What it is
Cananga odorata flower oil is a volatile, intensely floral essential oil obtained by distilling the fresh flowers of the ylang-ylang tree native to Southeast Asia. In sunscreens and skincare it is added in small amounts to perfume the formula and to mask the base odor of other raw materials. It is a complex mixture of terpenes, esters, and aromatic alcohols rather than a single defined compound.
Safety & warnings
As a fragrance oil it can cause sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis in some people. It naturally contains constituents that are regulated fragrance allergens in the EU, including benzyl benzoate, benzyl salicylate, linalool, geraniol, eugenol, isoeugenol, and farnesol, which must be declared above set thresholds. People with fragrance sensitivities or reactive skin may prefer fragrance-free formulas.
Origin & sourcing
Natural. The oil is steam-distilled from the freshly picked flowers of Cananga odorata, cultivated mainly in Madagascar, the Comoros, and Indonesia.
History
Ylang-ylang oil has a long history in perfumery and was a signature note in classic floral fragrances of the early twentieth century before its adoption in modern cosmetic formulations.
Questions everyone asks
Why is ylang-ylang oil in my sunscreen?
It is included in very small amounts as a natural fragrance, both to add a floral scent and to mask the smell of other ingredients in the base.
Can ylang-ylang oil cause skin reactions?
Yes. Like many essential oils it contains fragrance allergens and can trigger irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.