Heidi Norton
Neroli is a precious nectar with an intensely floral fragrance, extracted from the delicate white blossoms of the bitter orange tree. With a complex olfactory profile, Neroli offers a sensory journey that balances sweet floral notes with sparkling citrus accents and hints of honey. Named after a princess from Nerola, a small town near Rome, Italy, Neroli has become an iconic fragrance ingredient, adding a refreshing and soothing touch to perfumes, colognes, and more.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Source | Flowers of the bitter orange tree, also known as "Citrus aurantium amara" or "bigaradier" |
| Regions | Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Italy, France |
| Fragrance notes | Sweet, floral, citrus, honey, orange, jasmine, bergamot, grapefruit, vanilla, vetiver, lavender, amber, amber wood, angelica |
| Products | Perfumes, candles, face mists, body creams, fabric softener, fabric sprays |
| Brands | Tom Ford, Guerlain, Herbivore, Éminence, Creed, Marks and Spencer, Malin + Goetz, Ortigia, Olympic Orchids, Serge Lutens, Ralph Lauren, Francesca Bianchi, Matiere Premiere, Bottega Veneta, Zegna, Prada, Chanel, Bon Parfumeur, Sephora, Clean Reserve |
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What You'll Learn
Neroli's olfactory profile
Neroli is a precious nectar with a distinct and complex olfactory profile. It is extracted from the delicate white flowers of the bitter orange tree, also known as "Citrus aurantium amara" or "bigaradier". This tree is native to East Asia, but has now spread to various parts of the world, with the main neroli-producing regions being Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Italy and France.
The olfactory profile of neroli is characterised by a soft, intensely floral fragrance with sparkling citrus accents and a subtle hint of honey. It is a refreshing and soothing scent, with bright and energising top notes of fresh citrus. The middle and base notes add depth and complexity to the fragrance, with spicy and verdant nuances. The distillation of freshly-picked flowers yields a beautifully scented water that is used in floral waters and flavourings, as well as in the production of neroli oil.
The name 'neroli' comes from a small Italian town near Rome, called Nerola, and its resident princess, Anne Marie Orsini (also known as Anna Maria de la Tremoille), who, in the 17th century, was the first to distil orange flowers to create a fragrance. She used this essence to scent her clothes, baths and gloves, thus introducing the fashion of perfuming personal belongings and bathwater.
Neroli is a versatile fragrance, popular in perfumes for both men and women, as well as in baby perfumes. It is often described as a crisp, fresh and lively scent, with a vibrant, sophisticated character. Its citrus edge is particularly well-suited to colognes, and it is a key note in many iconic fragrances, including Chanel No. 5, Creed Neroli Sauvage, and Tom Ford's Neroli Portofino.
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History of neroli
Neroli, also known as Neroli Bigarade Essential Oil or Bitter Orange Essential Oil, is sourced from the fragrant flowers of the bitter orange tree. The tree, also known as Citrus aurantium bigaradia or the Seville orange tree, is commonly grown in North Africa, particularly in Morocco and Tunisia, as well as in Italy, France, Egypt, and Sicily.
The name "neroli" is believed to come from Anne Marie Orsini (also known as Anna Maria de la Tremoille), the Duchess of Bracciano and Princess of Nerola, Italy, who lived in the 17th century. Princess Nerola was the first to distill the flowers of the bitter orange tree to create an essential oil, which she used to perfume her gloves, clothes, and baths. She loved the scent so much that she was even hailed as "Princess Nerola". The oil became popular among Italian aristocrats and soon turned into a craze among the locals, who valued its aphrodisiac and therapeutic properties.
The bitter orange tree itself is thought to have been brought to Europe by the Arabs from the Middle East when trade routes opened up. The oil and its therapeutic properties were particularly valued by the people of Venice, who used it to fight the plague and other fevers. They also drank it as a tisane and rubbed distilled water onto their bodies twice a day. At one time, neroli was used as a perfume by prostitutes in Madrid, but today, orange perfumes are associated with purity.
Neroli oil is highly prized for its refreshing, distinctive, and spicy aroma with sweet and flowery notes, as well as its balancing and calming effects on the mind and body. It is widely used in perfumery and skincare, often blended with citrus oils, floral absolutes, and synthetic components. The process of extracting neroli oil is delicate and time-sensitive, as the flowers must be hand-picked and quickly distilled to capture their famous fragrance.
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How neroli is extracted
Neroli is a floral, citrusy, and distinctive fragrance. It is derived from the blossom of the bitter Seville orange tree, which bears sour oranges that are too sharp to be consumed. The fragrance is extracted through the process of steam distillation of freshly picked blossoms. The orange blossoms are typically picked in the spring in warm climates such as Egypt, Morocco, Spain, and Tunisia.
