Mandarin Petitgrain

Mandarin petitgrain

Description: Mandarin Petitgrain is steam distilled from the leaves and twigs of the bush. Its aroma is citrusy with hints of grape, wood, and an unusual musty note.
Scientific Name: Citrus Aurantium ssp. Amara
Extraction Method: steam-distilled

Mandarin Petitgrain Essential Oil

Bright • Citrusy • Refreshing

Mandarin Petitgrain essential oil is distilled from the leaves and twigs of the Citrus reticulata tree, the same tree that produces sweet mandarins. Unlike mandarin peel oil, which comes from the rind, petitgrain oils have a fresher, softer citrus-green profile with a delicate herbal nuance. Mandarin Petitgrain is prized for its clean, sparkling aroma that blends citrus brightness with subtle green and floral undertones.

Extraction and Aroma

The oil is produced through steam distillation of the tree’s foliage. Its scent is lighter and less sweet than mandarin peel oil yet more refined than bitter orange petitgrain. The result is a clear, airy, and gently botanical aroma ideal for uplifting blends and refined fragrance compositions.

Historical and Botanical Significance

Mandarin trees have long been cultivated in East Asia and later spread to Europe as prized fruit trees. Petitgrain oils, like that from mandarin, demonstrate how different parts of a single citrus tree yield oils with distinct characteristics. Leaves and twigs offer a bright, green alternative to blossom-derived or peel-derived oils.

For more on the plant and its essential oil, see the Wikipedia entry on petitgrain essential oil.

Chemical Composition

Mandarin Petitgrain oil contains a mix of naturally occurring compounds including methyl anthranilate, γ-terpinene, limonene, and p-cymene. This composition gives the oil its unique fruity-floral, green-citrus aroma. For more on the chemical constituents, see the PubChem profile for linalool, a common citrus compound.

The oil has also been studied for its biological properties. See this ResearchGate study on antioxidant and anticancer activities of mandarin petitgrain oil.

Uses in Aromatherapy

Mandarin Petitgrain is often used in blends intended to evoke lightness, clarity, or emotional uplift. Its floral-citrus-green scent makes it a thoughtful addition to body care, fragrance, and wellness formulations. Proper dilution is advised for topical use.

Safety and Precautions

While considered gentle, it’s important to dilute before skin application and patch test first on sensitive individuals. If pregnant, nursing, or managing health conditions, consult a qualified professional. Avoid ingestion unless under supervision of a licensed practitioner.

References

Disclaimer: The above information relates to studies of specific individual essential oil ingredients, some of which are used in the essential oil blends for various MONQ diffusers. Please note, however, that while individual ingredients may have been shown to exhibit certain independent effects when used alone, the specific blends of ingredients contained in MONQ diffusers have not been tested. No specific claims are being made that use of any MONQ diffusers will lead to any of the effects discussed above. Additionally, please note that MONQ diffusers have not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. MONQ diffusers are not intended to be used in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, prevention, or treatment of any disease or medical condition. If you have a health condition or concern, please consult a physician or your alternative health care provider prior to using MONQ diffusers. MONQ blends should not be inhaled into the lungs.Why? It works better that way