Neroli

Description: Neroli is the flower from the bitter Seville orange tree, and known also as orange blossom. Neroli is precious among the essential oils. A pound of it is produced from about 1,000 handpicked blossoms—flowers so delicate that even slight bruising can release their oil.

Scientific Name: Citrus Aurantium

Extraction Method: steam-distilled

Neroli Essential Oil

Uplifting • Floral • Elegant

Neroli essential oil is distilled from the fragrant blossoms of the Seville orange tree (Citrus aurantium var. amara). With its delicate floral aroma and subtle citrus undertones, Neroli has been treasured for centuries in perfumery, aromatherapy, and traditional practices. Its name honors Princess Anne-Marie de La Trémoille, the 17th-century Italian Duchess of Bracciano and Princess of Nerola, who popularized the use of this blossom’s fragrance.

Extraction and Aroma

Neroli essential oil is typically obtained through steam distillation of freshly picked orange blossoms. The resulting oil carries a sweet, honeyed, and slightly green floral aroma. Its fragrance is regarded as luxurious, elegant, and versatile, frequently used in high-end perfumery and aromatherapy blends. In fact, the blossoms are so delicate that their harvest must be carefully timed to preserve the oil’s precious scent. Learn more about the volatile compounds found in bitter orange flower oils (including neroli).

Historical and Cultural Significance

Neroli has deep historical roots in both European and Middle Eastern culture. Its blossoms have been used for centuries in wedding traditions, symbolizing purity and joy. The oil gained its modern name in the 1600s when the Princess of Nerola introduced orange blossom essence as a fashionable personal fragrance. Today, it remains a key ingredient in perfumery and continues to be celebrated for its distinctive floral–citrus profile.

Read more about the bitter orange tree and its uses.

Chemical Composition

Neroli essential oil is rich in compounds such as linalool, linalyl acetate, nerolidol, and limonene. These naturally occurring molecules are responsible for its floral sweetness, subtle citrus brightness, and calming aroma. For a detailed breakdown, see the PubChem entry on linalyl acetate, one of Neroli’s key fragrance constituents.

Uses in Aromatherapy

In aromatherapy, Neroli is often valued for its uplifting and balancing scent. Its sweet, floral notes make it a popular choice in blends designed to promote a sense of calm, elegance, or emotional well-being. It is also frequently used in luxury skincare formulations and natural perfumery. As always, essential oils should be used responsibly and properly diluted when applied to the skin.

Safety and Precautions

Neroli essential oil is considered gentle, but it should still be used with care. Dilute before topical application, and avoid use on sensitive skin without guidance. As with all essential oils, consult a qualified professional if you are pregnant, nursing, or managing health concerns. Essential oils should not be ingested unless directed by 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