Green mandarin orange

What Does It Smell Like?

Green mandarin orange smells like you've just peeled a perfectly ripe mandarin, but caught mid-moment—before the juice's sweetness fully develops. There's a bright, almost sharp citrus burst with a distinctly herbaceous undertone, reminiscent of fresh green leaves and stems. Imagine the zesty spray that hits your nose when you puncture the skin, mixed with a subtle vegetal whisper. It's less jammy than a ripe mandarin, more crisp and almost slightly bitter—like biting into the white pith beneath the skin. It's refreshing without being cloying, with a clean, slightly tangy character that feels alive.

Origin & History

Green mandarin comes from Citrus reticulata, grown primarily in Southern Europe, Spain, and North Africa. The "green" designation refers to oil extracted from immature or semi-ripe mandarins, yielding a fresher, more herbaceous profile than ripe fruit. Most commercial green mandarin is obtained through cold expression of the peel, though synthetic versions are created in laboratories—particularly molecules like limonene and other terpenes—to replicate that youthful, green character. This younger extraction became fashionable in modern perfumery during the late 20th century.

In Perfumery

Green mandarin serves as a bright top note that adds freshness and lift to compositions. Perfumers use it to create vitality and youthful energy, often pairing it with other greens or florals for sophistication. It's more refined than bitter orange and less sugary than ripe mandarin, making it ideal for both masculine and unisex fragrances seeking clean, natural-feeling brightness.

Pairs Beautifully With

Featured In 38 Fragrances