My first and most influential scent memory is my mom teaching me to spritz a clementine rind. With the oils released, we'd rub the peel on our wrists and breathe in the best citrus fragrance, more sensorialy fulfilling than taking a bite of the flesh ever could be. Alas, a real fruit peel isn't the most accessible, it's not a long lasting scent and probably won't land on your list of best perfumes—but you can come close.
"The scent of citrus is a blend of bright, uplifting, and refreshing notes. Whether it is the crisp, zesty facet of lemon, the sweetness of oranges, or the tangy notes of grapefruits, they are refreshing, invigorating, and convey a sense of cleanliness," shares dsm-firmenich perfumer Erwan Raguenes. "For me, citrus notes also have the power to evoke positivity and create a vibrant atmosphere."
Carlos Huber, a fragrance developer and founder of Arquiste, compares citrus notes to your favorite crisp cotton shirt or linen pants. Like a great fitting white T-shirt, "they work with everything," he says. Fragrance expert Eudora Nwasike adds that they can either energize and focus their wearer or send the mind's eye to a sunny day at the beach.
Ahead, some of the fragrance industry's most brilliant noses and editors break down everything you need to know about the best citrus perfumes. We'll dig into different notes, the history of citrus in perfumery, and (of course) the best citrus perfumes to pick up for yourself.
What to Look For in a Citrus Perfume
- Notes: The citrus family includes notes like lemon, lime, orange, bergamot, grapefruit, tangerine, and clementine. "My favorite citrus notes are neroli, orange blossom, and citron. Fresh green Neroli and soft, honey-like orange blossoms are perhaps my bread and butter in perfume," says Huber. "Citron is also amazing because it’s a less familiar, yet very tart and refreshing note that brings a lot of green and has a lot of depth."The crisp, floral bergamot, meanwhile, adds an almost "water-like" quality to the fragrance with its volume, light, and energy.
- Wear: Nwasike says that citrus notes are naturally volatile, meaning they don't last long on the skin. "Hence the reason perfumers use them as a top note in fragrance," she adds. "Their fresh, invigorating scent captures your attention to prepare you for an exciting olfactory experience."
- Layering: Citrus layers well with a number of other fragrance families, including floral notes, woody notes like cedarwood, vetiver, oud, and sandalwood ("woody notes add depth and tenacity to volatile citrus notes, whilst the citrus notes cool intense woody notes to create a beautiful contrast" shares Nwasike), floral notes like jasmine and tuberose, and fruity notes like peach, mango, berry, and apple. "It's almost like you are drinking a chilled glass of juice," Nwasike adds.
The Best Citrus Perfumes
- The Best Citrus Perfume Overall: Parfums de Marly Perseus Eau de Parfum
- The Best Unisex Citrus Perfume: Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum
- The Best True Citrus Perfume: PHLUR Tangerine Boy Eau de Parfum
- The Best Everyday Citrus Perfume: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue
- The Best Refreshing Citrus Perfume: Arquiste L'Etrog Acqua
- The Best Classic Citrus Perfume: Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche Eau de Parfum Spray
Perseus recently entered the Parfums de Marly assortment, and it's already a fan favorite—my boyfriend and my sister have both already stolen my bottle. Extremely smooth and blended to a point where it's hard to pick out individual notes (in a good way!), this is an expert's take on citrus. Marie Claire beauty editor Samantha Holender named it the best fruity scent of 2024, with beauty writer Gabrielle Ulubay calling it "anything but sickly-sweet." Instead, you get the perfect balance of fruity elements, woodiness, and warmth.
Pros: Zesty; Well-balanced
Cons: More expensive than other options
Customer Review: "Juicy delicious grapefruit and mandarin with a masculine woody and ambery base. Blind bought this for some reason and prayed it worked out and it definitely did, it was love at first spray; get a sample first though seriously." — Fragrantica
For a fresh spicy take on citrus, look no further than Tom Ford's Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum, a favorite of Raguenes. With top notes of bergamot, mandarin orange, lemon, bitter orange, lavender, rosemary, and myrtle, this unisex fan-favorite's job is 100 percent beach. It's reminiscent of a sunny Italian holiday—you know the Ischia scenes in the Neapolitan Novels?—with sunscreen lingering in the air. Moody, sexy, clean, and refined, it's the perfect beach read in a bottle. Sì?
