Scientific name: Cananga Odorata Flower Oil
Classification: Essential Oil
Moisturizing, restorative, and soothing.
Stories from Nature
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil (extracted from the flowers of Cananga Odorata) is a botanical ingredient with excellent rebalancing, moisturizing, and soothing properties. By analyzing its characteristics, it is possible to clearly distinguish the benefits it provides for the scalp and hair from those for the face and body.
The name ylang-ylang means “flower of flowers,” or comes from “ilang-ilan,” meaning “uncommon,” in reference to its very distinctive scent. Women in Southeast Asian countries used to dissolve a few drops of it in coconut oil to protect their skin and hair during the rainy season. It has been described as an “aphrodisiac fragrance” throughout the ages.
Benefits for Skin and Hair
The use of ylang-ylang in hair care proves to be a true rebalancing and strengthening elixir, particularly useful in situations of environmental stress:
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Sebum-regulating and purifying action: it acts directly on the scalp, helping to normalize sebum production, purify the skin, and keep the follicles oxygenated.
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Combats dryness: It is highly effective in combating hair dehydration, especially when caused by the aggressive effects of typical summer environmental factors such as sun, wind, and salt, or by the use of heat styling tools.
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Strengthens damaged hair: fortifies and repairs dull, dry, and damaged strands, restoring their vitality, strength, and elasticity.
These purifying and protective properties make it the ideal foundation for hair treatments and masks sun products. The active ingredient works to defend the hair during exposure and repair post-beach structural damage, preventing dryness.
Skin Benefits
On the skin, Ylang Ylang Essential Oil fully expresses its soothing, protective, and beautifying qualities:
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Soothing and anti-redness action: It has a powerful calming effect against redness and itching, proving to be an irreplaceable ally for soothing the skin after sun exposure or in cases of thermal stress.
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Hydrolipid Balance: It preserves the skin’s internal moisture and promotes the repair of the skin barrier, maintaining the proper hydrolipid balance necessary to prevent flaking.
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Radiant and evening effect: in addition to soothing, it improves the overall appearance of the skin, giving it a healthy, smooth, youthful, and naturally radiant finish.
The moisturizing, brightening, and soothing benefits of Ylang Ylang are masterfully harnessed in shimmering body lotions, high-protection dry tanning oils, and after-sun serums. In these cosmetics, the active ingredient works in synergy to enhance the complexion, leave the skin silky without feeling greasy, and deeply regenerate the skin after the stress caused by UV rays.