Ingredient decoder

Ylang ylang oil: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil

Acne verdict Watch

Worth watching on acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Essential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skin.

  • Masking
  • Perfuming

Ylang ylang oil in plain English

Ylang ylang oil is an essential oil from the flowers of the cananga tree, with a rich, sweet floral scent. It is one of the more common essential oil allergens. Like most essential oils it contains natural fragrance allergens, which can irritate or sensitize skin over time. If your acne-prone skin is easily irritated, unscented products are the safer pick.

Is ylang ylang oil bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. Ylang ylang oil is not a proven pore-clogger, but scent ingredients like this can irritate sensitive skin, and irritated skin can make breakouts look and feel worse. Notice how your skin reacts when a product lists it near the top.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil
  • Ylang ylang essential oil
  • Cananga odorata flower oil
  • Cananga oil

Related ingredients

Browse all ingredients A to Z

Frequently asked questions

Is ylang ylang oil comedogenic?

Ylang ylang oil has no published comedogenic rating in Fulton's 1989 table. It is not a proven pore-clogger, but it is worth watching on acne-prone skin.

What does ylang ylang oil do in skincare?

In short: essential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skin. In formulas it is used for masking and perfuming.

What else is ylang ylang oil called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, ylang ylang oil can also appear as Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil, Ylang ylang essential oil, Cananga odorata flower oil or Cananga oil.

Sources