Pros: A warm weather favorite
Cons: More expensive than other options
Customer Review: "Avid Tom Ford perfume lover here, purchased this as a gift and they loved it! Very much a unisex scent, would be attracted to anyone wearing this fragrance as it is so fresh, nicely citrusy and floral, without being too bright. Very unique, natural and delicious smell like all TF perfumes, and you don't need to use too much, clings nicely to skin where sprayed and has pretty good staying power." — Sephora
Marie Claire beauty director Deena Campbell names PHLUR's Tangerine Boy among her favorite citrus fragrances, and I wholeheartedly agree. As its name and bright orange bottle suggests, this baby is as tangerine-y as they come. "Did you peel a cutie? Are you carrying a bag of cuties?" joked my boyfriend the first time I wore it. Sure, it's a bit on the nose. But if you want citrus, why not go all out? With notes of lemon, ginger, apple, sweet jasmine, rindy tangerine, spicy amber, and cool green moss, it's zingy, it's vibrant, and most of all it's fun.
Pros: Vibrant; Bright; As citrus as citrus can be
Cons: Scent might be too realistic for some (if you don't like tangerines, perhaps?)
Customer Review: "It has a tangerine burst at first, but then when it opens ginger and black pepper notes add such a sexy spice to it. Definitely unisex, some might find it a bit too on the man’s side, but I love it. This scent has so much character, a beautiful fragrance to lift the spirits! I wish it lasted longer though." — Ulta
Shall I compare thee to a warm summer day on the Italian coast? Dolce & Gabbana's classic Light Blue is another of Raguenes' citrus fragrance favorites. Created by Olivier Cresp, the Mediterranean-inspired scent blends the zesty freshness of citrus fruit with delicate florals, eventually leaning into warm woods. And if you're looking for a blend of citrus with a hint of creamy sandalwood, try Cresp's Italian Love.
Pros: Clean; Easy to wear
Cons: None found
Customer Review: "Light Blue is absolutely gorgeous. I love fresh dessert-y scents and this is exactly that: I get lemon and Granny Smith apple, plus a sort of musky/creamy accord that brings out the sweetness and tartness of the fruit at the same time. Even the travel size bottle is uniquely gorgeous and obviously higher end, and the packaging it comes in is adorable and very luxe. Not gonna lie, I am already eyeing the full size." — Sephora
Huber is a huge fan of citrus fragrances. "I think part of it has to do with my upbringing, having grown up in Mexico City and being partial to traditional eau de colognes and other crisp formulas that refresh you in warm weather," he shares. One of his every day fresh colognes is his L’Etrog Acqua, a refreshing and even thirst-quenching scent with notes of myrtle leaf, Calabrese citron, Sicilian lemon, Italian mandarin, bergamot, lavender, labdanum, and cedar wood—it's like a whole tour of the Mediterranean while holding a freshly-plucked lemon, leaves and all, in the palm of your hand.
Pros: Refreshing; An ideal sunny day fragrance
Cons: More expensive than other options
Customer Review: "I bought this several years back after one of Carlos Huber's in-store introductions to his exclusive, luxurious line...but I stowed it in my wardrobe, to bring out on special occasions only, and somewhat forgot about it. Recently, I retrieved it from the darkness and set it in plain view, and have started wearing it on sunny Saturdays...and I have now completely fallen for its considerable charms. I won't dissect the notes or accords—I don't have that gift— but I can wholeheartedly recommend it as a beautiful, full-bodied, woody-citrus scent with surprising power and longevity. L'Etrog Acqua has really grown on me, and found a place high up in my perfume pantheon!" — Fragrantica
There's just something about spritzing a Chanel fragrance, isn't there? Fresh and sparkling, the floral chypre Chance Eau Fraîche launched in 2007. Like a walk in the park, it leans into a fantasy of blossoms, sunshine, and just the right amount of greenery while remaining close to home with notes of lemon, cedar, and citron. Once it dries down, you're left with a subtle, compliment-worthy sweetness and woodiness. Also of note: it's lovely orange-scented cousin, Coco Mademoiselle.
