Ylang Ylang Essential Oil: Benefits for Skin and Mood

Ylang ylang has been used for centuries across Southeast Asia for its intoxicating floral scent and powerful skin benefits. But there's more to this exotic flower than its fragrance — it balances sebum production, supports emotional wellbeing, and has natural antibacterial properties that make it a star ingredient in natural deodorant.

Extracted from the flowers of the Cananga odorata tree through steam distillation, ylang ylang essential oil is rich in linalool, geranyl acetate, and benzyl acetate — compounds that give it both its distinctive scent and its therapeutic properties.

What Is Ylang Ylang Essential Oil?

Ylang ylang (pronounced ee-lang ee-lang) means "flower of flowers" in Tagalog — and it lives up to the name. The oil is extracted from freshly picked flowers and has been a cornerstone of traditional medicine and perfumery for generations. Today, it's increasingly recognised in natural skincare for its multi-functional benefits.

Ylang Ylang Benefits for Skin

Balances sebum production

Ylang ylang is particularly effective for combination and oily skin because it helps regulate the skin's natural oil production. Rather than stripping the skin dry or leaving it greasy, it encourages balance — making it suitable for a wide range of skin types.

Natural antibacterial properties

Research suggests ylang ylang has antimicrobial activity against common skin bacteria. This makes it a valuable ingredient in natural deodorants, where controlling odour-causing bacteria is key — without the harsh chemicals found in conventional antiperspirants.

Soothes irritated skin

Its anti-inflammatory properties help calm redness and irritation, making it gentle enough for sensitive skin when used in the right concentration.

Supports skin hydration

Ylang ylang helps strengthen the skin's moisture barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss and keeping skin feeling soft and supple throughout the day.

Ylang Ylang Benefits for Mood

The benefits of ylang ylang go beyond skin deep. Aromatherapy research has shown that inhaling ylang ylang essential oil can:

• Reduce cortisol levels and lower feelings of stress and anxiety
• Promote a sense of calm and emotional balance
• Uplift mood and increase feelings of positivity
• Support better sleep when used in the evening

This is why ylang ylang is such a popular choice in natural deodorants — you get the skin and odour benefits and a subtle mood-lifting effect every time you apply it.

Ylang Ylang in Natural Deodorant

Conventional deodorants rely on aluminium salts to block sweat glands and synthetic fragrances to mask odour. Natural deodorants work differently — they use plant-based ingredients to neutralise odour-causing bacteria and absorb moisture, while essential oils like ylang ylang provide a beautiful, lasting scent.

Our Undercover Agent Natural Deodorant Ylang Ylang & Palmarosa combines ylang ylang with palmarosa essential oil — another powerhouse ingredient known for its antibacterial and skin-balancing properties. Together they create a warm, floral scent that's sophisticated, gender-neutral, and effective throughout the day.

99% natural. Free from aluminium, parabens, and synthetic fragrance. Made in Sweden.

Ylang Ylang and Palmarosa — A Perfect Pairing

Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii) is often called the "poor man's rose" because of its soft, rosy scent — but there's nothing poor about its skin benefits. Rich in geraniol, it has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, helps regulate sebum, and supports skin cell regeneration.

When combined with ylang ylang, the two oils complement each other beautifully — ylang ylang brings the exotic floral depth, palmarosa adds a lighter, fresher rose note. The result is a scent that's warm, clean, and unmistakably natural.

How to Use Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Safely

Ylang ylang is potent — a little goes a long way. When used in skincare and deodorant formulations, it should always be properly diluted in a carrier oil or base. Undiluted essential oils should never be applied directly to skin.

In our Undercover Agent deodorant, ylang ylang is carefully dosed to be effective and skin-safe, even for sensitive skin types. As always, patch test first if you have very reactive skin.

FAQ

Is ylang ylang suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, when properly diluted as in a formulated product. Ylang ylang in high concentrations can cause irritation, but in a well-balanced formula like our natural deodorant, it is gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types. Patch test first if you have very reactive skin.

Does ylang ylang deodorant actually work?

Yes — ylang ylang has natural antibacterial properties that help neutralise odour-causing bacteria. Combined with other active ingredients in our Undercover Agent deodorant, it provides effective all-day freshness without aluminium or synthetic chemicals.

What does ylang ylang smell like?

Ylang ylang has a rich, sweet, floral scent with slightly fruity and woody undertones. It's often described as exotic and romantic — similar to jasmine but warmer and more intense. Paired with palmarosa, it becomes softer and fresher.

Can I use ylang ylang essential oil on my face?

Pure ylang ylang essential oil should always be diluted before applying to skin. For facial skincare, look for formulated products that include it at safe concentrations. Our Face It Organic Serum contains bergamot and geranium essential oils — a complementary pairing for glowing skin.

Is ylang ylang safe during pregnancy?

Essential oils during pregnancy should always be discussed with a healthcare provider. As a precaution, we recommend consulting your doctor before using essential oil-based products during pregnancy.