What is Orange Blossom Essential Oil (Neroli)?

Orange Blossom Essential Oil, also known as Neroli, is one of the most valued and precious essential oils in aromatherapy and perfumery. The scent is soft, floral, fresh and lightly sweet, with a typical honey-like undertone. The Latin name is Citrus Aurantium Amara, and the oil is extracted from the white flowers of the bitter orange tree. Our Neroli comes from Tunisia, one of the most renowned regions of origin for high-quality neroli.

Neroli is particularly precious because about 1 kilogram of flowers is needed for 10 ml of essential oil, which must be hand-picked before they open. This explains the higher price compared to other essential oils, and also why Neroli is dosed so sparingly.

Neroli blends beautifully with other floral oils such as jasmine, rose, ylang ylang and lavender, with woody oils such as sandalwood and cedarwood, and with other citrus oils such as bergamot and mandarin. It is a key ingredient in fine perfumery and in luxury skincare.

How is Orange Blossom Essential Oil made?

Neroli is obtained through steam distillation of the white blossoms of the bitter orange tree. The flowers are carefully hand-picked, often in the early morning when the scent is at its most intense. They are then exposed to steam, which releases the volatile aromatic components.

Unlike citrus oils that come from the peel, Neroli contains no furocoumarins. The oil is therefore not phototoxic and can be used without restriction before sun exposure. The same plant incidentally yields three different essential oils: Neroli (from the blossom), Petitgrain (from the leaves and twigs) and Bitter Orange (from the peel of the fruit). Each has its own aromatic profile and its own applications.

Benefits of Orange Blossom Essential Oil

Not phototoxic
Unlike many other oils from the citrus family, Neroli can be worn on the skin during the day without worry. This makes it particularly suitable for day creams and perfumes.

Gives strength and calm during intense emotions
The soft, floral scent of neroli soothes body and mind. It is traditionally valued for anxiety, sadness, grief, and for intense emotions during the menstrual cycle. One of the most valued oils for emotional support.

Supports skin cell renewal
Neroli is a beloved ingredient in anti-aging skincare. The oil supports cell renewal and is traditionally used to slow aging processes. Add a drop to your face oil or day or night cream.

Sensual and uplifting
The soft, sensual scent of neroli is a classic in romantic and intimate rituals. A drop in a massage oil creates a refined, relaxing atmosphere.

Classic in fine perfumery
Neroli is a key ingredient in countless classic perfumes, including Eau de Cologne. An excellent choice for your own DIY perfume or a refined diffuser blend.

How do you use Orange Blossom Essential Oil?

Always dilute essential oil in a carrier oil or butter when using on the skin. For homemade care products we recommend a working dosage of 1 percent (1 gram per 100 grams of product). Read the explanation at the bottom for more information. Suitable carriers are for example Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil or Shea Butter.

In a face serum or night cream
Neroli is excellent for anti-aging skincare. Add to your DIY face serum for a refined aroma and skin-supporting effect.

In a DIY perfume
Neroli works beautifully as a heart note in a refined perfume. Combine with bergamot as a top note and sandalwood as a base note for a classic, timeless perfume.

In a diffuser
Put 2 to 4 drops in an aroma diffuser for a soothing, floral atmosphere. Combine with lavender for extra relaxation, ideal for the bedroom.

Inhalation during intense emotions
Put 1 drop on a tissue or in your hands, make a cup and breathe in the scent deeply. A simple and effective ritual for moments of anxiety, sadness or overwhelm.

In a sensual massage oil
Mix 60 ml carrier oil with 6 drops Neroli and 2 drops sweet almond oil as carrier oil for a refined, sensual massage.

What is the difference with Petitgrain and Bitter Orange?

The bitter orange tree (Citrus Aurantium Amara) yields three different essential oils, each with its own character:

• Neroli: from the blossom, soft, floral, precious, not phototoxic.
• Petitgrain: from the leaves and twigs, fresh, herbal, more affordable, not phototoxic.
• Bitter Orange: from the peel, fresh, sharp, phototoxic (we don't have this in our range).

For a lighter, more affordable alternative to neroli you might consider Petitgrain. The scent shares some facets but is clearly different, fresher and more herbal.

What you didn't know yet about Orange Blossom Essential Oil

Anne Marie Orsini, the 17th-century princess of Nerola (Italy), was a huge fan of the effects of orange blossom. She perfumed her gloves, scarves, bath water and even her handwritten letters with it. To honor her, orange blossom was given the nickname Neroli, a name that is still used in perfumery today.

Tips when using Orange Blossom Essential Oil

• Store the oil in a cool, dark place. Good storage significantly extends shelf life.
• Always close the bottle tightly after use. Contact with air can cause the oil to lose its scent and effect more quickly.
• Test first on a small piece of skin before using the oil for the first time, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Always work with grams and percentages, not with drops. Drops vary in size and make it difficult to stay within safe limits.
• Neroli is a precious oil. Dose sparingly, often half a gram is enough to noticeably transform a formulation.

Precautions and side effects

Orange Blossom Essential Oil (Neroli) is not phototoxic and can therefore be used without restriction before sun exposure. However, it remains important to always use the oil diluted, never pure on the skin.

Our practical working dosage: 1 percent
For homemade care products we recommend a dosage of 1 percent (1 gram per 100 grams of product). Essential oils naturally contain allergens such as limonene, linalool and geraniol. When you combine multiple essential oils in one recipe, these allergens accumulate and you can quickly exceed the legal allergen limits. A working dosage of 1 percent gives you room to use multiple oils in one recipe without exceeding those limits. For neroli, an even lower dosage is often sufficient due to the intensity of the aroma.

For products that you rinse off, such as soap, shower gel or shampoo, more generous maxima apply because the oil doesn't remain on the skin.

Not recommended for use during pregnancy without consulting an expert. Keep out of reach of children. When in doubt or with sensitive skin, always test first on a small spot and wait 24 hours before using on larger areas. Not intended for consumption.