Ylang Ylang II (Cananga odorata) is a floral essential oil with a balanced, floral aroma and a heart note. Steam distillation from flower, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Bergamot (FCF), Lavender, Geranium. For topical use, keep dilution at or below 0.8%.
Ylang Ylang II (Cananga odorata) is a floral essential oil, steam-distilled from the flower, produced in Madagascar and Comoros. Its aroma is balanced, floral, sitting as a heart note in a blend. It's commonly paired with Bergamot (FCF), Lavender, Geranium, Cedarwood (Atlas). Keep topical use at or below 0.8%. It is noted for skin sensitizing. Always patch-test first.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Heart |
| Aroma family | Floral |
| Chemical family | Sesquiterpene |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | flower |
| Origin | Madagascar, Comoros, Mayotte |
| Blending factor | 3 |
| Volatility index | 3 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 6.0 |
| CAS number | 8006-81-3 |
Safety & dilution
| Max topical dilution | 0.8% |
| Max facial dilution | 0.5% |
| Pregnancy | No specific caution recorded |
| Nursing | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Children | Generally suitable, well diluted (from ~6 years) |
| Cats | Not recommended |
| Dogs | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
Safety flags
Evidence: Traditional — EODB: 1 GC-MS analyses (Cananga odorata).
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.
Not sure how much to use? Try the free dilution calculator.
Blends well with
Used in these blends
- Social Ease →
- Grief & Trauma →
- General Stress →
- Tranquility →
- Floral Self-Care Soak →
- Sweet Creamsicle →
- Defying Age Regenerative →
- Rose & Geranium Luxury →
- Sacral Chakra →
- Long-Lasting Energy →
- Open Heart →
- Happy Place →
- Mermaid High-Density Tonic →
- Dry Shampoo Complex →
- Whisper →
- Jungle Flower →
- Sunny Isles →
- Summer Love →
- Citrus Bloom →
- Isn't It Romantic →
- Calm Balance →
- Dewy Glow Anti-Aging →
- Salt Lullaby →
- Velvet Spark Aura →
Frequently asked questions
What does Ylang Ylang II smell like?
Ylang Ylang II has a balanced, floral aroma, classed as a floral oil with a heart note.
What is the safe dilution for Ylang Ylang II?
For topical use, keep Ylang Ylang II at or below 0.8%, and 0.5% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Ylang Ylang II safe to use during pregnancy?
Our dataset records no specific pregnancy caution for Ylang Ylang II. That is not the same as it being established as safe — always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any essential oil during pregnancy.
Is Ylang Ylang II safe to use around children?
Ylang Ylang II is generally considered suitable for children when well diluted (from around 6 years old). Consult a professional for young children.
Is Ylang Ylang II safe around pets?
For cats — avoid; not considered safe; dogs — generally lower-risk when well diluted. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does Ylang Ylang II blend well with?
Ylang Ylang II pairs well with Bergamot (FCF), Lavender, Geranium, Cedarwood (Atlas), Frankincense (Carterii).