Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) is a fragrant yellow flower native to Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Comoros Islands. Known for its sweet, creamy, exotic aroma, ylang ylang is often referred to as the “flower of flowers” due to its intense and seductive fragrance. In traditional cultures, ylang ylang flowers were scattered on the beds of newlyweds, believed to inspire love and relaxation. Its essential oil is extracted through steam distillation and has long been used in both perfumery and aromatherapy for its calming and aphrodisiac qualities.
In perfumery, ylang ylang is a pillar floral note, often used in oriental, floral, and chypre compositions. It delivers a rich blend of banana-like sweetness, creamy jasmine tones, and hints of spice or rubbery warmth, making it versatile for both feminine and unisex fragrances. Ylang ylang has been a critical note in iconic perfumes like Chanel No. 5, where it adds an exotic, narcotic depth. Today, it remains a favorite in niche and luxury perfumery for its ability to add volume and sensuality to floral heart notes.
The quality of a ylang ylang perfume is primarily determined by the grade of the ylang ylang oil used and how skillfully it is blended with supporting notes. High-quality ylang ylang perfume will smell opulent, smooth, and slightly creamy, with no harsh, synthetic edges. Ylang ylang extra an early distillation cut is considered the most aromatic and expensive. It has a bright, sweet-floral profile that retains the full complexity of the flower. Inferior or synthetic versions can smell overly sweet or flat, lacking the characteristic warmth and richness.
Other indicators of quality include balance, layering, and longevity. A fine ylang ylang perfume doesn’t overpower; instead, it develops over time, revealing the flower’s lush, tropical elegance. It’s often paired with jasmine, rose, patchouli, sandalwood, or even spices to create full-bodied compositions. The price reflects these qualities higher-grade essential oils, long-lasting wear, and elegant bottle presentation all contribute to positioning the product in the premium or niche market segment.
Ylang ylang perfumes are available in a range of prices, depending on the concentration, brand, and ingredients. In the entry-level range (AED 100–250), you’ll find eau de toilettes and body sprays with ylang ylang as part of a broader floral bouquet. These often use synthetic blends and are more suitable for casual, everyday use with moderate longevity.
The mid-range segment (AED 300–700) features designer perfumes that use ylang ylang as a key floral note. Brands like Dior, Guerlain, and Lancôme offer sophisticated fragrances where ylang ylang brings sensuality to white floral or oriental blends. In the premium tier (AED 800–2000+), niche and luxury brands like Chanel Les Exclusifs, Amouage, Tom Ford, and Houbigant offer perfumes featuring high-grade ylang ylang oil, often in extrait or parfum concentration for rich and lasting performance.
Globally, the price of ylang ylang perfume reflects the source of the raw material, brand heritage, and market conditions. In Europe, where many luxury houses are based, prices are generally stable but can vary based on exclusivity and retail channel. A niche perfume featuring ylang ylang may retail for €150–€300 in France or Italy, while the same product may cost significantly more in Dubai or Saudi Arabia due to taxes, distribution fees, and luxury branding.
In Southeast Asia, where ylang ylang is harvested locally, you may find more affordable, artisan-made ylang ylang perfumes or oils. However, these products are typically less refined in blending and packaging compared to international luxury brands. In the UAE and GCC markets, ylang ylang perfumes are positioned as luxurious and exotic, often presented in ornate bottles, with exclusive marketing for clients seeking sensual, elegant fragrances. Prices in this region can exceed AED 2000 for high-end or limited-edition releases.
The price range of ylang ylang perfumes varies significantly based on quality, but cheap doesn't always mean low-value, and expensive doesn't always mean better. Affordable ylang ylang perfumes may use synthetic mimics, offering a light, tropical-floral scent at a lower cost, but they often lack depth and persistence. These can be ideal for entry-level users or those looking for refreshing floral options with lower sillage.
On the other hand, high-end ylang ylang perfumes incorporate natural essential oils from Madagascar or the Comoros, blended with precision into compositions that evolve on the skin and linger for hours. These perfumes offer a far richer and more complex olfactory experience, often commanding higher prices due to raw material cost, perfumer artistry, and packaging. In the UAE’s luxury-driven perfume market, expensive ylang ylang perfumes also serve as status symbols, often purchased as gifts or for signature scent lovers who value depth and distinction.
True quality in ylang ylang perfumes is recognized through the clarity, smoothness, and longevity of the floral character. A premium perfume should transition gracefully from a bright and creamy opening to a rich, exotic floral heart, and finally into a soft, sensual base without any jarring notes or harshness. It should feel comforting, elegant, and slightly tropical, invoking warmth and sophistication.
Some benchmark quality perfumes include Guerlain “Chamade”, Chanel “No. 5”, and Tom Ford’s “Soleil Blanc”, all of which showcase ylang ylang in stunning formulations. Niche houses like Ormonde Jayne or Nishane also create luxurious ylang ylang-centric scents that blend the flower with spices or oriental resins. For the discerning customer shopping on Riah, ylang ylang perfumes provide a rich floral option that is both romantic and radiant, ideal for evening wear, special events, or signature day fragrances in the warm Middle Eastern climate.