Which key aromatic compounds does this ylang ylang oil contain?
Ylang ylang oil is a complex blend of floral esters, monoterpene alcohols and sesquiterpenes. Its signature comes from linalool, benzyl acetate, methyl benzoate, benzyl benzoate and caryophyllene — the balance shifting between distillation grades.
Key Aromatic Compounds
| Compound | Typical level (Complete) | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Linalool (芳樟醇) | 10-20% | Soft, floral-woody heart |
| Benzyl benzoate (苯甲酸苄酯) | 10-20% | Balsamic, creamy fixative base |
| Germacrene D (大根香叶烯D) | 8-20% | Woody-spicy, natural fullness |
| Caryophyllene (石竹烯) | 5-15% | Spicy-woody warmth |
| Benzyl acetate (乙酸苄酯) | 2-8% | Sweet floral-fruity lift |
| Methyl benzoate (苯甲酸甲酯) | 1-5% | Sweet, slightly oily fruitiness |
| p-Cresyl methyl ether (对甲酚甲醚) | 1-5% | Earthy, narcotic floral note |
| Geraniol (香叶醇) | 1-4% | Rosy-floral sweetness |
| Eugenol (丁香酚) | <3% | Spicy-clove warmth |
| Farnesene (金合欢烯) | 1-4% | Green, woody softness |
- Extra grade is richer in the volatile floral top (linalool, benzyl acetate, methyl benzoate); 3rd grade is dominated by heavier sesquiterpenes and benzyl benzoate
- ISO 3063 sets grade-defining composition criteria for authentic ylang ylang
- The p-cresyl methyl ether gives ylang its characteristic narcotic, slightly earthy "flower of flowers" depth
- A complete GC-MS profile is run on every batch and reported on the COA
- Composition ratios are the basis of the oil's grade classification
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This article was published on 2026-09-07, and last updated on 2026-09-07. The article will be continuously updated.