Pros: A classic; Perfect for summertime
Cons: None found
Customer Review: "This fragrance smells so clean! I receive a lot of compliments and it lasts all day. Well worth buying the largest size. It took me three years years to find a fragrance I like. Worth the wait!" — Sephora
Also Recommended
Michelle Pfeiffer's sustainable fragrance brand is a favorite of mine these days, and I'm happy to report that their citrus take doesn't disappoint. Windows Down has bright grapefruit and bergamot notes that play with neroli, earl grey, jasmine, and musk to craft a mature and sunny scent that doesn't ask too many questions. Instead, it acts as the perfect background music as you enjoy the scenery. Is this what it feels like to be a puppy with your head out the car window?
Pros: Sustainable brand; Refreshing
Cons: Doesn't last very long
Customer Review: "This fragrance is happiness and sunshine and perfect sunny summer days. It’s clean with a citrus note that just makes you feel good when you wear it. Packaging is also classy, simple & beautiful. Definitely can be unisex." — Sephora
Byredo describes their aromatic Sunday Cologne Eau de Parfum as "polite and poised like a sharp sidepart and a taper cut." Giving barbershop and a little Sunday-scaries moodiness with its spice-forwardness (that's star anise you're smelling, in part), it's a distant cousin to Gypsy Water, another famous—and light!—woody citrus by the brand. Still, I think this bergamot number deserves the applause for its crispness.
Pros: Well-balanced; Crisp
Cons: More expensive than other options
Customer Review: "Lovely, soft, calming stuff. Perfect for a relaxing Sunday afternoon. A classy, easy to wear, unisex fragrance. It's not going to be a night out, date night fragrance but it's not intended to be. Exactly what it says on the bottle." — Fragrantica
Maison Margiela's fragrance offshoot designs their perfumes to encapsulate a memory or a specific season. This one is the Southern Italian countryside—a theme in plenty of citrus fragrances that Replica does exceptionally well. Zesty and fresh, you'll also notice a darker, musky, and sweet tinge to this bottle. As Marie Claire beauty editor Samantha Holender wrote in a previous review, it "works with your skin’s natural chemistry to create an aura that’s just for you."
Pros: Clean; Fresh; Great for summer
Cons: None found
Customer Review: "Great year-round fragrance. No exact lemon scent; more of a complex hint of citrus that is well-balanced. This lasted the whole day. I was getting compliments all day. I think I just found my signature fragrance!" — Sephora
From their signature citrus Lime Basil & Mandarin to bright options like Grapefruit or Basil & Neroli, British fragrance house Jo Malone London has the citrus game down. Their newest selection, the warm citrus Yuzu Zest, takes things a step further with notes of yuzu, clary sage, and fir balsam. Extremely clean, the calming scent reminds me of childhood—when there were still new scents to experience but life was exceedingly comfortable.
Pros: Refreshing; Jo Malone London knows citrus
Cons: None found
Customer Review: "I usually don't like citrus fragrances but this has been a rare exception. I prefer scents that suit both men and women. You can smell yuzu at first. Soon after the pleasant top layer of scent, you are surrounded by this woody, warm, and sort of 'weighted' scent. This fragrance is not too heavy or too light which I love! I received a sample of this fragrance with my recent purchase of my all time Jo Malone London favorite, English Pear & Freesia. I'm definitely adding this to my collection!" — Jo Malone London
If you're a vanilla lover who wants to dip into the world of citrus, Noteworthy's n,144 is the scent for you. Opening with juicy citrus and delicate lemon blossom, it ultimately settles into a heavier, creamy vanilla. It's like vanilla pound cake with a little lemon zest—a treat to sweeten up your citrus fragrance wardrobe.
