Welcome to Citrus Perfume Recipes. In this guide, we’ll explore how to create your citrus blends for perfumes, aftershaves, skincare, and scented home products like room sprays. This is a builder article, building on concepts from previous posts. For the best results, we recommend reviewing those earlier articles first.
Making Cologne
Craft Your Scent: Cologne With Essential Oils outlines how to make your cologne, including the specialist ingredients and equipment required. It explains top, middle, and base notes—how they behave and interact—an essential foundation when working with volatile top notes like citrus. This knowledge will help you craft a long-lasting citrus perfume with balanced, pleasing results.
While the focus is on cologne, the process is nearly identical to creating perfume or aftershave. The foundations are the same, so it’s equally relevant across all three.
Our Favourite Citrus Perfume Fragrance Oils
We’ve compiled the Ultimate Citrus Perfume Fragrance Oil List for Blending, organised into categories to simplify your blending process: Light and Airy, Green, Mediterranean, Floral, and Resinous Wood.
The article explores the meaning of citrus perfume within different fragrance families and offers relatable examples. You'll also find inspiration for blending—pairing complementary fragrance oils to create your bespoke citrus perfume.
It Takes Time To Create The Best Citrus Perfume Recipes

If you're rushing to create the best citrus perfume recipes, it’s worth slowing down.
While you can mix a citrus perfume fragrance oil with perfumer’s alcohol and wear it straight away, the result improves significantly with time. Ideally, let it mature for several weeks to develop depth and character.
If you need it immediately, go ahead—but know you’re skipping a crucial stage that can elevate a good blend into something exceptional. For the best results, take the time to review the foundational articles linked above.
Making Citrus Perfume Recipes Safely

Part of the planning process of making your citrus perfume recipes is to work within the IFRA safety guidelines. These guidelines tell you the maximum amount of fragrance or essential oil you can safely use on the skin.
Now, two main distinctions relate to eau de cologne, aftershave, and perfumes within the IFRA guidelines, and they are between using them on shaved and unshaved skin:
Recently Shaved Skin
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Category 3A - Hydroalcoholic products applied to recently shaved skin (EdT range)
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Category 3B - Hydroalcoholic products applied to recently shaved skin (fine fragrance range)
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Unshaved Skin
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Category 4A - Hydroalcoholic products applied to unshaved skin (EdT range); Ingredients of perfume kits; Scent strips for hydroalcoholic products
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Category 4B - Hydroalcoholic products applied to unshaved skin (fine fragrance range)
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Let me give you some visual working examples to help you.
Citrus Perfume Recipes - IFRA Safety Examples | ||||
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Citrus Perfume Fragrance Oil | IFRA Recommended Maximum Skin Safety Dilution Rates | |||
Fragrance Oil | 3A | 3B | 4A | 4B |
NO. 48 - Lemon Verbena | 0.57% | 0.57% | 3.43% | 3.43% |
NO. 109 - Petitgrain Blossom | 1.31% | 1.31% | 52.74% | 52.74% |
NO. 1204 - Inspired by: Fleur D'Oranger by Diptyque | 2.36% | 2.36% | 30.00% | 30.00% |
NO. 1810 - Inspired by: Grapefruit by Jo Malone | 1.18% | 1.18% | 13.86% | 13.86% |
NO. 3109 - Inspired by: Fleur de Portofino by Tom Ford | 2.27% | 2.27% | 26.60% | 26.60% |
The recommended maximum safety dilution rates for shaved skin in categories 3A and 3B are significantly lower than those for unshaved skin in categories 4A and 4B. That’s why it’s essential to determine how your citrus perfume will be used before you begin blending. Skin safety must be part of your design process from the outset—you can’t simply decide how it will be applied after the fact.
Blending Citrus Perfume Recipes
One of the main challenges when making citrus perfume is the nature of citrus notes themselves—they’re light, volatile, and tend to fade quickly. This often leads to disappointment when a citrus scent doesn’t linger on the skin. Understanding how citrus perfume oils behave is key. With the right pairings—using essential or fragrance oils that act as fixatives—you can extend their staying power and create a more balanced fragrance. Professional perfumers use citrus oils in some of the world’s most iconic fragrances, including Chanel No. 5, Dior J’adore, and 4711 Original Eau de Cologne. In these formulations, citrus notes are designed to make a bright, fresh entrance, setting the stage for heart and base notes to develop and linger. Take 4711 Original Eau de Cologne as an example. Though built primarily around citrus, it was never intended to last like an eau de parfum. Instead, it offers a refreshing splash. Rosemary draws the lemon forward, helping it linger a little longer. Neroli carries the citrus into the heart of the fragrance, anchoring it into the base. It’s a beautifully balanced citrus perfume—and one of my favourites—for the way it threads citrus through every layer.
Pairing Citrus Perfumes

