Ylang ylang is the flower behind some of the world's best-known perfumes, and in Tahiti it is blended into monoi to make a body oil that smells like a fragrance. Monoi Tiki Tahiti Ylang Ylang is a ready-to-use ylang ylang body oil made with Tahitian monoi and coconut. Here is what ylang ylang smells like, how to wear it on skin and hair, how to use it as a massage oil, and what to pair it with.
What is ylang ylang?
Ylang ylang is the flower of the "perfume tree," which grows across tropical Asia and the South Pacific. Its long, drooping yellow petals are a favorite of perfumers. Ylang Ylang monoi joined the Monoi Tiki Tahiti line in 1990.
What scent is ylang ylang?
Heavy, sweet and exotic. Ylang ylang is a full, rich floral, the kind of scent people describe as "perfume-like." In Monoi Tiki Tahiti Ylang Ylang it sits over a creamy coconut base, so it reads warm and tropical rather than sharp.
Like every Monoi Tiki Tahiti oil, it starts as Monoi Tiare Tahiti: tiare blossoms (the Tahitian gardenia) steeped in refined coconut oil, and each bottle still holds a dried tiare flower. The ylang ylang fragrance is blended in on top. Curious about the base flower? Read what tiare smells like.
Who will love Ylang Ylang?
- Anyone who loves rich, classic perfume florals.
- People who want one bottle that is both body oil and fragrance.
- Gift shoppers looking for an exotic scent that feels a little luxurious.
Want the other bold floral? Try Pitate (jasmine), the only scent in the line stronger than Ylang Ylang. Want something softer? Try Tipanie (plumeria) or the original Tiare. Want something warmer? Try Vanille or Santal (sandalwood). Compare all of them in our monoi oil scent guide.
How to use ylang ylang body oil
On skin after the shower
Pat skin until it is just damp, then smooth a few drops of Ylang Ylang monoi oil over arms, legs and shoulders. Damp skin helps the oil spread thinly, so a little covers a lot. More tips in how to use monoi oil on skin.
As a ylang ylang massage oil
Warm a small amount between your hands first, then massage in with long strokes. Because monoi is a coconut-based body oil, it is ready to use as it is; there is nothing to mix or dilute.
As a perfume oil
Dab a little on pulse points: wrists, behind the ears and at the collarbone. Ylang Ylang is bold, so start with less than you think.
In your hair
Rub one or two drops between your palms and smooth over dry ends, or work more into lengths as a pre-shampoo mask for 15 to 30 minutes, then shampoo. See how to use monoi oil for hair.
After a day outdoors
Smooth it on after a day in the sun or wind to moisturize dry skin.
Layering and pairing ideas
- Ylang Ylang soap + Ylang Ylang oil: lather the Ylang Ylang monoi soap in the shower, then smooth the oil on damp skin for the same scent from head to toe. See all six bars in our monoi soap guide.
- Ylang Ylang + Vanille: a drop of each for a sweeter, creamier floral. Read how to wear Tahitian vanilla.
- Ylang Ylang + Tiare: two white-and-yellow island florals. Wear Tiare by day and Ylang Ylang at night.
- Ylang Ylang + Pitate: for the full perfume-lover's pair. Read our jasmine body oil guide.
Any two 4 oz oils reach our free U.S. shipping line of $30. For more combinations, see the Tahitian holiday gift guide.
Good to know
- It may be solid when it arrives. Monoi is mostly coconut oil, which turns solid below 68°F (20°C). Stand the bottle in warm water for a few minutes to melt it.
- Patch-test first if you are trying a new fragrance, and stop using it if you notice irritation.
- Not a sunscreen. Monoi is a beauty oil; use sunscreen as directed on its label when you are out in the sun.
Ylang ylang monoi FAQ
Is it a ylang ylang essential oil?
No. It is a ready-to-use body oil: Tahitian monoi (tiare flowers steeped in coconut oil) with a ylang ylang fragrance. Ingredients: coconut oil, tiare flower, fragrance and vitamin E (tocopherol). You can apply it straight to skin and hair.
Is it made with tiare too?
Yes. Every Monoi Tiki Tahiti oil is built on Monoi Tiare Tahiti, and each bottle holds a dried tiare flower.
How strong is it?
Ylang Ylang is the second boldest scent in the range, just behind Pitate. If you want the lightest, choose Coco; for a soft floral, Tipanie, which we cover in our plumeria body oil guide.
Where is it made, and where does it ship from?
In Papeete, Tahiti, by Parfumerie Tiki, which has made monoi since 1942. Hawaiian Resources Co. of Honolulu is the official U.S. importer and ships every order from Hawaii. New to monoi? Start with what is monoi oil.
Keep reading: Monoi oil scent guide · Jasmine (pikake) body oil: Pitate monoi · Plumeria (frangipani) body oil: Tipanie monoi · Tahitian vanilla body oil: how to wear it · Monoi soap: the 6 scents and how to use them · Tahitian gift guide: monoi oil gifts under $35 · Sandalwood body oil: monoi Santal · Tahitian coconut body oil: monoi Coco