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Citrus Water

CITRUS SMELLS  /  citrus · fresh · fruity
Citrus Water
Citrus Water perfume ingredient
CategoryCITRUS SMELLS
Subcategorycitrus · fresh · fruity
Origin
VolatilityTop Note
BotanicalN/A — olfactory concept or hydrosol blend (various Citrus spp.)
AppearanceClear, colorless to slightly hazy liquid
Odor StrengthHigh
Producing CountriesUnited States (California)
PyramidTop

Citrus water is a refreshing aromatic blend derived from citrus fruits, often used for its bright and zesty scent.

  1. Scent
  2. Terroir & Origins
  3. The Full Story
  4. Fun Fact
  5. Extraction & Chemistry
  6. In Perfumery

Scent

Citrus water has a lively and sparkling aroma that is bright and zesty, like freshly squeezed lemons and oranges. Its scent is uplifting, often described as crisp and clean. The initial burst of citrus water is a blend of tartness and sweetness.

Scent Evolution

As the fragrance evolves, the sharpness of the citrus notes softens slightly. This transformation enhances the overall sensation of freshness.

Signature Accords

After prolonged exposure, citrus water retains a light, airy quality, though some of its initial brightness may mellow. The lingering scent remains refreshing, often evoking memories of sun-drenched orchards and summer days.

Evolution over time

Immediately

Immediately

Bright and zesty, reminiscent of fresh lemons and oranges.
After a few hours

After a few hours

Softens to reveal nuanced sweetness and floral undertones.
After a few days

After a few days

Lingers with a light, airy quality, evoking sun-drenched orchards.

Terroir & Expressions

Indicative 2025 wholesale prices.

The Full Story

Citrus wateris an aromatic infusi on that captures the bracing essence of citrus fru its such as lemons, oranges, and grapefru its. This fragrant concocti on has been used for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations that utilized citrus fru its for both culinary and aromatic purposes. The refreshing qualities of citrus water are cherished in gastronomy and in perfumery, where it adds a lively and uplifting note to various compositions.

Origin and Production

Sourcing citrus water involves extracting the aromatic oils and essence from the peels of fresh citrus fruits. The process can vary, but it often includes methods such as cold pressing or steam distillation. The bright and zesty aroma encapsulated in citrus water is the result of the volatile compounds found in the fruit peels, which are rich in limonene and other aromatic molecules.

Chemistry and Scent Profile

In perfumery, citrus water is a useful material that can bring vibrancy and freshness to fragrance blends. Its use in perfumerydates back to the rise of modern scent-making in the late 19th century, where perfumers began to explore the myriad possibilities offered by citrus notes. Today, citrus water is known for its ability to enhance both the top and heart notes of a fragrance.

Did You Know?

Citrus fruits were once considered a luxury item in ancient Rome, often used to symbolize wealth and status.

This note in Première Peau. Gravitas Capitale · Nuit Elastique · Rose Monotone. Sample all seven extraits in the Discovery Set.

Related notes: Bergamot · Bigarade · Bitter Orange · Blood Orange · Buddhas Hand · Calamansi · Candied Lemon · Chen Pi

Did You Know?

Did you know?
The oldest surviving eau de cologne formula, created in 1709 by Giovanni Maria Farina in Germany, was essentially a citrus water: a blend of lemon, orange, bergamot, and neroli oils dissolved in grape spirit.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method: Cold pressing, steam distillation

↑ See Terroir & Origins for origin-specific methods.

Molecular FormulaN/A (concept — key molecules: linalyl acetate, limonene, linalool)
CAS NumberN/A (olfactory concept or hydrosol blend)
Botanical NameN/A — olfactory concept or hydrosol blend (various Citrus spp.)
IFRA StatusNo known restrictions
SynonymsCITRUS ESSENCE · CITRUS INFUSION · EAU D'AGRUMES
Physical Properties
Odor StrengthHigh
Lasting Power4 hours
AppearanceClear, colorless to slightly hazy liquid

In Perfumery

Citrus water is primarily used as a top note in fragrance compositions, providing an immediate burst of freshness that captures attention. It pairs exceptionally well with floral notes, green accords, and other fruits, enhancing the vibrancy of a scent. Citrus water can also be utilized in heart notes, creating a refreshing bridge between lighter top notes and deeper base notes such as woods and resins.

From the raw to the worn

This is what it becomes.