FEATURED SCENT: WHAT DOES NEROLI SMELL LIKE?

Givenchy L'interdit Burning Neroli

Looking for a scent that's sure to brighten up your day? Look no further than the deliciously citrusy and floral aroma of neroli. This refreshing citrus note smells like diving into a crystal clear lake on a hot summer evening, laughing with friends at a picnic table, and snacking on juicy oranges. Compared to other citrus scents, neroli stands out among our favorites for its enticing green edge. 

WHAT IS NEROLI?
Neroli is the common name for the essential oil distilled from the aromatic flower blossoms of bitter orange trees (Citrus aurantium). Specifically, neroli is made from the subspecies amara, a spiny evergreen tree with large, green leaves and beautiful white-petaled flowers.

So why isn't it just called bitter orange oil?
Actually, the bitter orange tree is responsible for several fragrances. Neroli refers to the essential oil extracted through distillation of its flower petals. On the other hand, the essential oil extracted from its flowers using solvents is called orange blossom absolute. And the essential oils distilled from its leaves and twigs is called petitgrain bigarade.

The name “neroli” comes from an Italian town near Rome. The flower was famously first distilled by Princess Anne Marie Orsini. She used the essential oil to scent her clothes, baths, and gloves. The romantic scent grew in popularity throughout the town and was even used as an aphrodisiac. 
Nowadays neroli can be found all around the world in candles, perfumes, soaps, and even as an ingredient in the closely guarded formula for Coca Cola!

WHAT DOES NEROLI SMELL LIKE?
The smell of neroli is citrusy, floral, green, and slightly bitter. Some people describe it as a bit soapy, while others say it comes off as a very "clean" scent. 
When you close your eyes, this refreshing aroma transports you to a wonderful Italian countryside. Its green notes guide you on a peaceful bike ride through the gorgeous hilltops of Tuscany. 
In perfumes and scented candles, neroli is a bright and refreshing top note that provides a lovely citrus zing without being too sweet.  

• Citrusy
• Floral
• Freshly green
• Slightly bitter
• Lightly honeyed

Neroli is sometimes confused with orange blossom oil, which is extracted from the same flower albeit using a different method, when comparing the two, neroli smells lighter and more refreshing. It has a green, watery presence that isn't found in orange blossom. On the other hand, orange blossom oil is deep, intense, and sultry, with a heavier orange peel vibe.

Interestingly, some people say that if you crush a bitter orange blossom, the immediate scent it gives off is very similar to that of neroli before fading into the deeper scent of orange blossom absolute.