Citrus family

When used as the dominant note this family represents some of the oldest classical perfumes – eau de cologne. The citrus oils are usually obtained by expression – squeezing the oil from the rind. Traditionally the main oils used are lemon, orange, grapefruit, bergamot, lime and mandarin.

They are very volatile, lifting quickly from the skin so are the key ingredients in the top notes of classically constructed perfumes.

Light, diffusive and ephemeral these notes can also be used to give a fresh aspect or greater lift and presence to the top notes of perfumes in Floral and Oriental families