Ingredient
Cananga Odorata Leaf Oil
Cananga Odorata Leaf Oil is flagged for pregnancy, postpartum and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body.
- Ylang Ylang Oil
- Cananga Oil
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Caution Advised
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 3 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 3 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Cananga Odorata Leaf Oil and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
Cananga odorata leaf oil (ylang ylang) is an essential oil used for its sweet, floral fragrance in cosmetic products. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts containing complex mixtures of volatile organic compounds that can be absorbed through the skin. While specific human pregnancy studies on ylang ylang oil are not available, the general concern with essential oils during pregnancy relates to their potent bioactive compounds and potential for systemic absorption. Some aromatherapists traditionally avoided recommending ylang ylang during pregnancy due to its effects on heart rate and blood pressure, though these concerns primarily relate to aromatherapy (inhalation) rather than cosmetic use. The lack of safety data and the oil's known skin sensitization potential warrant caution. Neither ACOG nor the FDA provides specific guidance on ylang ylang oil in pregnancy. Many obstetricians and dermatologists recommend minimizing exposure to non-essential fragrance ingredients during pregnancy, particularly concentrated essential oils. If choosing to use products containing this ingredient during pregnancy, ensure they are formulated for cosmetic use (not pure essential oil) and discontinue if any irritation occurs.
Cananga Odorata Leaf Oil and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
- Common allergen
Cananga odorata leaf oil is used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetic formulations. When used in standard cosmetic products (not pure essential oil), the concentration and topical application method result in minimal systemic absorption. There is no specific evidence that ylang ylang oil in cosmetic products poses risks to breastfed infants. The main concern relates to potential skin sensitization of the mother, which could affect comfort during breastfeeding if reactions occur. As with all fragranced products, avoid application to the breast area where the infant could come into direct contact. Most dermatologists consider fragrance ingredients in cosmetic products acceptable during breastfeeding when used as directed on areas away from the breast. The primary consideration is the mother's tolerance of the ingredient rather than infant exposure through breast milk.
Cananga Odorata Leaf Oil and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Common allergen
- Irritant
Cananga odorata leaf oil can be used in cosmetic products during the postpartum period, though skin sensitivity may be heightened due to hormonal fluctuations. The primary concerns are the same as for general population—potential for allergic reaction and skin irritation. Postpartum skin changes can make some individuals more reactive to fragrances and essential oils. If you haven't used products with ylang ylang oil before, consider patch testing. The oil's sensitization potential and ability to cause contact dermatitis are well-documented concerns that apply regardless of reproductive status.
Cananga Odorata Leaf Oil and trying to conceive
Safe to Use
Cananga odorata leaf oil has no documented effects on fertility or reproductive function when used topically in cosmetic products. There is no evidence that this fragrance ingredient impacts conception or early pregnancy. While some women prefer to minimize exposure to non-essential ingredients when trying to conceive, there is no specific reason to avoid ylang ylang oil in cosmetic formulations from a fertility perspective. The main consideration would be skin tolerance rather than reproductive effects.
Cananga Odorata Leaf Oil and PCOS
Safe to Use
Cananga odorata leaf oil is a fragrance ingredient with no known effects on androgen levels, insulin sensitivity, or hormonal pathways relevant to PCOS. There is no evidence suggesting it interferes with PCOS symptoms or treatments. The considerations for individuals with PCOS are the same as for the general population—potential for skin sensitization and allergic reactions. PCOS can be associated with more reactive skin in some individuals, but this is not specific to ylang ylang oil. This essential oil can be used by individuals with PCOS in cosmetic formulations. However, given its moderate to high potential for sensitization, those with sensitive or reactive skin may wish to avoid or patch test products containing this ingredient.
Cananga Odorata Leaf Oil and general use
Caution Advised
- Common allergen
- Irritant
- Increases sun sensitivity
Cananga odorata leaf oil, commonly known as ylang ylang oil, is an essential oil extracted from the tropical ylang ylang tree and valued for its intense, sweet floral fragrance. It's used in perfumes, skincare products, and aromatherapy applications. The EU's SCCS has identified ylang ylang oil as a source of fragrance allergens, including isoeugenol, benzyl benzoate, and benzyl salicylate, which can cause allergic contact dermatitis and skin sensitization. Studies show that 1-2% of the general population may be sensitized to fragrance ingredients, with essential oils being common culprits. The oil may also increase photosensitivity, making skin more vulnerable to UV damage. The EU Cosmetics Regulation requires declaration of 26 fragrance allergens on product labels when present above specific thresholds. IFRA restricts the use of ylang ylang oil in different product categories based on sensitization risk. While many people tolerate this ingredient without issue, those with sensitive skin, eczema, or fragrance allergies should exercise caution or avoid products containing ylang ylang oil.
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Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
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A label has thirty of them. Truva reads the whole list at once and answers for the profile you set: pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS, or general use.
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