The smell of ylang ylang is multi-layered sexual, floral, exotic, and rubbery. Sweet mellow nuances are present in its smell with jasmine, neroli, and banana resemblance. When harvested early in the summer, it smells overly sweet and cloying.
For me, ylang ylang smells floral and fruity, with close resemblance to jasmine and further resemblance to carnation. Its smell is perhaps most influenced by the distillation process and harvesting period which allows perfume creators to create very different ylang ylang compositions.
The smell of ylang ylang
According to scientists, ylang ylang smells freshly floral, fruity, and intensively sweet. Sourced from the plant of Cananga Odorata, the essential oil resulted from distillery has a pleasant scent which is recommended for making perfumes.
The ylang ylang chemical composition behind the strong scent
P-cresyl methyl ether (p-methylanisole), methyl benzoate, benzyl acetate, and geranyl acetate are responsible for the intensely sweet floral scent. Since there are multiple types of ylang ylang (ilang ilang, alang ilang), they might also contain floral β-caryophyllene, germacrene D, and α-farnesene.
Why the smell of ylang ylang is a big deal in perfumes?
Many assume the floral note of ylang ylang is relaxing, this is not the case. Ylang ylang has a harmonizing effect which makes it a bit different from other floral notes. While its smell does reduce blood pressure and heart rate, it has been also associated with increased alertness. From here, many go on to perceive it as a sexual scent.
The current research on ylang ylang also notes how the interpretation of the scent is so vastly different from one person to another. Everyone seems to have a personal experience with the note and it might be worth testing it out, especially if you’re planning to make your ylang ylang perfume.
Does ylang ylang smell like rubber?
One of the discussions around this fantastic smell is its rubber undertones. This is confirmed by science. Ylang ylang smells like rubber and custard (milk cooked with egg yolk).
I wouldn’t classify ylang ylang smell as romantic based on these interpretations. There’s no evidence to support the idea the flower influences the cardiovascular system beyond subjective results.
FAQ
Is ylang ylang relaxing?
As seen from the studies linked above, ylang ylang is not necessarily relaxing, certainly not compared to other floral scents.
Is ylang ylang safe?
Ylang ylang is safe to use after the distillation process with a carrier oil if you want to make perfume at home.
What smells good with ylang ylang?
Sandalwood, vetiver, bergamot, and other deep woody notes such as cedar smell good with ylang ylang.
What are a few ylang ylang perfumes worth sampling?
The following list selects ylang ylang perfumes for men and women.
| Perfume brands | Ylang Ylang perfume name |
| Chanel | No.5 |
| Nina Ricci | L’Air du Temps |
| Nicole Miller | Frenzy Perfume |
| Givenchy | Amarige |
| Hermes | Bel Ami |
| Amouage | Silver Man |
| Acqua di Parma | Mandorlo di Sicilia |
| Dior | J’adore |
| Guerlain | Samsara |
| Diptyque | Eau Moheli |
| Annick Goutal | Songers |
| Maison Francis Kurdijan | Apon Pour Femme |
| Le Labo | Ylang 49 |
| Aerin | Tuberose Le Soir |
| Tom Ford | Jasmine Rouge |
| Paco Rabanne | Pure XS |
| Clive Christian | Noble VII |
| Roja Parfums | Haute Luxe |
| Etat Libre d’Orange | Bijou Romantique |
| Penhaligon | Ostara |
