Gebruik en voordelen van ylang-ylang-etherische olie voor huid en geest
Ylang ylang essential oil benefits for skin, hair and mood, its spiritual uses, and simple ways to use ylang ylang oil every day.
In this guide
The main ylang ylang benefits are calm, a brighter mood and softer, more balanced skin. This sweet, tropical oil is known for easing stress, acting as a natural aphrodisiac and helping both oily and dry skin. Below you will find what ylang ylang is, its benefits for skin and mind, its spiritual uses, a DIY body lotion recipe and simple ways to use it every day.
Key takeaways
- Ylang ylang essential oil comes from the flowers of the tropical ylang ylang tree. Its name means "flower of flowers".
- It promotes relaxation, lifts the mood and is a well-known natural aphrodisiac.
- For skin, it helps balance sebum, reduce dryness and bring a natural glow.
- It blends well with lavender, frankincense, bergamot, jasmine and rose.
- It is strong, so use only a little, always diluted, and patch test first.
What is ylang ylang essential oil?
Organic ylang ylang essential oil is extracted from the flower petals of the large tropical ylang ylang tree. "Ylang ylang" means "flower of flowers". It has been used for centuries across tropical parts of Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia and the Polynesian Islands.
In Indonesia, fresh flowers are traditionally spread on the beds of newlyweds because of their uplifting and aphrodisiac qualities. Today the oil is prized for skincare, mood balance, spiritual harmony and natural perfume.
What does ylang ylang smell like?
The scent of ylang ylang flowers is overwhelming in the best way. It is lush, tropical and heavy, a fragrance that is impossible to ignore. It is a little like jasmine or rose, and truly unforgettable.
The essential oil smells slightly different from the fresh flower, but it is still delightful. It mellows beautifully, clings to your clothes and lifts your mood. That is why it is one of the best essential oils for perfume.
What are the benefits of ylang ylang essential oil?
| Benefit | What it does | How to use |
|---|---|---|
| Promotes relaxation | Calms the mind and eases stress with its sweet floral aroma | Bath, diffuser or massage oil |
| Enhances mood | Lifts your spirits and supports emotional balance and harmony | Diffuser or natural perfume |
| Supports skin health | May improve skin tone, reduce dryness and bring a natural glow | Diluted in a facial oil or lotion |
| Balances sebum | Helps both oily and dry skin stay clear and radiant | Diluted in a facial oil or steam |
| Natural aphrodisiac | Its sensual scent helps create emotional connection and comfort | Massage oil or bedroom diffuser |
Ylang ylang for relaxation and stress relief
One of the best-known benefits of ylang ylang essential oil is its ability to calm the mind and ease stress. Pour a few drops (mixed into a carrier oil) into your bath, or diffuse it in the evening to help you unwind.
Ylang ylang for mood and emotional balance
Ylang ylang is a natural mood enhancer. Its rich, sunny scent surrounds you and lifts your mood, which makes it a favourite for low days. For more calming oils, read our top 7 essential oils for stress relief.
Ylang ylang as a natural aphrodisiac
Ylang ylang has been linked with romance for centuries. Its sensual scent helps create emotional connection and comfort. Find more ideas in our guide to aphrodisiac essential oils.
Ylang ylang oil benefits for skin
Ylang ylang oil is excellent for skin. Regular use may improve skin tone, reduce dryness and promote a natural glow. It is also known for balancing sebum, so it suits both oily and dry skin.
- Helps balance the skin's natural oils
- Improves texture and leaves skin soft and radiant
- Helps keep the complexion clear and fresh
- Adds lasting hydration when used in a lotion or facial oil
How to use ylang ylang oil for skin and face
Ylang ylang is strong, so a little goes a long way. For the face, add 2 to 3 drops to 10ml of a light carrier oil such as jojoba. That is about a 1% blend, which is gentle enough for daily use.
- Facial oil: massage 2 to 3 drops of your diluted blend into clean skin at night.
- Steam facial: add 1 to 2 drops to a bowl of hot water and let the steam refresh your skin.
- Body lotion: stir it into an unscented lotion, or make the recipe below.
- Hair oil: add a few drops to a carrier oil and comb it through the ends for shine and scent.
For more skin ideas, see our top 3 essential oils for skin and our frankincense and myrrh face cream recipe.
DIY ylang ylang body lotion recipe
This rich, whipped lotion mixes ylang ylang with frankincense and myrrh for soft, nourished skin. It makes about one jar and keeps well in a cool place.
