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Ylang Ylang might just be the most underrated essential oil I know. This oil isn't very well known in the Netherlands yet, even though you can do so much with it. Ylang Ylang is often used in a diffuser, for example, because of its relaxing scent. But Ylang Ylang is also lovely for caring for lacklustre hair and blemish-prone skin.
Ylang Ylang's versatility comes down to its special steam distillation process. During this process, different grades of Ylang Ylang oil are made. So are you wondering which grade of Ylang Ylang oil is best for aromatherapy and which is most effective for skincare? Then read on ;)
Before we get into the technical side, let me give you a bit more background on this special oil.
Let's talk about the name, for example: Ylang Ylang (say: EE-lang EE-lang). With such an exotic name, this oil almost has to have tropical origins. And that's right! Ylang Ylang originally comes from Indonesia and is a tree with beautiful yellow flowers. Today, Ylang Ylang grows in several tropical places, such as Madagascar, Haiti, Zanzibar, Sumatra and the Comoros.
Ylang Ylang essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the Ylang Ylang tree by steam distillation. With Ylang Ylang, this distillation process is a bit more complicated than with most essential oils.
As mentioned earlier, the way it's distilled has a big influence on the oil's final properties. This has to do with the duration of the steam distillation and its interruptions. Below I'll explain, in order, exactly how the process works.
Ylang Ylang Extra:
The plants are distilled for 1 to 1.5 hours, after which the aromatic oil is separated. This oil is almost colourless and has a lovely sweet, floral scent.
Ylang Ylang 1:
The steam distillation continues and after about 3 hours the process is interrupted to separate the aromatic oil. This oil smells a touch less sweet and has a pale yellow colour.
Ylang Ylang 2:
The distillation of the plants is resumed and after about 5 hours the oil is separated. The oil has a (sometimes pale) yellow colour and smells just a little less sweet than Ylang Ylang 1.
Ylang Ylang 3:
The steam distillation is continued one last time and after 10 to 20 hours everything is stopped to separate the aromatic oil. This oil is visibly thicker than its predecessors and has a yellow colour.
Ylang Ylang Complete:
The plants are distilled for 10 to 20 hours without interruption. This oil has a rich floral and fruity scent. Ylang Ylang Complete is lighter in colour and slightly thicker than the other Ylang Ylang grades.
Now that you know all about the curious steam distillation process, we can look at the unique properties of each essential oil. Each grade has its own special strengths.
Ylang Ylang Extra & Ylang Ylang 1
Ylang Ylang Extra and Ylang Ylang 1 have been steamed for a relatively short time and have a strong, unique floral scent. That's why these two are often added to perfumes. What's more, the sweet floral scent of these grades has a calming character.
So these two grades are excellent for aromatherapy. But Ylang Ylang Extra and Ylang Ylang 1 also really come into their own in an aroma diffuser at home. It's also lovely to add a few drops of this oil to your DIYs because it has a wonderful sweet scent.
Ylang Ylang 2 & Ylang Ylang 3
The steam distillation of Ylang Ylang 2 and 3 has been stopped several times. As a result, the oil contains more sesquiterpenes. These substances have a beneficial effect on the care of your skin and hair. For example, they regulate the skin's oil and moisture balance, so your skin stays well hydrated and silky soft. Many people also find the scent of Ylang Ylang very uplifting.
So these two grades are best suited for cosmetic purposes. It's best to dilute this oil with a carrier oil or butter (such as jojoba oil or shea butter) and apply it to the skin. Because essential oil is very concentrated, a few drops are all you need.
Ylang Ylang Complete
Ylang Ylang Complete has been steamed longer than I'll ever sit in a sauna in my life. This final grade contains all the properties mentioned above and is therefore loved by many people. So this oil is lovely both to smell and for your skincare.
So if you want to use Ylang Ylang essential oil for different purposes, Ylang Ylang Complete is an excellent choice. Do bear in mind that the oil is very thick and may not absorb into the skin as well as the grades mentioned above.
So every variety of Ylang Ylang essential oil has its own unique & powerful properties. Before you buy this essential oil, think carefully about what you're going to use it for.
My personal favourite is Ylang Ylang 1. That's because I love the sweet tropical scent and I prefer working with thin oils. I'm really curious which grade of Ylang Ylang appeals to you most. Let me know in the comments ;)
Author: Aurelie Deloo
