Citrus fruits

What Does It Smell Like?

Citrus is the smell of optimism captured in a bottle. Imagine biting into a fresh orange—that initial burst of bright, juicy sweetness mixed with subtle bitterness from the peel. It's sharp and refreshing, almost prickling on your nose, yet simultaneously creamy and warm depending on the specific fruit. Lemon adds zesty tang and clean sharpness; bergamot brings floral honeyed complexity; grapefruit offers tart, slightly bitter sophistication. These notes collectively evoke sunshine, fresh air, and that uplifting moment when you squeeze citrus oil under your fingernail and smell the spray.

Origin & History

Citrus oils come from the peels of fruits grown across Mediterranean regions (Italy, Spain), California, and Brazil. Perfumers extract these oils through cold-pressing—literally squeezing the peel until tiny oil glands rupture, releasing their fragrant contents. This mechanical method preserves the delicate, volatile compounds. Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is particularly prized, a hybrid fruit from Calabria, Italy. Some citrus notes are now synthesised—molecules like limonene recreated in labs—maintaining the scent whilst offering consistency and sustainability.

In Perfumery

Citrus serves as the perfume's opening act: bright, immediate, and attention-grabbing. It rarely anchors a fragrance alone, as citrus volatility means it evaporates within minutes. Instead, perfumers layer it atop florals, woods, or musks, creating the "top note" that first greets your skin. It cuts through heavier ingredients, adding freshness and vibrancy to rich compositions.

Pairs Beautifully With

Featured In 75 Fragrances