Ylang ylang smells rich, sweet and creamy: a lush tropical floral with a soft, fruity note often compared to banana or custard, and a gentle spicy warmth underneath. It is fuller than most flowers, almost buttery, and it has a slightly exotic, sensual quality that is why perfumers have used it for more than a century. Fans call it intoxicating. People who dislike it usually say it is too sweet or too heavy, which is a sign of how much character it has.
Here is what to expect from the ylang ylang smell, how it changes on skin, how it compares to other flowers and how to wear it.
The ylang ylang scent, note by note
- Floral and sweet. A big, creamy floral at the center.
- Fruity. A ripe-banana or custard-apple facet. That makes sense: the ylang ylang tree belongs to the custard apple family (Annonaceae).
- Creamy. A smooth, almost milky richness, similar to gardenia's.
- Spicy and warm. A light clove-like spice and a balsamic warmth in the drydown.
- A little medicinal at first in some essential oil grades. Fresh-from-the-bottle ylang can open with a sharp edge that softens within minutes.
How ylang ylang changes on skin
The first minutes are the brightest and sweetest. After that, ylang settles into a warmer, creamier, slightly spicy floral that stays close to the skin. In an oil base it is especially smooth, because the oil carries the scent slowly instead of letting it flash off like a spray.
Ylang ylang vs jasmine, tiare and plumeria
- vs jasmine: jasmine is sweeter, greener and more indolic. Ylang is creamier, fruitier and spicier. See what jasmine smells like.
- vs tiare (Tahitian gardenia): both are creamy. Tiare is cleaner and more delicate; ylang is richer and more exotic.
- vs plumeria: plumeria is lighter and peachier. Ylang has more depth and warmth.
Why ylang ylang is called "the flower of flowers"
The name comes from the Tagalog ilang-ilang, from the Philippines, and the phrase "flower of flowers" is often used for it in perfume writing. The tree, Cananga odorata, grows across tropical Asia and the Pacific, and much of the essential oil comes from Madagascar and the Comoros. It is one of the notes most often cited in classic perfumes, including Chanel No. 5. We cover the tree itself in the ylang ylang tree and flower.
Ylang ylang in Tahiti
Ylang ylang grows in French Polynesia too, where it is known as moto'i and is woven into flower crowns and leis. In 1990, Parfumerie Tiki added Ylang Ylang to its monoi line. Monoi itself is refined coconut oil in which tiare flowers have been soaked, a Tahitian tradition the company has bottled in Papeete since 1942. The Ylang Ylang monoi is the second-boldest scent in the line, after Pitate: lush, creamy and floral over the soft coconut base.
Our Ylang Ylang body oil guide covers how people wear it, and there is a matching Ylang Ylang monoi soap ($6).
How to wear ylang ylang
- Use a small amount. It is rich. Two or three drops warmed in your palms are enough for arms and shoulders.
- Apply after a shower on damp skin for even coverage and longer wear.
- Pair it with wood or citrus if you want it lighter: a woody scent grounds it, citrus brightens it.
- Use it in your hair ends for a subtle scent trail. A tiny amount goes a long way.
Monoi turns solid below about 68°F (20°C). That is normal; warm the bottle and it melts. Patch-test new fragrances if your skin is sensitive.
Words people use to describe ylang ylang
When you read a product description, "creamy," "custard," "banana" and "sweet" usually signal a rich, full ylang. "Fresh," "bright" or "light" ylang tends to mean a more delicate style closer to the top grade of the essential oil. "Spicy," "warm" or "balsamic" points to a heavier ylang that lasts longer on skin. Many perfumes use ylang quietly, as a heart note that makes other flowers feel fuller, so you may already love it without knowing.
Who tends to love ylang ylang?
If you like gardenia, tuberose, jasmine or creamy, tropical scents, you will probably like ylang ylang. If you prefer fresh, green, citrus or very light scents, start with a little, or try a softer flower like plumeria first. Ylang ylang is also lovely layered with something woody, which keeps it warm but less sweet.
Ylang ylang through the day
Many people wear ylang ylang in the evening, when its richness feels right, and choose something lighter for daytime. In an oil it is soft enough for both. Try a single drop on each wrist in the morning and see how it develops by afternoon.
Ylang ylang FAQ
Is ylang ylang a strong smell?
Yes, it is one of the richer floral notes. In a body oil it is softer and closer to the skin than in a perfume spray.
Does ylang ylang smell like banana?
Many people notice a ripe-banana or custard facet, especially in the drydown.
Does ylang ylang smell like jasmine?
They are related in feel, both rich white florals, but ylang is creamier and spicier and jasmine is sweeter and greener.
How do you pronounce ylang ylang?
EE-lang EE-lang.
Try ylang ylang from Tahiti
We are the official U.S. importer of Monoi Tiki Tahiti, shipping from Hawaii. Compare every scent in the monoi scent guide.
Shop Ylang Ylang monoi oil, 4 fl oz, $19. Orders of $30 or more ship free in the U.S.