Ylang-ylang essential oil
Ylang-ylang essential oil is a volatile aromatic oil obtained by steam distillation of Cananga odorata flowers. (The name ylang-ylang is of Tagalog origin.)[1][2]
Flower raw material and obtaining
Cananga odorata is a tropical evergreen tree with drooping branches and strongly fragrant flowers. Its six narrow petals turn from green to yellow or yellowish-brown as the flowers mature. Freshly picked blossoms provide the aromatic raw material for distillation.[1][3]
Fractions called “extra”, “I”, “II” and “III” are collected at progressively longer distillation times. They are parts of the distillate, not different plant species or ingredients added to a blend. The early fraction is richer in compounds such as methyl benzoate, linalool and benzyl acetate; later fractions contain more sesquiterpene hydrocarbons.[1]
Aroma and fragrance applications
Ylang-ylang oil has a fresh, floral and slightly fruity fragrance, with a noticeable initial aroma. It is used to scent perfumes, creams, massage oils and household products such as scented candles. Different fractions offer different balances of aromatic compounds, so their identity matters when describing a perfumery material.[1][3]
A fraction’s measured composition is a description of that material, not a recipe shared by every bottle labelled ylang-ylang. Ylang-ylang and cananga oils have related botanical sources but are separately described distillation materials.[1]
Contact allergy
Ylang-ylang oil can cause allergic contact reactions. The European Commission assessment summarizes positive patch-test reactions in patients investigated for suspected cosmetic dermatitis or fragrance allergy. These selected-patient findings establish an allergy concern; they do not estimate its frequency in the general population.[1]
Relationship with Vivasan products
- Ylang-ylang essential oil (E 107) — obtained by steam distillation of Cananga odorata flowers
Sources
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 European Commission, Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. Fragrance allergens opinion, Annex I: Ylang-Ylang oil, p. 70.
- ↑ Merriam-Webster. Ylang-ylang. Word History: Etymology.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Tan et al., 2015. Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Bioactivities of Cananga odorata. Sections1,4/Table2 and6.