Pros: Sweet; A citrus for vanilla lovers
Cons: May be too sweet for some
Customer Review: "Smells like slurping lemondrop slushie topped with a generous dollop of vanilla whipped cream while laying in a meadow in spring. It is sweet with a dash of tart, light, and creamy. While it is both citrusy and sweet, the vanilla notes tend more toward the sweet side, about 65% warm sweet and 35% fresh tart floral. I haven't worn this enough to comment thoroughly on sillage and stay power, but I imagine this may make a good layering scent to lightly sweeten and brighten another scent." — Fragrantica
Fun fact: the brilliant Francis Kurkdjian was the nose behind Elizabeth Arden's iconic zesty Green Tea fragrance, which launched in 1999 and recently came back into the zeitgeist thanks to TikTok. With top notes of lemon, bergamot, mint, orange, peel, and rhubarb, this scent was best described by one of my favorite beauty writers, Kara Nesvig as zingy, like McDonald's sprite. From Green Tea (which features a wide variety of variants, including a more citrus-forward option) to a cold bubbly lemon-lime soda, classics are classics for a reason.
Pros: A recognizable classic; Affordable; Refreshing
Cons: Weak longevity and sillage (even for a citrus!)
Customer Review: "Have used this product for several years and love the light clean tones. Never fails. Get many compliments." — Ulta
This floral-centered, layerable fragrance features touches of bergamot and grapefruit before settling into a layer of amber, vanilla, and vetiver on the skin. While there's a definite sweetness to it, it's humble and grounded—the perfect scent, as its name suggests, to wear to your next gallery opening.
Pros: Layerable; Neroli comes through beautifully
Cons: None found
Customer Review: "This is a beautiful scent! The opening is a little harsh but it only lasts a few minutes, then it settles into this beautiful neroli scent that's green and a little bit spicy. I bought the Nette sample pack recently and i'm so excited that it came with bigger 3ml sprays because I will definitely be wearing this one." — Fragrantica
Marie Claire beauty editor Samantha Holender named Aerin's new Mediterranean Honeysuckle Tiare the best citrus fragrance of 2024, noting that fans of the brand's original 2015 Mediterranean Honeysuckle scent should absolutely give it a whiff. Here, you’ll find lemon and gardenia alongside the Tiare flower, which adds an extra tinge of citrus and a tad more warmth.
Pros: A tropical scent for everyday; Long-lasting
Cons: Citrus lovers may find it too floral-forward
Customer Review: “I liked this fresh scent. It's light but lasts a long time, the pleasant citrus of lemon is refreshing, it's just the perfect perfume for the warm season. It’s refreshing like water with lemon on a hot day.” — Nordstrom
Baby's first citrus fragrance can absolutely be their forever favorite. A true department store classic, Clinique Happy launched in 1998 and features top notes of orange, blood grapefruit, Indian mandarin, bergamot, apple, and plum. With floral middle notes and a touch of musk at the base, it's the ideal entry point for the citrus curious: a light, bright, Y2K wonder.
Pros: A true classic; Nostalgic
Cons: Smells synthetic to some
Customer Review: "This has been my scent since high school and I'm 43! I have received COUNTLESS compliments throughout the years when I wear this alone or layer it with any other misting/ perfume spray that works with my body's chemistry. Long lasting, clean, fresh scent that offers notes of citrus and floral making this a wonderful perfume to wear all year long! It smells amazing when first applied and even many hours later when it lingers with more subtle notes on skin, hair or clothing. I will ALWAYS love this scent and recommend it often when complimented!" — Ulta
Diptyque has a number of lovely citrus scents in its repertoire, but none strike me as much as OYÉDO. Launched in 2000, this is a candy-like perfume (there's that early aughts sensibility again) with an element of slight creaminess, featuring notes of yuzu, raspberry, and thyme. Instead of heading to the Mediterranean like so many citrus scents, Oyédo was inspired by Japan’s ancient imperial city, Edo.
Pros: Unique; Smells like a good piece of candy
Cons: May be too sweet for some
Customer Review: "I love this perfume a lot. It is one of my top five perfumes that I feel is a classic and would continue to be a classic in the next 20 years. Smells nice and fresh. Not over powering and the perfume last for a long time. It is now 7:30 p.m and I can still smell it. YUM!" — Nordstrom
As you might guess from its amber, minimalistic bottle, Aesop's Tacit is a wealth of woodiness. The unisex scent was born from two key inspirations—traditional colognes and the vegetation of the Mediterranean coast—with top notes of yuzu and citruses, a middle note of basil, and base notes of vetiver and cloves.
