Lime Perfumes & Fragrances

Lime smells sharper, greener and more tart than lemon, with a zesty top and a faint bitter edge. It gives fragrance a distinctly tropical, almost cocktail-bar character.

Two main species are used. Key lime (Citrus aurantiifolia), grown in Mexico, India and the West Indies, yields the classic fresh tart oil by cold pressing. Persian lime (Citrus latifolia) is sweeter and larger. Distilled lime oil, produced by steam distillation after pressing, is sharper and more processed-smelling (the classic Coca-Cola lime). Cold-pressed lime is brighter and greener. Lime contains bergapten, which can cause photosensitivity on skin.

Lime is a top note with short life. Perfumers use it to open colognes and sport fragrances (Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Acqua, Creed Virgin Island Water), to add bite to aromatic masculines, and to electrify gin-and-tonic style niche compositions. It pairs beautifully with basil, coconut, mint, neroli and vetiver.

Lime performs best in spring, summer and hot climates, suiting daytime and sport signatures.