Ylang Ylang, Extra (organic)

Ylang ylang grades are often read as quality rankings, with Extra as the best and the others as lesser oil. They are fractions. Each grade is drawn from the same still at a different point in one long distillation, and each is a distinct material.

01 · Origin

Cananga odorata is a tropical tree of the custard-apple family, Annonaceae, native to Southeast Asia and long established in the Indian Ocean islands. This oil is distilled in Madagascar from the blossoms, from certified organic cultivation.

02 · Process

Ylang ylang is distilled in fractions. Most oils are taken from the still in a single run. Here the distiller draws off the oil at intervals over many hours, and each portion is bottled separately. Extra is the first fraction, collected in the opening hours, when the most volatile compounds reach the condenser. Para-methyl cresol, benzyl acetate and linalool are prominent. Heavier sesquiterpenes such as germacrene-D build in the later fractions.

03 · In Practice

Intensely floral, sweet and slightly medicinal-fruity, the lightest register of the flower. A top-to-middle note for fine natural perfumery. Comparative olfactory study alongside Ylang Ylang II (No. 3027) and Ylang Ylang Complete (No. 3030) shows plainly what fractional distillation does to a single flower. Blends with jasmine, rose, sandalwood, bergamot, vetiver and vanilla.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.