HomeGlossary › Limetta

What Is Limetta? | Première Peau

CITRUS SMELLS  /  citrus · sweet · fresh
Limetta
Limetta perfume ingredient
CategoryCITRUS SMELLS
Subcategorycitrus · sweet · fresh
Origin
VolatilityTop Note
BotanicalCitrus limetta
AppearanceYellow to golden mobile liquid
Odor StrengthHigh
Producing CountriesIndia
PyramidTop

Sweet lime with lower acidity than standard lime. Rounder, almost bergamot-adjacent.

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

Scent

Limetta presents a bright and zesty aroma, characterized by its sweet and slightly floral nuances. Imagine the scent of a sun-ripened citrus grove, where the air is filled with the essence of freshly picked limes, yet softened by a gentle sweetness that distinguishes limetta from its more tart counterparts. The fragrance is both refreshing and soothing.

Scent Evolution

As the scent unfolds, the initial brightness gives way to a more rounded sweetness, like a freshly squeezed limeade. This evolution makes limetta a versatile note, ideal for both uplifting top notes and softening heart notes in a fragrance blend. The warm, sunny quality of limetta adds depth to compositions. green notes, as well as other citrus elements.

Evolution over time

Immediately

Immediately

After a few hours

After a few hours

After a few days

After a few days

Terroir & Expressions

Indicative 2025 wholesale prices.

The Full Story

Limetta, also known as sweet lime, is a citrus fruit that hails from the family Rutaceae. Primarily cultivated in India and parts of the Mediterranean, this fruit has a rich history of use as a culinary delight and in perfumery. The sweet, juicy flesh is favored for its mild flavor compared to other citrus fruits, and its zest holds aromatic compounds that make it a valued ingredient in fragrance formulations.

Origin and Production

The cultivation of limetta datesback centuries, with its rootsdeeply embedded in traditional practices. Its gentle scent evokes feelings of freshness and vitality. in perfumery, limetta has a unique alternative to the more common lemonand lime notes, lending softer, sweeter citrus experience that is both bracing and comforting.

Chemistry and Scent Profile

Sourcing limetta involves careful harvesting of the fruit. The essential oil is typically obtained from the zest through cold pressing, a method that preserves the delicate aromatic properties of the fruit. This process allows perfumers to capture the essence of limetta, which can then be blended with a variety of other notes to create complex and harmonious compositions.

Did You Know?

Limetta is often enjoyed fresh in salads and juices in its native regions.

Did You Know?

Did you know?
Limetta is often enjoyed fresh in salads and juices in its native regions.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method: Cold pressing

↑ See Terroir & Origins for origin-specific methods.

Molecular FormulaComplex mixture — key component: limonene (C₁₀H₁₆)
CAS Number8008-26-2
Botanical NameCitrus limetta
IFRA StatusNo known restrictions
SynonymsSWEET LIME · INDIAN SWEET LIME
Physical Properties
Odor StrengthHigh
Lasting Power24 hours
AppearanceYellow to golden mobile liquid
Flash Point~ 115 °F. TCC ( ~ 46 °C. )
Specific Gravity0.855 to 0.863 @ 20 °C
Refractive Index1.474 to 1.477 @ 20 °C

In Perfumery

In perfumery, limetta typically is a top note because of bright and lively character. Its sweet profile also complements woody and aromatic bases, offering a well-rounded experience. Perfumers appreciate limetta because it can add a touch of sweetness without overwhelming the composition, making it a valuable ingredient in both fresh and structured fragrances.

See Also

Premiere Peau Perfumery Glossary. Explore all 75 ingredient entries