Grapefruit

What Does It Smell Like?

Grapefruit smells like biting into a freshly halved citrus fruit—sharp, juicy, and slightly bitter. Imagine the zesty spray that hits your face when you peel one, mixed with a subtle floral undertone and a touch of mineral freshness. It's brighter and more assertive than lemon, with a woody dryness lurking beneath the initial burst. There's an almost soapy, clean quality that makes it feel modern and energising rather than purely fruity.

Origin & History

Grapefruit is a relatively young citrus, first cultivated in Barbados in the 18th century as a natural hybrid between sweet orange and pomelo. The fragrance note comes from essential oil extracted via cold-pressing the peel—a mechanical process that captures the volatile compounds in those oil glands just beneath the skin. In perfumery, natural grapefruit oil is prized but expensive, so synthetic versions using aldehydes and terpenes are commonly employed to achieve that characteristic peppery, slightly metallic edge that makes it so distinctive.

In Perfumery

Grapefruit acts as a vivacious top note that arrests attention immediately. Perfumers deploy it for freshness and citrus pop without the sweetness of bergamot. It blends well with florals, woods, and aromatic herbs, often providing the opening burst in energising fragrances. Its bitter-green facets add sophistication and prevent compositions from becoming saccharine.

Pairs Beautifully With

Featured In 369 Fragrances