Neroli

What Does It Smell Like?

Neroli smells like a luminous, almost intoxicating burst of fresh orange blossom—imagine pressing your face into a fragrant white flower on a Mediterranean spring morning. It's honeyed and delicate, yet surprisingly bright and slightly bitter, with a creamy, almost soapy undertone. There's a green, slightly peppery edge that prevents it from being purely sweet. It's the scent of a sun-warmed Seville orange grove in full bloom, honeyed yet crisp, floral yet citrusy.

Origin & History

Neroli comes from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium), primarily grown in Tunisia, Egypt, and southern Italy. The essential oil is extracted through steam distillation of the delicate white flowers—a labour-intensive process yielding precious liquid gold. Named after an 17th-century Italian princess, Anna Maria d'Orléans, who allegedly perfumed her gloves with it, neroli became a cornerstone of eau de cologne and European perfumery. Today, most commercial neroli is genuine distilled oil, though synthetic versions exist.

In Perfumery

Neroli serves as a radiant heart note, bringing luminosity and sophistication to fragrances. Perfumers use it to add a fresh floral lift, often paired with citrus or amber to create complexity. It's equally at home in classical eau de colognes and modern minimalist compositions, acting as a noble bridge between top and base notes.

Pairs Beautifully With

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