Floral · Tropical · Heady

Ylang-Ylang

Cananga odorata

Ylang-ylang (pronounced "ee-lang ee-lang") comes from the flowers of a tropical tree native to the Philippines and Indonesia. Its name means "flower of flowers" in Tagalog. The essential oil is distilled in fractions — "extra" being the lightest and most prized, while later fractions grow heavier and more narcotic. Ylang-ylang is rich, creamy, intensely floral with banana-like sweetness and a faintly medicinal edge.

Intensity
Longevity
Projection
Sensuality Boldness Exotic Evening Special Occasions Summer Warm Weather
🌼

The Scent

Intensely floral, creamy, almost narcotic. Ylang-ylang smells like tropical flowers blooming at night — heady, sweet, with a custard-like richness and a hint of overripe banana. It's bold and unapologetic, with a subtle medicinal quality that prevents it from becoming cloying. In large doses, ylang-ylang can overwhelm; used skillfully, it creates hypnotic depth. This is not a shy flower.

Psychological Profile

Ylang-ylang communicates confident sensuality and tropical escapism. It's the scent of someone who isn't afraid to be noticed, who embraces femininity without apology, and who understands that intensity can be magnetic.

What It Signals

  • You're comfortable with boldness
  • You embrace sensuality without reservation
  • You're not afraid to take up space
  • You value pleasure and indulgence
  • You appreciate exotic beauty

Psychological Properties

  • Energy: High, warm, intoxicating
  • Temperature: Very warm, tropical
  • Formality: Evening and special occasions
  • Season: Summer and warm climates
  • Time of Day: Evening and night

When Ylang-Ylang Works

Perfect For

  • Romantic evenings and dates
  • Warm summer nights
  • Tropical vacations
  • When you want to make a sensual impression
  • Special occasions requiring confidence

Avoid For

  • Professional office settings — too bold
  • First meetings — can be overwhelming
  • Conservative environments — too sensual
  • Cold weather — can smell heavy
  • When you need to project authority

Complementary Notes

Pairs Beautifully With

  • Jasmine — amplifies white floral richness
  • Vanilla — adds creamy sweetness
  • Bergamot — cuts the heaviness with brightness
  • Oud — creates exotic depth
  • Coconut — enhances tropical character

Avoid Pairing With

  • Heavy woods — becomes suffocating
  • Too many other florals — creates cacophony
  • Green notes — clashes with tropical warmth
Affiliate Disclosure: ScentHoarders earns a small commission when you purchase through our links. This supports our research and never affects our honest reviews.

Where to Find Ylang-Ylang Fragrances

🏆 Best for Serious Collectors

Luckyscent — The authority retailer for niche fragrances. Trusted by collectors, extensive selection, sample program available.

Shop Luckyscent →

Try Before You Invest

Smart collectors sample first. Get 1ml-5ml decants of rare ylang-ylang fragrances before committing to a full bottle.

Explore Surrender to Chance →

Also Available

Iconic Fragrances

Ylang-Ylang Classics

Modern Interpretations

Further Reading

Related Notes