Fruits

What Does It Smell Like?

Citrus fruits smell like bottled sunshine and optimism. Imagine biting into a fresh lemon or orange—that bright, zesty burst is pure citrus. It's sharp yet refreshing, slightly sweet, with a clean, almost crisp quality that makes your mouth water. There's a natural juiciness to it, a sparkling effervescence that feels alive on your skin. It's the scent of morning energy and Mediterranean warmth.

Origin & History

Citrus notes come primarily from the peel (not the flesh) of fruits like lemons, oranges, bergamot, and grapefruits. Essential oils are extracted through cold-pressing or steam distillation—a process that captures the aromatic compounds in the rind. Bergamot from Calabria, Italy, is the gold standard. While some citrus notes are purely natural extracts, many are now synthetically recreated in labs to ensure consistency and sustainability, particularly limonene and other terpenes that give citrus its characteristic sparkle.

In Perfumery

Citrus is the perfumer's opening act—a top note that grabs immediate attention with brightness and freshness. It's typically fleeting, lasting 5-15 minutes, making it the hook that draws people in. Perfumers layer it to energise compositions, brighten heavier base notes, or create clean, aquatic effects. It's rarely the star; rather, it's the welcoming gesture that sets the tone.

Pairs Beautifully With

Featured In 24 Fragrances