If you’ve dabbled in aromatherapy or organic skincare products, you’ve likely come across ylang ylang before. A yellow, star-shaped flower that grows on the Canaga tree -- native to Malaysia, India, the Philippines, and parts of Australia -- ylang ylang is used in many self care products, including candles, essential oils, skincare products, and haircare.
But why, and what are the benefits of ylang ylang as an ingredient? Here’s what you need to know.
The chemical composition of ylang ylang 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 a wide variety of bioactivities exhibited by the essential oils and the extracts of C. odorata including 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.
Both historically and presently, ylang ylang has many medicinal and traditional uses around the world:
On top of that, it’s used in Western cultures in aromatherapy, skincare, and more.
Ylang ylang is often used in aromatherapy. A sweet and floral scent similar to jasmine, ylang ylang has been shown to:
In short, it’s shown to have sedative, relaxing, and harmonizing effects when used in aromatherapy.
When applied topically, ylang ylang’s anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds can make it an effective ingredient for:
Though it’s suitable for all skin types, these benefits make it extra appropriate for blemish or acne-prone skin.
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