Ylang Ylang - The Romantic Scent from the Far East

What Exactly Is Ylang Ylang?

Ylang ylang, or Cananga odorata, is a fast-growing tropical tree. It thrives in the hot, humid jungles of Southeast Asia such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. The fragrance comes from its star: with beautiful, elegantly trailing yellow blossoms that bloom only at night, each about two inches wide.

The scent is valued for its intoxicating, sultry fragrance that weaves together custard, jasmine and a dash of fruity sweetness. This scent is a pleasure to the senses, known for its relaxing and energizing properties and for bringing romance and luxury into self-care rituals.

The "Flower of Flowers" Nickname

Ylang ylang, which means “flower of flowers” in Tagalog, is truly deserving of that name. Honoured for its beauty throughout cultures in Southeast Asia, the dense, saccharine, and completely bewitching fragrance of ylang ylang — outlines jubilant celebrations and times of profound contemplation.

Its Lush Southeast Asian Origins

The ylang ylang tree flourishes in wet, hot environments with abundant rain, contributing to the beauty and diversity of local wildlife and rainforest ecosystems.

The international fragrance trade depends on ylang ylang for its signature depth, colour, and warmth. These aromatic qualities are what makes ylang ylang a fixture in high-end perfumes.

Ylang Ylang's Scent Unveiled

Ylang ylang’s fragrance transports one to an exotic Southeast Asian garden at twilight. It has an elegant, refined complexity that is at once both nostalgic and enigmatic. For centuries, people in this area have valued the blooms for their distinct scent. They intertwine ylang ylang into their rituals, medicine, rice dishes and desserts.

Today, its sugary, flowery scent lingers everywhere as a common ingredient in perfumes and household fragrances. It is s truly uplifting, stress relieving, and it puts one in a cozy, relaxed state.

Sweet, Floral, Exotic Notes

At its core, ylang ylang complements notes of jasmine, gardenia, and neroli. It is exotic, but there is a creamy quality to it on the skin that helps with balance. This accord adds complexity and richness to perfumes, resulting in a more opulent and nuanced scent.

It perfectly harmonizes with musk, sandalwood, and citrus, making it adaptable to feminine and masculine fragrances.

A Hint of Spice, Creaminess

Ylang ylang exudes a creamy, spicy warmth — like a delicate clove or white pepper note — that balances its airy floral sweetness. The creaminess rounds out the rough edges, making for a scent that is rich and soothing.

It is this complexity that makes perfumers reach for ylang ylang. They use its radiant energy to bring both depth and mystery, creating fragrances that unravel and transform over the course of the day.

Why It Feels So Romantic

Ylang ylang’s association with romance is well established. Its calming, inviting scent has made it popular in wedding traditions for centuries and a beloved gift for someone special. That aroma creates a deep sense of closeness, calming frayed nerves while promoting emotional tranquility.

Whether in a luxurious hand & body wash or a premium lotion, ylang ylang enhances both self-care and time with loved ones to something truly special.

Ylang Ylang in Our Culture

Ylang ylang, with its rich, heady floral aroma, is one of the most alluring blossoms found throughout the jungles of Southeast Asia. It continues to serve as a symbol intricately embroidered into everyday life, and seamlessly bridges the divide between old world culture and new world luxury.

A Scent Woven into SEA Traditions

In the Philippines — ylang ylang flowers are woven into leis worn by women or used to adorn religious figures as they are known to impart balance and harmony.

They are also traditionally used in the bridal bouquets and pavilion decorations at Malay weddings. Brides often wear the flowers in their hair. Its rich perfume is believed to represent peace, love, and beauty.

Why We Adore Ylang Ylang

More than just the fancy name and sugary floral aroma, ylang ylang has found its way into many self-care routines. Whether for skincare or emotional healing, this exotic flower is like a smooth, mellow, grounding embrace that is relied on for its nurturing and soothing vibes.

Calms Your Mind, Lifts Mood

Ylang ylang’s calming fragrance is a widely popular choice in aromatherapy spas and household diffusers. Known to melt stress and tension away, it serves as the perfect escape after a long day grinding in the urban jungle.

Researches suggest ylang ylang’s power to calm anxiety, boost self-esteem and even assist in pain relief. That’s the reason why it is found in so many spas and wellness centres across Southeast Asia.

The Famous Aphrodisiac Whisper

Ylang ylang’s fame as an aphrodisiac is not a new thing. In some Southeast Asian cultures, people would sprinkle it on the wedding bed or use it to welcome guests as they believe the fragrance ignites passion and love.

Perfume makers have worshipped it since the 1920s, fusing it into rich, sultry, signature scents. Even today, ylang ylang is used by luxury brands to create something that feels both intimate and sophisticated.

The Belantara Mango Butter Ylang Ylang & Pear Hand & Body Cleanser

Belantara’s Mango Butter Hand & Body Cleanser encapsulates the finest ingredients from the Southeast Asian tropical rainforest into an opulent hand and body wash to moisturise, nurture and rejuvenate your skin. 

The marriage of floral ylang ylang and bright juicy pear results in a sophisticated, tropical scent.

It is a truly wonderful product for anyone with dry, depleted skin. The hand and body wash contains a decadent blend of mango butter that melts upon contacting your skin, creating an opulent self-care indulgence that leaves your skin feeling pampered, soft and at ease, even in harsher air-conditioned environments.

Elevate your everyday bath routines into a luxurious sensorial experience with Belantara.