Grapefruit Peel

Grapefruit peel has a bright, zesty aroma characterized by its refreshing citrus notes.
- Type
- Ingredient
- Olfactive family
- Citrus
- Subfamily
- Bitter citrus
- Cluster
- Grapefruit-like bitter citrus
- Source
- fruit peel
- Chemical class
- complex natural (expressed oil)
Scent
The Full Story
Did You Know?
Grapefruit was discovered in the 18th century and is also called the 'forbidden fruit' because of origins in the Caribbean.
Extraction & Chemistry
Extraction method
Cold pressing
- Formula
- Nootkatone C₁₅H₂₂O (characteristic compound) · Limonene C₁₀H₁₆ (major component)
- CAS
- 8016-20-4 (grapefruit peel oil, Citrus paradisi)
- Botanical
- Citrus × paradisi
- Appearance
- Yellow to golden mobile liquid
- Odour strength
- High
- Lasting power
- 24 hours
- Synonyms
- CITRUS GRAPEFRUIT GRAPEFRUIT ZEST
Restricted (expressed) — phototoxic when expressed; IFRA limits in leave-on products. Peroxide value must be < 20 mmoles/L.
- Refractive index
- 1.474–1.479
In Perfumery
Grapefruit peel is a top note in perfumery, providing an immediate burst of freshness that captures attention. It works with other citrus notes, such as lemon and bergamot, as well as with floral elements like jasmine and rose, creating a balance. Its refreshing character also complements herbal and green notes, enhancing the luminosity of a fragrance. In technical terms, its high volatility allows it to evaporate quickly, making it useful for creating bright, inviting openings in scent compositions.