Ylang-Ylang III Essential Oil, 10 ml

Ylang-Ylang III essential oil gives cosmetics a distinctive floral, sweet and oriental fragrance that defines the character of the whole product. It is obtained by steam distillation of the flowers of the Cananga odorata tree and acts as a fragrance ingredient in the formulation. It works best in soaps, body and massage oils, shower gels, shampoos and aromatherapy blends, where the fragrance should come across as full and long-lasting.

Besides its fragrance, the manufacturer associates the oil with a soothing and cooling effect on the skin, so it also suits products for dry and mature skin. Add the oil to formulations only at a temperature below 40 °C, so that the volatile components of the fragrance are not lost.

Fragrance and effects according to the manufacturer

The fragrance is full, sweetly floral with an oriental undertone, and can scent a whole product on its own. In aromatherapy it is associated with relaxation and a feeling of balance.

The manufacturer states the following properties:

• Soothing effect on the skin – according to the manufacturer, it helps to reduce irritation and redness and supports a more even-looking complexion. It suits body oils and creams for dry and mature skin.
• Cooling sensation – the manufacturer describes a refreshing, cooling feel on the skin and recommends the oil for after-sun products and products for irritated skin.
• Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties – the manufacturer lists them as properties of the raw material. The final effect in the finished product depends on the usage rate and the whole formulation.
• Relaxation and aromatherapy – the fragrance is traditionally associated with calming and releasing tension, so it is a frequent ingredient in massage oils, bath products and diffuser blends.
• Hair and scalp – in shampoos, hair oils and mists it is used mainly for its fragrance; the manufacturer also mentions a soothing effect on the scalp.

Use in formulations

The oil is soluble in oils and in alcohol and does not dissolve in water. In emulsions, therefore, add it only in the cooling phase, or work it into the finished base afterwards.

In anhydrous products such as body and massage oils, balms or solid perfumes, mix it directly into the oil phase without heating. Toners, body mists and hydrosol sprays need a solubiliser, otherwise the oil stays on the surface in droplets. In shower gels and shampoos, the surfactant base disperses it. The documentation lists compatibility with non-ionic surfactants and with alcohol, but we recommend checking on a small sample whether the base stays clear and its viscosity remains unchanged.

The usage rate of the fragrance ingredient depends on the category of the finished product according to IFRA. Limits differ for leave-on products (creams, body oils, deodorants) and rinse-off products (soaps, shampoos, shower gels). The specific maximum values for individual categories are given in the IFRA certificate for the product, so we do not state a universal percentage.

Soaps, both solid and liquid, are among the listed uses. We have not verified how the fragrance of this oil behaves in cold process soap, so we recommend a test batch first.

Suitable for products such as

• Body and massage oils – an anhydrous base in which the oil dissolves without additional ingredients and the fragrance comes through fully.
• Face and body creams, lotions – especially for dry and mature skin, added in the cooling phase.
• Shower gels, shampoos, solid and liquid soaps – rinse-off products in which the fragrance creates the main impression during use.
• Hair oils, serums and mists – water-based mists need a solubiliser.
• Bath oils and salts – in salts, first mix the oil in a small amount of carrier oil or solubiliser so that it spreads evenly.
• Diffusers and aromatherapy blends – on its own or in combination with other essential oils.

Good to know

The oil contains known skin allergens and one or more fragrance allergens listed in Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. You need to take this into account when labelling the ingredients of a finished cosmetic product.

The substance is subject to classification under the CLP Regulation and carries the GHS07 (irritant, sensitisation, moderate toxicity), GHS08 (serious health hazards) and GHS09 (hazardous to the environment) pictograms. The product as a whole is not classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction, but it contains one or more components classified as CMR. Details on composition and safe handling are given in the safety data sheet (SDS).

The colour of the oil ranges from light yellow to dark yellow. In white creams or clear gels, a yellow tint may appear at a higher usage rate, which we recommend checking on a sample. The raw material is vegan, alcohol-free and preservative-free.

Frequently asked questions