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%.
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 | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Nursing | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Children | Generally suitable, well diluted (from ~6 months) |
| 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 Anxiety →
- Grief & Trauma →
- General Stress →
- Tranquility →
- Floral Self-Care Soak →
- Sweet Creamsicle →
- Defying Age Regenerative →
- Rose & Geranium Luxury →
- Sacral Chakra →
- Long-Lasting Energy →
- Healing 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 essential oil 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?
Ylang Ylang II is generally considered suitable during pregnancy when properly diluted. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
Is Ylang Ylang II safe to use around children?
Ylang Ylang II is generally considered suitable for children when well diluted (from around 6 months). 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).