stress response in mice.³⁾ Numerous studies have documented the stress-reducing capabilities of linalool.⁴⁾⁵⁾⁶⁾

Anti-oxidant Effects

A study reported that the addition of linalool was found to suppress the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by UV irradiation in human skin fibroblasts.⁷⁾

1)Peana et al., Phytomedicine, 2002
2)Linck et al., Phytomedicine, 2010
3)Yoshida et al., Neuroscience Letters, 2017
4)Harada et al., Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 2018
5)Souto-Maior et al., Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 2011
6)Weston-Green et al., Frontiers in Scichiatry, 2021
7)Gunaseelan et al., Plos One, 2017

Geraniol

IUPAC Name

(2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-ol
Molecular Formula

C15H26O
Molecular Weight

154.25 g/mol
CAS No.

106-24-1
Structure

Monoterpene alcohol

Functions and Efficacies of Geraniol

	in slico	in vitro	ex vivo	in vivo
				Non-clinical					Clinical
				Mice	Rats	Guinea Pigs	Insects	Rabbits	Human
Anti-inflammatory Effects		○
Anti-bacterial Effects		○
Anti-cancer Effects					○

Anti-inflammatory Effects

A study reported that the addition of geraniol to human umbilical vein endothelial cells inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, induced by Ox-LDL.¹⁾

Anti-bacterial Effects

A study reported that growth-inhibitory effect on B. botulinum was observed in culture medium supplemented with geraniol. ²⁾ Similar inhibitory effects have also been reported against several other bacteria.³⁾

Anti-cancer Effects

A study reported an increased hepatic apoptosis (cell death) index in the group of hepatocarcinogenesis model rats treated with geraniol．⁴⁾

1)Ammar et al., Nutrients, 2022
2)Ueda et al., Nippon Shokuhin Kogyo gakkaishi, 1982
3)M˛aczka et al., Molecules, 2020
4)Ong et al., Carcinogenesis, 2006

Linalool

IUPAC Name

3,7-Dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol
Molecular Formula

C10H18O
Molecular Weight

154.25 g/mol
CAS No.

78-70-6
Structure

Monoterpene alcohol

Functions and Efficacies of Linalool

	in slico	in vitro	ex vivo	in vivo
				Non-clinical					Clinical
				Mice	Rats	Guinea Pigs	Insects	Rabbits	Human
Anti-inflammatory Effects					○
Stress Reduction		○		○
Anti-oxidant Effects		○

Anti-inflammatory Effects

A study reported that linalool reduced hindlimb edema in rats induced by carrageenan administration. ¹⁾

Stress Reduction

A study reported that linalool treatment increased the time it took for mice to escape to a dark room when under light stress. Additionally, it reduced the number and duration of attacks on other mice in a confined room, indicating its stress-reducing effects.²⁾ Linalool inhalation was observed to reverse gene expression alterations in the hypothalamus associated with stress response in mice.³⁾ Numerous studies have documented the stress-reducing capabilities of linalool.⁴⁾⁵⁾⁶⁾

Anti-oxidant Effects

A study reported that the addition of linalool was found to suppress the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by UV irradiation in human skin fibroblasts.⁷⁾

1)Peana et al., Phytomedicine, 2002
2)Linck et al., Phytomedicine, 2010
3)Yoshida et al., Neuroscience Letters, 2017
4)Harada et al., Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 2018
5)Souto-Maior et al., Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 2011
6)Weston-Green et al., Frontiers in Scichiatry, 2021
7)Gunaseelan et al., Plos One, 2017

IFRA

Ylang-Ylang：
There are restrictions on its compounded amount in the final product due to its potential to cause dermal sensitization.