What Is Orange Flower?
Orange flower, also known as orange blossom, is a delicate white flower harvested from the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium). In perfumery, it’s celebrated for its fresh, floral, and honeyed aroma, often adding a light, luminous quality to fragrances.
Origin of Orange Flower
The use of orange flower in perfumery dates back to ancient times, with its essential oil—neroli—becoming especially popular in the 17th century. The bitter orange tree offers multiple aromatic components, but its blossoms are particularly prized for their fresh, floral aroma.
Function in Perfumery
Orange flower serves primarily as a heart (middle) note, contributing a clean, elegant floralcy that bridges fresh top notes and warm base notes. It enhances the overall composition by adding brightness and complexity. Orange flower is used as a middle note in Phlur's Golden Rule perfume, Solar Power perfume, and Mood Ring perfume.
Ingredient Type
Orange flower comes in both natural and synthetic forms. Natural orange flower absolute and neroli oil are extracted from the blossoms through solvent extraction or steam distillation. Safe synthetics are also commonly used to provide consistency and stability.
Scent Profile of Orange Flower
Orange flower has a soft, fresh, and slightly sweet scent, with honeyed, green, and citrusy undertones. It offers a radiant floral quality that is both clean and uplifting.
Variations of Orange Flower in Perfumery
- Neroli: A lighter, greener, and more citrus-forward distillation.
- Orange Blossom Absolute: A deeper, sweeter, and more indolic version.
- Petitgrain: Derived from the leaves and twigs of the orange tree, offering a greener, more herbaceous scent.
What Fragrance Family is Orange Flower in?
Orange flower belongs to the Floral fragrance family and often bridges into the Fresh or Citrus subfamilies due to its bright and uplifting qualities.
