Ylang ylang essential oil is most reliably useful for stress relief, blood pressure support, and skin care. Extracted from the flowers of the tropical Cananga odorata tree, it has a rich, sweet floral scent that has been studied for its calming effects on the nervous system and its ability to fight certain skin bacteria. While some of its traditional uses have stronger scientific backing than others, here’s what the evidence actually shows.
Stress Relief and Mood
Ylang ylang’s calming reputation has a biological basis. The oil contains compounds that interact with two key brain signaling systems: serotonin and dopamine pathways, which regulate mood and emotional responses. One compound in particular, beta-caryophyllene, binds to receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, the same network that helps regulate how you respond to stress. This dual action helps explain why inhaling the oil tends to produce both relaxation and a mild mood lift.
In systematic reviews of aromatherapy research, over 70% of randomized controlled trials reported reduced anxiety levels in groups receiving aromatherapy (including ylang ylang blends) compared to controls. A pilot study looking specifically at ylang ylang found that both inhaling and applying the oil to the skin significantly improved participants’ self-esteem scores, though it didn’t produce measurable changes in anxiety on standardized questionnaires. The takeaway: ylang ylang reliably shifts how people feel in the moment, even if it doesn’t always move the needle on clinical anxiety scales.
Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
One of the more compelling areas of research involves cardiovascular effects. In a study of young men with high blood pressure, inhaling a blend containing ylang ylang twice daily for two weeks produced significant drops in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, along with a reduction in pulse rate, compared to a control group. These differences held up in 24-hour ambulatory monitoring, meaning the effects weren’t just momentary relaxation during the inhalation itself.
The reductions were most pronounced during daytime hours. Nighttime blood pressure and pulse rate didn’t show the same significant changes, suggesting the oil’s effects work best when you’re awake and actively stressed rather than providing a round-the-clock physiological shift.
Skin Health and Acne
Ylang ylang oil shows genuine antibacterial activity against several common skin pathogens. Lab testing found it consistently inhibited Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, two bacteria frequently involved in skin infections and breakouts. Its effectiveness against E. coli varied depending on the oil’s extraction time, and it showed no meaningful activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a more resistant bacterium.
For acne specifically, the oil’s potential goes beyond just killing bacteria. Molecular studies have identified compounds in ylang ylang that target the androgen receptor and an enzyme involved in hormone-driven oil production in the skin. Since excess sebum is one of the primary drivers of acne, this dual action (reducing oil production while fighting acne-causing bacteria) makes it a reasonable addition to a natural skincare routine. That said, these findings come from lab and molecular modeling studies, not large clinical trials on human acne patients.
Safety-wise, patch testing in humans showed that ylang ylang oil at 10% concentration in a carrier base caused no skin irritation. Still, always dilute it before applying to skin, and test a small area first if you’ve never used it.
Aphrodisiac Effects
Ylang ylang has a long traditional reputation as an aphrodisiac. In parts of Southeast Asia, the flowers are scattered on the beds of newlyweds. The compound beta-caryophyllene is thought to be responsible, and there is some animal research showing that a blend of ylang ylang (3%), jasmine (1%), and mint (1%) increased sexual behavior and improved reproductive markers in male mice, including higher sperm motility and count.
No controlled human studies have tested these effects directly. The mood-enhancing and stress-reducing properties likely play a supporting role, since stress is one of the most common barriers to sexual desire. But calling ylang ylang a proven aphrodisiac would be overstating the evidence.
Understanding Ylang Ylang Grades
Not all ylang ylang oil is the same. The distillation process is typically divided into fractions collected at different times, and each fraction has a distinct chemical profile and scent.
- Ylang ylang extra: Collected in the first hour or two. It has the brightest, most intensely floral scent with fruity top notes. This is the grade most used in fine perfumery and aromatherapy.
- Grades 1, 2, and 3: Collected progressively later. Each subsequent grade becomes heavier, earthier, and woodier. Grade 3 oil tends to be thicker, darker in color, and less expensive because it’s more abundant.
- Complete ylang ylang: The entire distillation run collected without separation. This gives you the full range of compounds in a single oil.
For aromatherapy and personal care, ylang ylang extra or complete oil typically delivers the best therapeutic profile. Grade 3 holds its scent longer in heat, making it better suited for candles, soaps, and incense where you need a bold base note that won’t fade quickly.
How to Use It
The most common and well-studied method is inhalation, either directly from the bottle, from a few drops on a tissue, or through a diffuser. This is also the safest route, especially during pregnancy. Ylang ylang is listed among essential oils generally considered safe during pregnancy, though inhalation or diffusing is preferred over topical application, particularly in the first trimester.
For topical use, dilute ylang ylang in a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil before applying it to your skin. A concentration of 2 to 3% (roughly 12 to 18 drops per ounce of carrier oil) is standard for adult use. The oil blends well with lavender, bergamot, and sandalwood if you want to layer scents or combine therapeutic effects.
One thing to keep in mind: ylang ylang has an intense, heavy floral scent that some people find overwhelming. If you’re new to it, start with a single drop in your diffuser and work up from there. Too much can cause headaches or nausea in sensitive individuals, which somewhat defeats the purpose of using it for relaxation.