Perfume Lemon

NaturalCITRUSfresh · fruity

TopPyramid

3/5Strength

24hTenacity

3Origins

Specimen

Citrus limon

Definition

Perfume lemon is a bright citrus note, with a and zesty aroma that invigorates fragrances.

FLORAL CITRUS SWEET FRESH

lemon, Citrus limon

Type: Ingredient
Olfactive family: Citrus
Subfamily: Zesty citrus
Cluster: Lemon-lime sharp citrus
Source: fruit peel
Chemical class: complex natural (essential oil)

Instruments

Pyramid

TTop

HHeart

BBase

3/5Strength

Medium

odour strength

Tenacity on blotter

24hours

1 h6 h24 h3 d7 d400 h

Producing countries

Italy Spain United States (California)

Scent

Perfume lemon opens with an immediate burst of sharp, zesty brightness that invigorates the senses. Its scent is similar to freshly squeezed lemon juice, with a crisp, clean quality that makes it incredibly refreshing. As it settles, the initial brightness softens slightly.

Scent Evolution

With time, the lemon note continues to evolve, often blending smooth with other citrus or floral elements in a fragrance. This allows it to maintain its freshness while harmonizing with the surrounding notes. The lively nature of lemon makes it particularly effective in lifting heavier scents.

In PREMIEREPEAU

DISCOVERY SET7 × 2 ml →EXTRAIT DE PARFUMThe seven extraits →

Terroir & Expressions

The Full Story

Perfume lemon, derived from the zest and juice of the lemon fruit, has been used in perfumery for centuries. This bright and refreshing note is emblematic of the citrus family, known for its uplifting qualities. Lemon oil is one of the citrus oils of eau de Cologne, a style first mixed in Cologne by Johann Maria Farina in 1709. Today, it remains a staple in the fragrance industry, known for its ability to enliven compositions.

Origin and Production

Sourcing of lemon typically occurs in regions with warm climates, such as Italy, Spain, and California. The zest, which contains essential oils, is often used to capture the lively essence of lemon. The oil is mostly obtained by cold expression, without heat (ISO 855); steam distillation, which uses heat, gives a different quality.

Chemistry and Scent Profile

Expressed lemon oil is mostly limonene (59–80% depending on origin), with γ-terpinene (6–12%) and the citral aldehydes neral and geranial (about 0.7–3.2% together), which give its lemon note (ISO 855). In perfumery, lemon is a useful material that adds brightness and clarity to various fragrance compositions. It can be found in both citrus-centric scents and as a refreshing top note in floral, woody, and even gourmand fragrances. The presence of lemon can strengthen a scent. Its significance in perfumery is significant, as it is important in balancing and harmonizing complex fragrance structures.

Did You Know?

IFRA restricts cold-pressed lemon oil for phototoxicity: the Standard rests on RIFM test results and on the oil's low bergapten content, and caps it at 2.0% in leave-on products such as fine fragrance.

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

Sources

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method

Cold pressing, steam distillation

Formula: Complex mixture (limonene C₁₀H₁₆ 59–80%, citral C₁₀H₁₆O about 0.7–3.2%, ISO 855)
CAS: 8008-56-8
Botanical: Citrus limon
Appearance: Pale yellow to greenish mobile liquid
Odour strength: Medium
Lasting power: 24 hours
Synonyms: lemon, Citrus limon

IFRA status

No restriction

IFRA: restricted. Standard Lemon oil cold pressed (Amendment 49, in force under the 51st Amendment): max 2.0% in categories 1 to 6, 7B, 8, 10B and 11B (including fine fragrance, category 4), no restriction in 7A, 9, 10A, 11A and 12 (phototoxicity). Standard Citrus oils and other furocoumarins containing essential oils (Amendment 49): 5-MOP (bergapten) max 0.0015% (15 ppm) in the finished product, same categories. Limonene Standard: peroxide value below 20 mmol/L. EU: Citrus Limon Peel Oil is a labelled allergen (Annex III/353, Regulation (EU) 2023/1545) above 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off products.

Physical properties

Flash point: about 46–48 °C (closed cup), depending on supplier
Specific gravity: 0.845 to 0.858 @ 20 °C
Refractive index: 1.4730 to 1.4790 @ 20 °C

In Perfumery

In perfumery, lemon is primarily used as a top note, giving immediate burst of freshness and energy. It works with other citrus notes, such as bergamot and grapefruit, as well as with floral notes like jasmine and rose. It can complement woody accords, adding brightness to more grounded compositions. The versatility of lemon allows perfumers to use it across a wide range of fragrances, from refreshing colognes to structured floral blends.

Role in the formula

01modifier

02signature note

03lifting agent

04blender

05freshness

Available as

essential oil expressed oil