Neroli Perfumes

Linalool and linalyl acetate: the molecules in neroli

Neroli is the essential oil from the blossoms of the bitter orange (Citrus aurantium). The flowers are picked fresh in spring and steam-distilled on the same day. Around one tonne of blossoms is needed for about 1 kg of oil. Tunisia and Morocco together supply more than 90 % of world production; smaller quantities come from Egypt, Spain and the Comoros, among others. The main constituent is linalool (C₁₀H₁₈O), usually at around 30 %. Limonene and linalyl acetate (C₁₂H₂₀O₂) also shape the oil, alongside smaller amounts of nerolidol (C₁₅H₂₆O). Petitgrain, by contrast, is distilled from the leaves and twigs of the same tree.

In a fragrance, neroli is bright, green and citrusy, with a floral, slightly honeyed heart. It feels fresher and lighter than a heavy white flower. With bergamot and lemon it feels clear and classic, with jasmine or orange blossom fuller and more floral, with musk or vetiver clean and longer-lasting.

In this selection, neroli sits in the fragrance pyramid – in our range slightly more often in the heart note than in the top note.