Pros: Genderless; Woody; Reminiscent of a day at the spa
Cons: None found
Customer Review: "Love, love, love this perfume! Bought my fist bottle in Portland, Oregon at Aesop store on 23rd avenue. I always get compliments when I wear it... people ask me what I am wearing and comment on its fresh scent. I think it has a woodsy, natural scent that it just wonderful. Bought my second bottle from Nordstrom." — Nordstrom
Listen, this is not a budget fragrance option. But if you're looking for a clean, intriguing, fancy fancy citrus scent you now know where to find it. Crafted to capture "the feeling of sun bathing in a hidden tropical oasis," Somewhere features top notes of dewy palm leaves, bergamot, and blood orange. It was also inspired by Sofia Coppola's 2010 film Somewhere, which is right up my alley.
Pros: Genderless; Intriguing
Cons: Expensive
Customer Review: None available
Guide to the Citrus Family
Contrary to what you'll find in a typical fruit bowl, there's more to citrus than lemons, limes, grapefruits, and oranges.
"The citrus fragrance family is broad and consists of citrus fruits, flowers, and trees," says Nwasike. While all share a common freshness, these different notes offer perfumers a wide and engaging palette to utilize in their artistry. Here's a look at some of the most popular citrus notes, with information courtesy of the fragrance expert.
Bergamot: Grown in Southern Italy, the perfumer-favorite bergamot fruit gives off a rich scent that's at once fresh, floral, and spicy. According to Nwasike, it's also popular in aromatherapy because of its calming and relaxing effects.
Lemon: You know this one, right? Sharp and acidic, energizing lemon notes can be found in many cleaning products and your favorite refreshing beverages.
Grapefruit: Nwasike calls bold, juicy grapefruit the most bitter citrus note, adding that it's very volatile. Its essential oils are obtained through a distillation process.
Neroli: Sweet, spicy, honeyed, and green neroli oil is produced by the bitter orange tree blossom.
Mandarin: Sweeter than the humble orange, Nwasike says the soft, sweet mandarin is "a mood booster that evokes the essence of sunshine."
Petitgrain: Another product of the bitter orange tree (this time extracted from its leaves and green twigs), the herbaceous and slightly floral petitgrain is similar to neroli and can feel aromatic or green depending on when, where, and what you're smelling.
Lemon trees are abundant in Italy. This photo was taken in the 1970s, and I'd like to say that tree is still producing fruit.
Pairing Citrus Perfumes
Like Huber previously mentioned, citrus notes are the well-fitting white T-shirts of the fragrance world. They go with just about anything.
"They can complement floral scents, creating a fresh and uplifting combination," adds Raguenes. "Citrus also harmonizes with aromatic notes like basil or mint, adding a dynamic and invigorating touch."
Woody and spicy elements such as cedar and ginger also play well with citrus, creating a "well-balanced and sophisticated" scent when layered.
The History of Citrus Perfumes
Citrus has long been utilized in perfumery; historical records show it had a place in ancient civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia. During the Renaissance, citrus oils and extracts became even more widely used, and their popularity never died down.
And here's a fun fact, courtesy of Raguenes: Released in the early 1700s (!), the original Eau de Cologne by Farina belongs to the citrus family. "Emblematic of wellbeing and freshness, it was originally a personal hygiene product used on the body," he shares.
Meet the Experts
Perfumer Erwan Raguenes is a graduate of the Grasse Institute of Perfumery and University of Montpellier.
Carlos Huber first pursued the study of architecture and historic preservation at universities in Mexico City, Paris and New York City. A move to France, and then Spain, awakened his love for the aromatic environments of the Mediterranean and strengthened his interest in architectural history. This led him to New York City, where he graduated with honors in Historic Preservation at Columbia University. Huber’s experience in the world of luxury retail, creating meticulously detailed interiors for Polo Ralph Lauren, provided a unique opportunity to understand the world of luxury retail. Turning to his longtime love of perfumery, Huber studied fragrance development and collaborated with internationally recognized nose Rodrigo Flores-Roux to recapture the olfactive notes of historical moments. After conducting extensive academic research, Huber developed ARQUISTE Parfumeur.
Eudora is a fragrance specialist by the Fragrance Foundation UK, published journalist, and magazine contributor promoting and demystifying the art of fragrance across various audiences.
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