The extraction process yields neroli essential oil, which is widely used in perfumery and aromatherapy. In perfumery, neroli is often used in colognes, aftershaves, and perfumes, with its stimulating essence making it a popular choice for aromatherapy as well. It is known to enhance mental well-being by relieving stress and anxiety.
Neroli oil is considered safe when used according to directions. However, as with all essential oils, ingestion is dangerous. It is important to perform a patch test on the skin before use, especially for individuals with a citrus allergy. Due to its potential for causing photosensitivity, it is crucial to avoid sun exposure or tanning booths after applying neroli oil.
The oil's versatility extends beyond its aromatic qualities, as it also offers physical benefits. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used topically to treat acne breakouts and inflamed skin. Additionally, inhaling neroli oil may help lower blood pressure by reducing cortisol levels. Its limonene content may positively influence the autonomic nervous system, which controls breathing and heartbeat.
The delicate and compelling nature of neroli's fragrance, along with its therapeutic benefits, makes it a valuable ingredient in the world of perfumery and aromatherapy.
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$11.99 $13.5
Best neroli perfumes
Neroli is a fragrant distillation of fresh bitter-orange flowers. The bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium) is widely grown in the western parts of India, eastern Africa, and the Himalayas. The essential oil is derived from the peel of the fruit, the orange leaves are used in the production of petitgrain oil, and the delicate white flowers are used in the production of neroli and orange blossom absolute.
Tom Ford Neroli Portofino
A cult favorite, this scent is described as "all skin and sweat and sex" and reminiscent of "a dazed day on the waves of the Italian Riviera." It comes in different variations, including the Acqua, a lighter and crisper take, the Forte, a more intense and concentrated take, and the All Over Body Spray.
Guerlain Neroli Outrenoir
Described as "the most beautiful fragrance I have ever smelled," this perfume has a black tea base, but the neroli makes the fragrance smooth and beautiful.
Malin + Goetz
This is the freshest-smelling candle on the list.
Hermes Eau De Néroli Doré
A classic neroli scent, this perfume is said to remind the user of sugary aftershave.
Demeter Neroli
A cost-effective option available at Duane Reade, this perfume is described as "quite lovely."
Clean Reserve Acqua Neroli
Similar to the Tom Ford Neroli Portofino, this perfume has a high concentration of actual neroli.
Creed Neroli Sauvage
This perfume showcases how crisp and fresh neroli can be, with a refreshing, drinkable lemonade scent.
Ortigia Zagara
A woody, sweet, and spicy neroli scent.
Ralph Lauren Polo Earth
An underrated floral neroli fragrance.
Matiere Premiere Neroli Oranger
A unique fragrance that should be sampled first.
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Other uses of neroli
Neroli oil, also known as orange blossom oil, is an essential oil with a rich, floral scent and citrusy overtones. It is widely used in perfumery and can be found in many perfumes, colognes, aftershaves, and other scented products like fabric softeners, linen sprays, and room sprays.
Neroli oil is also used in aromatherapy to enhance mental well-being and relieve stress, anxiety, and anxiety-induced depression. It is believed to promote tranquility and love and is often associated with romance. The oil can be used in a diffuser, spritzer, or poured into a bath for aromatherapy. It can also be applied directly to the skin, combined with a carrier oil for a massage, or used in skin care products like lotions to treat acne breakouts and inflamed skin.
In addition to its aromatic and therapeutic properties, neroli oil is said to have physical benefits, including pain relief and reduced inflammation due to its natural antiseptic properties. It is also reportedly one of the ingredients in the secret recipe for Coca-Cola.
The oil is derived from the blossoms of the bitter Seville orange tree, which bears sour oranges. The process of steam distillation is used to extract the oil from the freshly picked blossoms. The oil is known for its stimulating and soothing essence, making it a versatile ingredient in the fragrance industry and beyond.
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Frequently asked questions
Neroli has a soft, intensely floral fragrance, with citrus notes and a hint of honey.
Neroli is extracted from the flowers of the bitter orange tree, also known as "Citrus aurantium amara" or "bigaradier".
The name 'neroli' comes from a small Italian town called Nerola, near Rome, and a princess who lived there.
Popular neroli fragrances include Tom Ford's Neroli Portofino, Creed Neroli Sauvage, Guerlain Neroli Outrenoir, and Lush Furze.
Neroli is commonly used in floral fragrances, colognes, and perfumes for both men and women. It is also used in candles, fabric softeners, and beauty products such as face mists and body creams.
