Cananga Odorata Flower Oil
Also known as Ylang ylang oil, Ylang-ylang flower oil, Cananga oil, Ylang ylang essential oil
“No regulator has issued a verdict on this ingredient.”
Cananga Odorata Flower Oil (ylang ylang essential oil) is produced by steam distillation of fresh flowers of Cananga odorata (Annonaceae) and is used primarily as a fragrance ingredient. It is a complex mixture containing multiple EU Annex III-listed fragrance allergens as major constituents: benzyl benzoate (2-10%), linalool (1-19%), benzyl salicylate, geraniol, eugenol, and isoeugenol, with sensitizers collectively comprising a substantial fraction of the oil. The 2022 IVDK contact sensitization study (PMID 35417610) found a 3.9% positive patch test rate across 10,930 dermatitis patients — the highest rate among 12 essential oils tested. A 2017 cross-continental study (PMID 28614106) reported 1.1% (North America) and 2.4% (Central Europe) positive patch test reactions in consecutive dermatology patients. Ylang ylang oil is not listed in the CIR Expert Panel September 2022 Quick Reference Table — no CIR safety verdict for this specific ingredient was found. Burdock & Carabin (2008) confirmed dermal sensitization in animals and humans but noted the specific causative constituents remain incompletely characterized.
Distinctive floral fragrance widely used in luxury perfumery and cosmetic formulations
Long history of use in traditional Southeast Asian cosmetics and aromatherapy
FEMA/FDA GRAS status at food-use concentrations (not directly applicable to topical cosmetic use)
- · Documented skin sensitizer with positive patch test rates of 1.1-3.9% in dermatology patient populations (IVDK 2022, NACDG/IVDK 2017)
- · High sensitization potential particularly in leave-on product categories; IFRA restrictions apply to concentration of the whole oil in finished products by product category
- · No CIR Expert Panel safety verdict found for this ingredient in the September 2022 QRT — leaves regulatory coverage gap under US framework
Contains multiple EU Annex III-listed fragrance allergens as major constituents: benzyl benzoate, linalool, benzyl salicylate, geraniol, eugenol, isoeugenol — each requires individual on-label disclosure in the EU above threshold concentrations (0.001% leave-on / 0.01% rinse-off)
Ylang ylang oil is identified as a 'frequently sensitizing fragrance material' in European dermatology literature; risk is elevated for women, older adults, and occupational groups (masseurs, cosmeticians)