Ylang-Ylang
FloralLong longevity
Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) is a tropical flower native to Southeast Asia, steam-distilled in fractions — 'extra', grades I, II, and III — with the first fraction (ylang-ylang extra) the most prized. It smells of ripe banana, jasmine, and creamy custard, with a slightly medicinal camphoraceous edge. Ylang-ylang is the bridge between white florals and orientals: it adds tropical sweetness without fruitiness, and it's the defining note in Chanel No. 5 and Jean Paul Gaultier Classique.
Scent Profile
Floral, sweet, creamy, banana-like, slightly medicinal
Typical Use
Heart note in orientals, white florals, and tropical compositions; pairs with jasmine, tuberose, and vanilla.
Related Notes
Fragrances Containing Ylang-Ylang
No fragrances in our database currently feature Ylang-Ylang as a listed note.