Ylang-Ylang (pronounced EE-lang- EE-lang) is a sweetly scented tropical flower often used by traditional healers to treat depression and anxiety. For many years, it has been used in hair as a stimulator for growth, and in skin products to balance oil production.
Some essential oils and plant-derived essences are incorporated into products that are used as bath additives or for inhalation to produce changes in mood.1 For example, ylang-ylang, a fragrant tropical flower, has traditionally been used in the tropics to induce feelings of calm.
Ylang-Ylang is being used in skincare mostly for its natural fragrance inducing feelings of calmness.
Fragrance allergy is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis.3 Some minority of fragrance-allergic patients may also develop allergy to botanical extracts including lavender, and ylang-ylang.4 Positive allergic patch test reactions to Ylang-Ylang have been noted by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group in about 1.5% of patients tested.
