I was fortunate to grow up in a family of women intimately acquainted with plants. Some of the scents of my youth remain vivid in my memory—most notably, the floral aromas from my maternal great-grandmother’s garden. I remember first hearing the word "ylang ylang" as an eight-year-old. Oscar de la Renta’s signature perfume had just launched, and one of its prominent notes was ylang ylang. The fragrance was an homage to the designer’s Dominican roots, as ylang ylang grows in my home country.
When I began experimenting with the ingredients for these oils, I felt strongly about two things—efficacy and scent. Ylang ylang offers both.
The Skincare Benefits of Ylang Ylang
One of the key reasons ylang ylang is so beneficial for skincare is its natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. The oil contains active compounds such as linalool, germacrene, and caryophyllene, which help combat bacteria and other microbes that can cause breakouts, infections, and skin irritation. Unlike harsh chemical treatments that may strip the skin of its natural oils, ylang ylang provides a gentler, plant-based alternative that keeps the skin balanced and protected.
Many people hesitate to apply oil to their face, fearing clogged pores or acne. However, our oils are crafted with a combination of natural essentials, including ylang ylang, to hydrate while promoting balanced skin and preventing breakouts. In addition to regulating oil production, ylang ylang is highly moisturizing, making it particularly beneficial for individuals with dry or dehydrated skin. It helps restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier, preventing water loss and ensuring that the skin remains soft and supple.
Ylang ylang is also an excellent choice for sensitive skin. It soothes irritation without causing additional stress, making it ideal for those suffering from conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, or contact dermatitis. Instead of relying on synthetic anti-inflammatory ingredients that may have side effects, ylang ylang offers a holistic and natural approach to calming the skin.
The Aromatic and Emotional Effects of Ylang Ylang
If you’ve ever walked by an ylang ylang plant and caught a whiff of its scent, you might pause to bask in its sweet, floral aroma. Extracted from the Cananga tree, ylang ylang essential oil has been used for centuries in aromatherapy, traditional medicine, and perfumery. It is also believed to have mood-boosting effects, helping to reduce feelings of sadness and irritability.
I often find myself pausing when I unexpectedly encounter a familiar scent in a garden. The pure essential oil of ylang ylang is powerful, which is why we use just a small amount in our fragrance—we want it to enhance, not overwhelm, the senses.
A few years ago, during a time of emotional exhaustion, I visited an energy healer who worked with scents. After an hour-long session, she sent me home with a simple instruction: rub ylang ylang oil at the base of my belly. The scent was so calming—it felt like a warm embrace.
I knew then that I wanted to include ylang ylang as part of Quinta Esencia’s fragrance. Sweet, nourishing, and uplifting, it’s no wonder this botanical has been cherished for centuries as both a beauty enhancer and a source of well-being.
