Ylang-ylang oil
Ylang-ylang oil suppliers and sourcing guide
Ylang-ylang oil is the essential oil steam-distilled from the flowers of Cananga odorata, grown mainly in the Comoros, Madagascar and Mayotte. Distillation is run in stages and the distillate is collected in fractions sold as Extra, I, II and III, from the most to the least floral, plus Complete oil, which is the whole run. Cananga oil is a related, harsher oil from Cananga odorata var. macrophylla. It is used in perfumery, cosmetics and soaps, and at low levels in flavors.
- Also known as
- Cananga odorata flower oil · Ylang ylang extra · Cananga oil
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of ylang-ylang oil
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Extra
The first and most floral fraction, the highest grade for fine fragrance.
I, II and III
Later fractions with progressively woodier, heavier odor and lower cost, used in soaps and cosmetics.
Complete
Oil from an uninterrupted distillation, combining all fractions.
Organic
Certified organic oil, mostly from Madagascar and the Comoros.
Absolute
Solvent-extracted ylang-ylang absolute for perfumery.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- GC-MS profile
- Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry, reporting key constituents such as linalool, benzyl acetate, p-cresyl methyl ether, germacrene D and benzyl benzoate against the supplier's or ISO ranges; the main identity and adulteration check.
- Physical constants
- Specific gravity, refractive index and optical rotation at 20 °C against the specification.
- Ester value
- Ester value by saponification, which helps distinguish fractions from each other.
- Fragrance allergens
- Levels of declarable fragrance allergens (such as linalool, geraniol, citronellol, limonene) for cosmetic labeling and IFRA compliance.
- Adulteration screen
- Checks for cananga oil, added synthetic esters or blended fractions sold as a higher grade.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Store in full, tightly closed amber glass, aluminum or lined steel containers in a cool, dark place, ideally with a nitrogen headspace once opened; heat, light and air oxidize the oil and change its odor. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and a GC-MS and odor retest is the usual way to confirm older stock.
Lots and expiry dates
Odor and composition vary with fraction, origin and harvest, so record the grade and GC-MS profile for each lot and keep retained samples. Confirm the fraction on the certificate matches what was ordered.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 182.20 lists ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) among essential oils, oleoresins and natural extractives that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists ylang-ylang oil (CAS 8006-81-3) with the technical effect flavoring agent or adjuvant, citing 21 CFR 182.20.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's aromatherapy essential oils monograph lists ylang ylang essential oil from the flower of Cananga odorata.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Ylang-ylang oil suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking ylang-ylang oil suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell ylang-ylang oil? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of ylang-ylang oil can brands buy?
Common forms include extra, i, II and III, complete, organic and absolute. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for ylang-ylang oil include?
Expect gC-MS profile, physical constants, ester value, fragrance allergens and adulteration screen, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should ylang-ylang oil be stored?
Store in full, tightly closed amber glass, aluminum or lined steel containers in a cool, dark place, ideally with a nitrogen headspace once opened; heat, light and air oxidize the oil and change its odor. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and a GC-MS and odor retest is the usual way to confirm older stock.
What is the regulatory status of ylang-ylang oil?
21 CFR 182.20 lists ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) among essential oils, oleoresins and natural extractives that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists ylang-ylang oil (CAS 8006-81-3) with the technical effect flavoring agent or adjuvant, citing 21 CFR 182.20. Health Canada's aromatherapy essential oils monograph lists ylang ylang essential oil from the flower of Cananga odorata.
More flavors, spices and essential oils
- Vanilla extractExtract of vanilla · Pure vanilla extract
- Vanilla beansVanilla planifolia · Vanilla tahitensis
- Vanillin4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde · Vanillic aldehyde
- Ethyl vanillin3-Ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde · Bourbonal
- Natural flavorsNatural flavoring · Natural flavour
- Artificial flavorsArtificial flavoring · Synthetic flavors
- CinnamonCinnamomum verum (Ceylon cinnamon) · Cinnamomum cassia (Chinese cassia)
- NutmegMyristica fragrans · Nutmeg seed
- CloveSyzygium aromaticum · Eugenia caryophyllata
- CardamomElettaria cardamomum · Green cardamom
- Black pepperPiper nigrum · Peppercorns
- Cayenne pepperCapsicum annuum · Capsicum frutescens
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