Citrus is the cool, sparkling opening family of fragrance, built from the cold-pressed oils of bergamot, lemon, mandarin, orange, grapefruit, lime, yuzu and neroli. It reads fresh, clean and universally flattering.
The materials are almost entirely natural. Cold-pressed peel oils yield bright, short-lived top notes; steam-distilled and rectified versions are cleaner and lower in photosensitising furocoumarins (which cause UV sensitivity on skin). Italy, Spain and Brazil dominate supply. Modern compositions support natural citrus with longer-lasting synthetics (Iso E Super, Ambroxan, nootkatone) to extend the opening sparkle deeper into the heart.
Citrus sits in the top. Perfumers use it to open classical eaux de cologne (Acqua di Parma, 4711, Hermes Eau d'Orange Verte), to refresh heavy oriental and woody bases, and to structure summer sports signatures. It pairs beautifully with lavender, neroli, vetiver, green tea and clean musks.
Citrus performs best in spring, summer and hot weather, and suits daytime wear across all genders.
