Ylang-ylang

Ylang-ylang is among the most intoxicating florals in the perfumer's palette — a tropical bloom of extraordinary richness and complexity that has been central to fine fragrance for well over a century. The ylang-ylang tree (Cananga odorata) is native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, and thrives particularly in the Comoro Islands, Madagascar, Indonesia, and the Philippines, where the finest quality essential oil is produced. The large, star-shaped yellow flowers are harvested by hand and processed through steam distillation, producing an oil of remarkable depth. The scent of ylang-ylang is lush, heady, and multifaceted. At its heart it is deeply floral — sweet and rich with a creamy, almost narcotic quality — but it also carries surprising secondary facets: a rubbery, banana-like sweetness, a woody undertone, and a slight spicy edge that prevents it from ever becoming simply "pretty." The distillation process produces several grades of ylang-ylang oil (extra, I, II, III, and complete), each with a slightly different character — from the most refined and floral extra grade to the deeper, woodier complete oil. In perfumery, ylang-ylang is prized for its ability to add tropical warmth, voluptuous sweetness, and a distinctive exotic character that few other florals can replicate. It has been a key ingredient in classics such as Chanel No. 5, where its richness adds body and sensuality to the legendary aldehydic floral accord. It blends beautifully with jasmine, tuberose, rose, and sandalwood. At Fragrenza, our ylang-ylang inspired-by fragrances celebrate this magnificent tropical bloom, capturing its lush complexity in compositions that echo the world's most beloved luxury florals.

Often paired with these accords

Often paired with these notes

Jasmine388 Bergamot379 Sandalwood375 Musk372 Vanilla364 Patchouli297 Rose245 Amber245 Mandarin180 Vetiver169 Orange blossom158 iris154

Fragrances featuring this note

Often paired with these accords

Often paired with these notes

Fragrances featuring this note

As top note

Grand Bal Christian Dior Eau de Parfum

Guaria Morada Berdoues Eau de Parfum

La Femme Prada Prada Eau de Parfum

SIRENE

SONIA RYKIEL

EAU DE CHARLOTTE

EAU D'HADRIEN

HABANITA

Songes

So In Love

Royal Pavillon

Beige Chanel Eau de Parfum

As heart note

Adjatay Narcotic Leather Eau de Parfum

Alien Eau Extraordinaire Eau de Toilette

Allure Chanel Perfume

Amarige Givenchy Eau de Toilette

Givenchy Angel or Demon Eau de Parfum

Aromatics Elixir Clinic Extract

Lanvin Arpège Eau de Parfum

Bel Ami Hermès Eau de Toilette

Black Orchid Tom Ford Eau de Parfum

Black Orchid Eau de Toilette Tom Ford Eau de Toilette

Bois des Iles

1881 Sivler

As base note

Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton Heiress

Paris Hilton Heir

Paris Hilton With Love

Paris Hilton Rose Rush

Paris Hilton Heiress Bling

Paris Hilton Platinum Rush

Paris Hilton Tease

Paris Hilton Passport In Tokyo

Paris Hilton Electrify

Aqua Allegoria Passiflora

Aqua Allegoria Passiflora Guerlain Eau de Toilette