1. Ylang Ylang Body Lotion
Best for: soft, nourished skin from head to toe
- ¼ cup Olive oil
- ¼ cup Coconut oil
- ¼ cup Beeswax
- ¼ cup Shea butter
- 2 tbsp Vitamin E
- 20 drops Myrrh oil
- 10 drops Ylang ylang oil
- 10 drops Frankincense oil
Melt the olive oil, coconut oil, beeswax and shea butter in a glass bowl over simmering water. Cool in the fridge for at least an hour until solid, then beat with a mixer until light and fluffy. Mix in the vitamin E and essential oils, and store in a glass jar in a cool, dry place.
What are the spiritual benefits of ylang ylang?
Ylang ylang essential oil is known for its uplifting spiritual benefits. Many people use it to feel more open, joyful and connected, and to bring a sense of emotional balance and harmony. Its link with love and new marriages in Indonesia shows how long it has been valued for matters of the heart.
To use it spiritually, diffuse 2 to 3 drops during meditation, yoga or quiet time. You can also wear a diluted drop on your wrists as a reminder to slow down. Pair it with frankincense for a deeper, more grounding blend.
What blends well with ylang ylang?
Ylang ylang works well with a wide range of other oils. Because it is so strong, start with 1 drop of ylang ylang to 2 or 3 drops of its partner oil.
| Oil | What it adds |
|---|---|
| Lavender | Soft, herbal calm for relaxation and sleep |
| Frankincense | Warm, woody depth for meditation and balance |
| Bergamot | Bright citrus that lifts the mood |
| Jasmine | Rich, romantic floral for natural perfume |
| Rose | Soft, classic floral for skin and romance |
Pro tip
For a tropical spa feel at home, diffuse 1 drop of ylang ylang with 2 drops of lavender and 2 drops of bergamot. It is calming, sunny and not too heavy.
Everyday uses of ylang ylang essential oil
- Bath: mix a few drops into a spoonful of carrier oil and add to warm water for relaxation and stress relief.
- Skincare: use it in a DIY body lotion or facial oil for lasting hydration.
- Massage: blend with lavender, frankincense or rose for a soothing massage or meditation blend.
- Diffuser: lift the mood and create a peaceful feel in your living space.
- Perfume and hair: add it to natural perfumes or hair oils for body and mind.
- Crafts: mix it into homemade cosmetics and candles.
Is ylang ylang oil safe?
Safety first
Never apply ylang ylang undiluted. Keep it to around 1% on the face and 1 to 2% on the body, and patch test on a small area 24 hours before wider use. Its strong scent can cause headaches if you use too much.
- Keep oils out of reach of children and pets.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your GP or midwife first.
- If you have low blood pressure, use it gently, as it is known for its calming effect.
- Stop using it if your skin becomes red, itchy or irritated.
FAQs
What is ylang ylang essential oil good for?
The main benefits of ylang ylang essential oil include relaxation, skincare, emotional balance and natural fragrance for beauty and aromatherapy. It is also a well-known natural aphrodisiac.
Is ylang ylang essential oil good for skin?
Yes. Ylang ylang essential oil is excellent for skin. It helps balance natural oils, improve texture and leave your skin soft and radiant. Always dilute it first.
How do you use ylang ylang oil on your face?
Mix 2 to 3 drops into 10ml of jojoba or another light carrier oil, then massage a few drops into clean skin. You can also add 1 to 2 drops to a steam facial.
What are the spiritual benefits of ylang ylang?
Ylang ylang is used to lift the spirit, open the heart and bring emotional balance and harmony. Many people diffuse it during meditation or quiet time to feel calmer and more joyful.
How do you use ylang ylang essential oil?
You can use ylang ylang essential oil in baths, body lotions, facial steams, diffusers or as a natural perfume for relaxation and skincare.
What blends well with ylang ylang essential oil?
Ylang ylang blends well with lavender, frankincense, bergamot, jasmine and rose to create soothing and uplifting aromas.
What are the benefits of ylang ylang for women?
Many women love ylang ylang as a natural perfume, a mood lift and a skin balancer. Its calming, sensual scent makes it a popular choice for self-care and romance.
The bottom line
The benefits of ylang ylang essential oil go beyond its fragrance. It supports skin health, lifts the mood and helps you relax. Whether you use it in body lotions, baths or blends, it brings natural harmony and beauty. Find ylang ylang and its partner oils in our essential oils collection.
For a ready-made skincare step, try our Rose Youth Elixir Serum, a light peptide face serum made in the UK.


























