A citrus accord is the cool, sparkling opening of countless perfumes, built from the cold-pressed oils of bergamot, lemon, mandarin, orange, grapefruit, lime, yuzu and neroli. Each citrus brings a different character, but together they read 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. Italian, Spanish and Brazilian citrus dominate supply. Modern compositions often support natural citrus with longer-lasting synthetics (Iso E Super, Ambroxan, grapefruit-enhancing nootkatone) to extend the opening sparkle deeper into the heart.
Citrus accords sit in the top. Perfumers use them to open eaux de cologne (Acqua di Parma, 4711), to refresh heavy oriental and woody bases, and to structure summer sports signatures. They pair naturally with lavender, neroli, vetiver, green tea and clean musks.
Citrus accords perform best in spring, summer and hot weather, and suit daytime wear across all genders.
