INCI: Cananga Odorata Flower Oil
CAS: 83863-30-3, 8006-81-3, 68606-83-7
Raw Material: Cananga odorata plant
Ylang has environmental and community impacts, and its sustainability depends on responsible practices.
Ylang oil comes from the island of Nosy Be in Madagascar, known as the perfume island.
The production of Ylang-ylang flowers is a significant source of livelihood for half of the population of Nosy Be. However, the production process faces various challenges, such as exploitative traders, lack of transportation, and limited medical care. It is vital to establish an ethical supply chain to overcome these obstacles. (12)
Suppliers work with small-scale farmers who own their land to supply fresh flowers daily and, with the help of cooperative groups, ensure a fair price for their Ylang-Ylang. (12)
Quality Control: The distillery, owned by the supplier, oversees the production of quality organic Ylang-ylang essential oil, ensuring consistency. Reliable buyers allow farmers to plan and manage natural fluctuations in Ylang-Ylang flowering. (12)
Community Impact: Beyond supporting farmers, suppliers also address broader community needs. This includes providing healthcare services through a medical clinic and dispensary that offers care and subsidized medicines. Additionally, a dedicated vehicle provides transportation for sick and injured individuals to the clinic. Furthermore, a mobile medical team travels between villages to treat minor medical issues. (12)
Environmental benefits: Cultivating ylang-ylang is an eco-friendly way of producing fragrances without synthetic chemicals. New trees should be planted to ensure sustainable practices, and overharvesting should be avoided. (13)
Personal benefits: Ylang-Ylang essential oil presents anti-inflammatory activity (4) wound healing properties, which help to soothe irritation, making them suitable for sensitive skin. (5) Ylang contributes to hair health and appearance by providing antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant benefits. Applying to the scalp increases hair shaft density, cleans the hair bulb, and strengthens the entire bulb/stem system. (5) Ylang has a calming effect that reduces stress. (6, 7)
4 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35744789/
5 - https://info.achs.edu/blog/practical-wonders-of-ylang-ylang-oil
6 - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.1950
7 - https://academic.oup.com/ijnp/article/19/Suppl_1/40/2946454?login=false
8 - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/203244/2762550
11 - https://www.sustainably-chic.com/blog/are-essential-oils-sustainable
12 - https://www.thesoapery.co.uk/blogs/news/the-sustainability-of-our-ylang-ylang-essential-oil
13 - https://aromathera.org/the-spiritual-benefits-of-ylang-ylang-essential-oil-unleash-inner-harmony/