If you’ve dabbled in aromatherapy or organic skincare products, you’ve likely previously encountered ylang-ylang essential oil benefits for the skin. Ylang-ylang oil is made from a yellow, star-shaped flower (Cananga odorata) that grows on the Canaga tree. Native to Malaysia, India, the Philippines, and parts of Australia, ylang-ylang is used in many self-care and cosmetic products, including candles, essential oils, skincare products, and hair care.
But why, and what are the benefits of ylang-ylang as an ingredient? Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Ylang Ylang?
Ylang-ylang extract is a potent essential oil derived from the ylang-ylang flower of the Cananga odorata, otherwise known as ylang-ylang (/ˈiːlæŋ ˈiːlæŋ/ EE-lang-EE-lang) tree or Cananga tree. The tropical species originates from the Philippines but can be found throughout certain regions of Malaysia, Indonesia, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Australia.
Ylang-ylang essential oil benefits the skin in numerous ways, and it's a popular ingredient in Eight Saints' line of products for that very reason. Our Bright Side Cream Cleanser and Down to Earth Gel Cleanser both use ylang-ylang essential oil in combination with other essential oils and natural seed extracts to nourish the pores on a deep, foundational level.
Potent antibacterial properties make ylang-ylang essential oil perfect for treating the skin and hair. It helps reduce blemishes, while its anti-inflammatory nature helps reduce redness caused by acne or irritation. The purifying oil is also known to treat and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, making it a popular choice for those looking to maintain their youthful glow!
The Chemicals
The main chemical constituents of ylang-ylang oil can vary widely based on how it’s distilled, the stages of flower maturity, and the geographic area from which it is picked.
That said, recent studies have shown that the many benefits of ylang-ylang exhibited by the essential oils and the extracts of Cananga odorata include antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, anti-inflammatory, anti-vector, insect-repellent, anti-diabetic, anti-fertility and anti-melanogenesis activities.
Because of these properties, ylang-ylang can be used for many applications, not just for the skin and hair but for the body as well.
What Is Ylang-Ylang Used for?
Traditional Medicine
Both historically and presently, ylang-ylang essential oil has many medicinal and traditional uses around the world:
- In Java and Vietnam, the dried flowers are used to treat malaria-like symptoms.
- In the Northern Mariana Islands, the flowers and bark are used by local healers to treat pneumonia and stomach ache.
- The calming effect of ylang-ylang has also been used as an antidepressant to lower stress and blood pressure and to manage hypertension.
- In India and the Indian Ocean, ylang-ylang leaves are believed to relieve dandruff-related itching.
- In Papua New Guinea, the inner bark is consumed to treat gout and stomach ailments.
- In India, the bark is also used to treat rheumatism, phlegm, ophthalmia, ulcers, and fever.
- On top of that, it’s used in Western cultures in aromatherapy, stress management, skincare, and more.
Aromatherapy
What does ylang-ylang smell like? A sweet and floral scent similar to jasmine, which is often used in aromatherapy. Ylang-ylang has been shown to:
- Decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressure when inhaled
- Reduce stress levels
- Increase alertness and attentiveness
- Have sedative effects, decreasing heart rate
- Increase calmness and promote relaxation
In short, it’s shown to be a natural remedy that has a sedative, relaxing, and harmonizing effect when used in aromatherapy.
Skincare
Is ylang-ylang good for the skin? When applied topically, ylang-ylang essential oil benefits for the skin can make it an effective ingredient for:
- Soothing redness and calming down irritation
- Treating acne-causing microbes
- Reducing pore size
- Though it’s suitable for all skin types, these benefits make it extra appropriate for skin disorders, infections, or acne.
The benefits of ylang-ylang essential oils are virtually endless. In skin care, the ingredients have a proven ability to help reduce skin inflammation and irregular pigmentation, promote healthy collagen production, and naturally prevent acne breakouts. Try our Seeking C Face Serum to see the results for yourself.
Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil Benefits for Skin
There is no 'right answer' when it comes to the question of how to use ylang-ylang essential oil. As the most potent ingredient of its kind, ylang-ylang oil uses vary. Individuals of all skin types can incorporate it into their skincare routine, knowing that it will do good - whether that's from an anti-inflammatory, cosmetic, or stress-relief perspective. Read below as we go over just a few ylang-ylang skin benefits in detail.
Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Inflammatory
From treating acne to soothing the skin after an allergic reaction, the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of this essential oil are among the most game-changing ylang-ylang essential oil benefits we have to share. The flower is naturally rich in linalool, which has strong anti-inflammatory properties and can be an effective treatment for a number of skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.
Plus, its antimicrobial benefits make it great for fighting off acne-causing bacteria. If you're interested in using ylang-ylang for skin in this way, why not try our Down to Earth Gel Cleanser? Its rich blend of organic oils and botanical compounds with hyaluronic acid is an asset for any kind of skin irritation, dryness, or inflammation.
Balances Oil Production for Just the Right Glow
Think all ylang-ylang benefits are visual? Think again. A lot more goes on beneath the surface when you use ylang-ylang on skin with a high number of sebaceous glands. It has the capacity to regulate the amount of oil these areas produce, balancing moisture levels for a cleaner complexion long-term. Super beneficial for dry and oily skin sufferers alike!
Eight Saints' Bright Side Cream Cleanser and Soulmate Brightening Treatment are two great examples of ylang-ylang's positive effects in action. Not only can they balance your skin's oil, but also deeply hydrate and nourish thanks to the help of other powerful ingredients.
Skin Purifier - Remove that Acne!
