Description

Cananga odorata leaf oil is an essential oil extracted from the leaves of the Cananga odorata plant, commonly known as ylang-ylang. This oil is obtained through steam distillation or solvent extraction and is used in various cosmetic, personal care, and therapeutic applications for its distinctive fragrance and beneficial properties.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Components:
Major Constituents: Includes esters such as linalyl acetate, and monoterpenes like linalool, geraniol, and β-caryophyllene.
Minor Constituents: May contain trace amounts of various sesquiterpenes, such as β-selinene, and other volatile compounds.
Structure: The oil consists of a complex mixture of volatile organic compounds, primarily terpenes and esters. These components contribute to its characteristic aroma and functional properties.

Physical Properties

Color: Typically pale yellow to greenish-yellow, reflecting the natural hue of the ylang-ylang leaves.
Odor: Floral, sweet, and exotic, characteristic of ylang-ylang, but with a more herbaceous undertone compared to the flower oil.
Texture: Liquid at room temperature, with a thin consistency.
Solubility: Insoluble in water but soluble in oils and alcohols.

Production Process

Harvesting: Ylang-ylang leaves are collected, typically from mature plants.
Extraction: The leaves are subjected to steam distillation or solvent extraction to obtain the essential oil.
Purification: The oil is purified to remove impurities and to concentrate the beneficial components.
Formulation: The purified oil is used in various cosmetic and therapeutic formulations.

Applications

Cananga odorata leaf oil is used in a range of products and applications:

Cosmetics: Incorporated into creams, lotions, and serums for its fragrance and skin-conditioning properties.
Personal Care: Used in hair care products like shampoos and conditioners to enhance fragrance and provide conditioning benefits.
Aromatherapy: Employed in essential oil blends and diffusers for its calming and mood-enhancing effects.
Fragrance: Used in perfumes and scented products for its distinctive floral aroma.

Safety

Cananga odorata leaf oil is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products when used as directed. It is important to ensure that the oil is free from contaminants and meets quality standards. Individuals with known allergies to ylang-ylang or related plants should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional if necessary.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Sustainable Sourcing: The production of Cananga odorata leaf oil should adhere to sustainable harvesting practices to minimize environmental impact.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that the oil complies with cosmetic regulations and safety standards is essential for consumer safety.
Quality Control: Rigorous quality control measures should be in place to ensure the oil’s purity and effectiveness in formulations.

INCI


Fragrance. It plays a very important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it provides the possibility of enhancing, masking or adding fragrance to the final product, increasing its marketability. It is able to create a perceptible pleasant odour, masking a bad smell. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant or distinctive scent in a cosmetic product.

Perfuming. Unlike fragrance, which can also contain slightly less pleasant or characteristic odours, the term perfume indicates only very pleasant fragrances. Used for perfumes and aromatic raw materials.
Synonyms:

CAS: 83863-30-3 EC number 281-092-1