Ylang-ylang

Among more than 1500 raw materials used in perfumery, Ylang-ylang is one of the most sought after. It is a tree native to Southeast Asia, but it has been introduced to Madagascar, Réunion, the Comoros and Mayotte, which are currently the largest producers of Ylang-ylang. Ylang-ylang also has health benefits, as it regulates blood pressure and has a calming effect when used in aromatherapy. Its essential oil is a source of pleasure. Poured in small amounts into bathwater or applied to the skin, it allows the body to relax completely. It also has a restorative effect on hair and on brittle or damaged nails.

Ylang-ylang in perfumery

Ylang-ylang essence is obtained by distilling its flowers. Depending on the distillation stage, different qualities of Ylang-ylang essence are obtained. The fresh Ylang-ylang flower is water-distilled in stills that extract Ylang-ylang essential oil in several fractions. Ylang-ylang distillation lasts between 12 and 20 hours. The fractions obtained during the first two hours, however, yield the finest Ylang-ylang essences. The distiller gradually fills the still with Ylang-ylang flowers according to the heat, with refilling carried out roughly every three hours. The resulting Ylang-ylang essence is graded into Extra normale, Extra Supérieure and Première, reserved for fine perfumery, and Deuxième and Troisième, used in cosmetics, soaps and detergents. 100 kg of Ylang-ylang flowers are needed to obtain 2 kg of essence. Its scent is highly persistent, with a nail polish–like facet. It then reveals powdery, fruity, spicy, floral and slightly leathery nuances. Ylang-ylang essence is used to replace or complement jasmine in floral accords.

A few perfumes composed with Ylang-ylang

The feminine fragrance Chant d'Arômes by Guerlain was launched in 1965 and contains Ylang-ylang. It opens with an airy honeysuckle facet. In its heart, the floral accords of jasmine, gardenia and Ylang-ylang give the fragrance a more classic character. Its base is both soft and woody, with vetiver and sandalwood. Chant d'Arômes expresses the scent of a spring bouquet containing Ylang-ylang. With a charming spirit, Jean-Paul Guerlain created this fragrance, with its subtle Ylang-ylang accord, for his fiancée. J'adore by Dior is one of the best-selling feminine fragrances in France. It is a composition of floral notes including rose, tuberose, jasmine, Ylang-ylang, iris and white musks, among others. The Ylang-ylang it contains is enveloping. It is a fragrance that is both simple and sophisticated—the best meeting point between traditional and modern techniques. The materials used, including Ylang-ylang, are combined with intelligence. J'Adore embodies sensuality and opulence while remaining understated. The feminine fragrance Cinéma Scénario d'été by Yves Saint Laurent also includes an Ylang-ylang note. Launched in 2008, it is a timeless, refined floral fragrance with tangy, fruity facets. Mandarin, lime and orange are its top notes. Ylang-ylang appears in its heart notes alongside jasmine and amaryllis. Amber, musk and peach form its base notes. Ylang-ylang softens the intensity of the lime. This fragrance is designed for discreet seduction.