5 Benefits Of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil (And How To Use It)

Highly valued for its long list of therapeutic, cosmetic and health-related benefits, Ylang Ylang Essential Oil has been utilised by traditional Filipino healers for centuries.  

From healing cuts and wounds to soothing emotions, we’ll look at 5 benefits this popular essential oil can bring to all aspects of life.  

Let’s dive in.  

Table Of Contents
What Is Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Benefits of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Popular Ways To Use
How Do You Know If You Have Quality Ylang Ylang Oil
Considerations For Use
Reviews

Ylang Ylang Oil is extracted not once, but several times during a lengthy distillation process. The result is 5 different varieties, all with their own unique smell and composition.

1. Ylang Ylang Extra Grade is extracted within the first 2 hours of distillation, producing a sweet, floral and exotic scent. 

2. Ylang Ylang 1st is extracted after 3 hours of distillation, creating light, floral and herbaceous oil.  

3. Ylang Ylang 2nd is the result of 4-6 hours of distillation, producing a floral oil with woody undertones. 

4. Ylang Ylang 3rd is typically extracted after 6 hours of distillation and shares a similar aroma to 2nd but with a slightly smokier undertone.  

5. Ylang Ylang Complete is the result of the uninterrupted distillation process. It carries an incredibly floral, sweet aroma with subtle hints of spice.   

Although Ylang Ylang Oil has several different variations, you’ll still be hit with the same wealth of benefits no matter which oil you choose. These include:  

Looking to combat overwhelming feelings of stress and exhaustion? Ylang Ylang Essential Oil may be the mental uplift you need. 

Its sedative and calming properties are believed to promote feelings of joy while expelling negative emotions and mental exhaustion.  

In a 2006 study, participants reported increased feelings of calm and relaxation after applying a dilution of Ylang Ylang Oil to the skin. While further research is needed, this study is a promising indication of Ylang Ylang Oil’s ability to soothe a busy mind. 

Quick tip: The powerfully calming and soothing nature of Ylang Ylang Oil make it ideal for diffusing in any bedroom or living space. 

Ylang Ylang Oil is known as a fantastic all-rounder for the skin, boasting a wealth of antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Above all, Ylang Ylang Oil is known to regulate oil production, making it fantastic for use on dry, oily and acne prone skin types. Even better, its anti-inflammatory properties may alleviate irritation while soothing and hydrating the skin.  

As it works to moisturise and repair, Ylang Ylang Oil may also prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – what's not to love! 

Chances are Ylang Ylang Oil is an ingredient in your shampoo or conditioner.  

It has been seen to strengthen and moisturise the scalp, which translates to longer, shinier and frizz-free locks.  

Oh and pesky dandruff and headlice? With Ylang Ylang Oil in your haircare regimen, you can say goodbye to that too. Its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties may kill headlice and moisturise the scalp, preventing itching and irritation.  

The medicinal benefits of Ylang Ylang Oil have been recognised by Filipinos for hundreds of years, traditionally used to heal cuts, burns and bites from insects and snakes.  

Today, Ylang Ylang Oil is still highly regarded for these uses. Its high content of linalool, an antibacterial and antifungal compound, is known to repair small cuts and grazes while preventing infections from harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi.  

Did you know Ylang Ylang Essential Oil is widely known as a natural alternative to blood pressure medication?  

That’s right, the hypotensive activity of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil is known to calm the nervous system, regulating blood pressure and heart rate. 

One 2013 study investigated if inhaling Ylang Ylang Oil’s sedative aroma could reduce heart rate and blood pressure. The results were promising, with participants recording a decrease in heart rate and diastolic blood pressure after inhalation.  

While everyone has their favourite ways to use Ylang Ylang Essential Oils, some methods we recommend include: 

Ylang Ylang Oil is extremely versatile. Some of our favourite ways to enjoy its nourishing and restorative properties include: 

To help relieve painful inflammation and acne, dilute a few drops of Ylang Ylang Oil into a carrier oil of your choice. Apply the dilution to the affected areas of the skin using a cotton ball to lock in moisture and promote a clear complexion.  

For enviable healthy and shiny hair, this DIY deep conditioner is a must-try. Simply add a few drops of Ylang Ylang Oil to Coconut Oil, apply to your hair and wash out after a few minutes.  

To soak away feelings of stress and anxiety, simply add a few drops of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil to a warm bath. The oils’ aroma will rise with the steam and instill a deep sense of calm.  

Pair Ylang Ylang Oil’s floral, herbaceous aroma with other essential oils to create your own unique diffuser blend.  

It blends particularly well with Frankincense, Bergamot and Lemongrass Essential Oils. Some of our favourite concoctions include: 

• 3 drops Ylang Ylang Oil 
• 2 drops Patchouli Oil 
• 2 drops Lavender Oil 

Quick tip: To easily create this spring inspired blend at home, see our Spring Blooms Essential Oil Pack. 

• 2 drops Ylang Ylang Oil 
• 2 drops Lavender Oil 
• 2 drops Cedarwood Oil 
• 2 drops Vetiver Oil 

Want to know how to tell a pure Ylang Ylang Essential Oil from a diluted blend? Here’s our guide on the top 6 things to look out for. 

1. The oils Latin name, in this case Cananga odorata, listed on the bottle. If a product doesn’t have the Latin name listed, it’s probably a mix of synthetic fragrance oils.    
2. Oil packaging is in a dark glass bottle. This will prevent light and heat from damaging the oil.
3. The label clearly states ‘100% pure Ylang Ylang Essential Oil’. This will ensure the product isn’t blended with any other oils.
4. Be sure to check the expiry date if buying in store.
5.   The product clearly states where the oil is from.
6. Be wary of a very low price. It could be an indicator of low quality or adulterated essential oils.

At AWO, we ethically source our Ylang Ylang Oil from Madagascar and do not dilute it with any other ingredients. This means you’re getting 100% pure Ylang Ylang Essential Oil naturally extracted via steam distillation.     

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil may cause possible skin sensitivity, that’s why we always recommend performing a skin patch test prior to use.  

AWO’s Ylang Ylang Oil is 100% pure and therefore very concentrated, so we always recommend diluting before using topically. Because they are so potent, essential oils can cause serious harm if ingested without the necessary expertise.     

For this reason, you should never ingest essential oils. We also recommend storing your Ylang Ylang Oil in a cool, dry place at room temperature, ensuring that they are not directly exposed to sunlight and are out of reach of children or pets. 

“Love the citrus and floral scent, very calming and uplifting as described”
Yi (Verified Customer)

“Delightful aroma and fabulous packaging”
Vicky (Verified Customer)

“This oil has a gentle fragrance which I love. I used it in my vaporiser and to fragrance the body lotion I have made”
Suzie (Verified Customer)