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Pokan

CITRUS SMELLS  /  citrus · fresh · fruity
Pokan
Pokan perfume ingredient
CategoryCITRUS SMELLS
Subcategorycitrus · fresh · fruity
Origin
VolatilityTop Note
BotanicalCitrus reticulata
AppearanceYellow to orange liquid with sweet citrus odor
Odor StrengthHigh
Producing CountriesChina, Japan
PyramidTop

A Japanese mandarin hybrid. Sweet, low-acid, with a gentle orange-blossom peel note.

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

Scent

Pokan has a sharp, tangy citrus aroma. On first encounter the scent is bright, like freshly grated lemon peel, bracing and bright, with a slightly sweet undertone. Its initial impact is fresh.

Scent Evolution

In the heart, Pokan becomes rounder and juicier, softening its initial sharpness while keeping a citrus character. It blends into compositions with floral or green notes. In the drydown, the scent settles into a warm, subtly sweet aroma with a ripe citrus quality.

Signature Accords

After 24 hours, Pokan can still be detected on a blotter as a faint, persistent sweetness that blends with underlying notes. This citrus fruit retains a light freshness long after application.

Evolution over time

Immediately

Immediately

Bright, tangy, and invigorating citrus zest.
After a few hours

After a few hours

Juicy and rounded citrus with a sweeter undertone.
After a few days

After a few days

Faintly sweet and persistent citrus aroma.

The Full Story

Pokan, also known as trifoliate orange, is a tart citrus fruit from East Asia, particularly China and Japan. It has been cultivated for centuries for culinary and ornamental use, and is hardy across varied climates.

Origin and Production

In perfumery, Pokan is valued for its zest. Its aromatic peel yields essential oils that give bright citrus notes. It is one of the less common citrus varieties used by perfumers.

Chemistry and Scent Profile

Pokan has a bright, zesty character that blends with floral, herbal, and woody notes. With the rise of niche perfumery, it is increasingly used.

Did You Know?

Pokan appears in traditional Japanese cuisine, where its zest adds tartness to dishes and beverages.

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?
Pokan appears in traditional Japanese cuisine, where its zest adds a unique tartness to dishes and beverages.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method: Cold pressing

Molecular FormulaLimonene C₁₀H₁₆ (major component) · Methyl N-methylanthranilate C₉H₁₁NO₂
CAS Number8008-31-9 (Citrus reticulata oil — mandarin/tangerine type)
Botanical NameCitrus reticulata
IFRA StatusNo known restrictions
SynonymsPONCIRUS TRIFOLIATA
Physical Properties
Odor StrengthHigh
Lasting Power8 hours at 100%
AppearanceYellow to orange liquid with sweet citrus odor
Refractive Index1.474–1.478

In Perfumery

In perfumery, Pokan is a top note, bringing a burst of freshness and energy to fragrance compositions. Its bright, zesty character works with other citrus notes such as bergamot and grapefruit, as well as floral notes like jasmine and rose. Pokan can enhance green and herbal accords, adding depth and vibrancy to the overall blend. The unique tartness of Pokan allows it to stand out in a composition, used in modern, refreshing fragrances that aim to capture the essence of nature's brightness.

From the raw to the worn

This is what it becomes.