What is ylang-ylang essential oil good for beyond moisturizing, you may ask? Try acne! The anti-bacterial agents found in this ingredient cleanse the skin of harmful pathogens and debris lingering in the pores. With enough consistent use, you can reasonably expect to see a decrease in new blemishes and overall irritation levels.
We put ylang-ylang oil in Seeking C Face Serum to make getting this benefit into your daily routine as easy as possible. Used in its highest quality and mixed in with other powerful ingredients, it has everything you need for a healthy, lively, and speckle-free complexion.
Boosts Cell Regeneration for Younger-Looking Skin
While you'll surely love that our feature ingredient can help you avoid looking like an acne-prone teenager, the benefits of ylang ylang go much further. Powerful natural antioxidant properties make this ingredient just as valuable in the fight against visible aging. Free radicals are responsible for premature aging, so ylang-ylang oil can help reduce wrinkles and restore youthfulness to your skin that lasts.
We highly recommend using Seeking C Face Serum regularly to really make the most of this natural energy boost. There's no better time to do something for your skin in 20 years than right now!
Hydrate for Healthier Skin
Despite being last on our list of ylang-ylang essential oil uses and benefits, hydration is nowhere near the least important thing this ingredient can do for your skin. In fact, many people specifically seek out ylang-ylang oil for this very reason - its hydrating properties and oil-balancing abilities serve as a great moisturizer for various types of skin. That's why we included it in the formula for Daydreamer Natural Face Moisturizer. This product is specially designed for those with skin sensitivity, and it's guaranteed to keep your face looking soft and hydrated all day long!
Which Essential Oils Does Ylang-Ylang Blend Well With?
The ylang-ylang uses and benefits that we've covered so far are just the tip of the iceberg. Combined with other ingredients, there's no limit to what kind of advantages it can offer you. Ylang-ylang blends well with other essential oils on the broader spectrum, too, meaning there are plenty of options to work with. Eight Saints' Most Loved Starter Routine is a great way to experiment with possible mixes and find what works best for your regimen.
Lavender
Lavender essential oil blends with ylang-ylang essential oil very well, in part because of their similar properties. Lavender is known for its calming and soothing effects on the skin and body, but it is also non-comedogenic, meaning that it kills acne-causing bacteria that might infiltrate your pores. Together, ylang-ylang and lavender make an ideal combination for anyone looking to boost their skin's vitality. You can find them both in our Chase The Sun SPF 30 Face Moisturizer.
Frankincense
Frankincense is another one of many essential oils that ylang-ylang essential oil pairs nicely with. This ancient oil has been used for centuries to promote youthful-looking skin and is known to reduce inflammation and redness through epidermis-healing properties. Ylang-ylang brings a bright, romantic floral aroma that rounds out the musky undertones of frankincense. Mixed together in our No Plans Clay Mask, the benefits of frankincense and ylang-ylang oil for skin care are undeniable.
Geranium
While the side effects of ylang-ylang essential oil are rare, individuals with more sensitive areas may be prone to irritation when applying oil topically. In such cases, mixing it with a natural anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory oil like geranium oil can help offset any potential redness. Geranium oil is known to promote healing and balance sebum production, making it easy to reap ylang-ylang oil benefits for the skin regardless of what type you have.
Eight Saints has a diverse selection of products with geranium oil, namely Cloud Whip Face Cream, Night Shift Hydration Gel, Pep Rally Face Serum, No Plans Clay Mask, and Zen Out of Ten Face Scrub. Boost your skin's natural glow by trying them out today!
Bergamot
The advantages of applying ylang-ylang essential oil on the skin are multiplied with bergamot oil. It contains several natural compounds known to have immunomodulatory, wound-healing, and anti-inflammatory properties. Because bergamot oil works to stimulate skin cell renewal, it can also make a positive difference in skin pigment distribution and complexion.
Combining bergamot and ylang ylang benefits for skin, our Seeking C face serum will help purify, balance, and hydrate your skin. This serum is an ideal way to incorporate bergamot oil into a daily skincare routine, with the added bonus of nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and jojoba oil.
Rose
Rose oil mirrors the benefits of ylang-ylang oil in the sense that it's also anti-bacterial and deeply hydrating. But anti-aging is where this ingredient really shines; using it regularly can help drastically reduce the development and appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. Just like how regular ylang-ylang essential oil uses can help bring balance to the skin, rose oil can also restore its natural harmony. Eight Saints' No Plans Clay Mask contains both, making it a great way to add such benefits to your daily routine.
Should You Worry About the Side Effects of Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil?
While ylang-ylang oil has endless benefits for the skin, some potential side effects must be noted. The most common is irritation; ylang-ylang oil has been linked to contact dermatitis and can be irritating to the skin when applied topically. It's always best to apply essential compounds like these through a carrier oil to lessen the potential for side effects. Just be sure to patch-test products 48 hours before full use. Otherwise, ylang-ylang–and especially the organic ylang-ylang essential oil found in Eight Saints products–is considered a very safe essential oil.
Final Thoughts on Ylang Ylang Oil
We've been over a mountain of ylang-ylang essential oil skin benefits, use cases, and tips in this article. To recap, ylang-ylang oil can be used both topically and aromatically to nourish skin and help reduce signs of aging. It's also a great choice for reducing stress and calming the mind. Although the side effects of ylang-ylang oil are unlikely, always patch-test any product before full use.
If you're looking to take the plunge and experience the transformative skin benefits of organic ylang-ylang oil, be sure to join the Eight Saints VIP program for exclusive access and discounts on our line of all-natural ylang-ylang skin care products.