When designing your citrus perfume recipes, think carefully about pairing each citrus perfume fragrance oil or essential oil with a complementary anchor. The right base notes can help the scent last longer on the skin. Sharp citrus notes—like grapefruit, bergamot, bitter orange, and lemon—blend beautifully with softer bases. Amber and orris are particularly effective, with orris acting as a classic perfumery fixative. Sour notes such as yuzu, citron, lime, and bergamot can be softened with white florals like jasmine, which bridges the heart and base notes. Adding earthy vetiver helps round out and balance these sharper accords.
Tart, zesty sweet orange and bright blood orange pair naturally with citrus blossoms such as neroli, orange blossom, and the rarer lemon blossom. Petitgrain—distilled from orange leaves, twigs, and buds—adds a green complexity. These orange accords harmonise well with the warm, resinous depth of sandalwood.
Softer, sweeter notes like mandarin, tangerine, and clementine can be sharpened with lemon or grapefruit and grounded with gentle woods like cedarwood. In every citrus perfume blend, ask: How will this pairing influence the behaviour of my citrus oil? If you’re unsure, experiment—try different combinations and observe how they evolve. For more on building accords, see Craft Your Scent: Cologne With Essential Oils.
What Should I Use For My Citrus Perfume Recipes
To begin crafting your citrus perfume recipes, you’ll need distilled water, perfumer’s alcohol, a carrier oil like fractionated coconut or MCT oil, a selection of essential and fragrance oils, scent strips, and a few perfume bottles.
For a complete materials list and detailed guidance, refer to Craft Your Scent: Cologne With Essential Oils. You’ll also find inspiration and ingredient ideas in our Ultimate Citrus Perfume Fragrance Oil List for Blending, featuring the best citrus essential and fragrance oils available at VINEVIDA—perfect for creating bespoke citrus blends and signature scents.
Understanding Citrus Perfume Fragrance Concentrates
Later, I’ll show you how to make a citrus perfume concentrate. From there, you can adjust the strength to suit your preferences. But first, let’s take a quick look at the different types of fragrances—not just those available commercially, but ones you can create at home.
Aftershave vs. Perfume
Let’s clear up a common misconception: commercially, aftershave and perfume are essentially the same product—only the marketing differs, often based on gender. This is why many fragrance houses now use the term fragrance and opt for unisex labelling. With a bit of perfumery knowledge, you can often tell from the scent notes whether a blend leans more masculine or feminine, even if the description is neutral.
EdC, EdT, EdP, P

EdC, EdT, EdP, P — What Do They Mean?
You may have noticed abbreviations like EdP or EdT on fragrance bottles. These refer to the strength of the fragrance, specifically, how much aromatic concentrate (essential oils, fragrance oils, or synthetics) is diluted into the base of alcohol and water. While there are no strict rules, the industry generally follows these guidelines:
Types of Fragrance Concentrates
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Eau de Cologne (EdC):
The lightest concentration, typically 3–5%. This produces an airy, fleeting fragrance that dissipates quickly. -
Eau de Toilette (EdT):
Common in commercial perfumery, EdT contains 4–8% concentrate and lasts about 2–4 hours on the skin. Exact longevity depends on other factors, so treat this as a rough guide. -
Eau de Parfum (EdP):
Contains 8–15% fragrance. Be careful not to confuse this with Parfum itself—EdP has about half the concentration of true Parfum and typically lasts 4–8 hours. -
Extrait de Parfum / Parfum (EP/P):
The most concentrated form, with 15–30% aromatic content. Expect 6–8 hours (or more) of lasting fragrance.
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Fragrance Concentrate Dilution Isn’t Always Straightforward
Professional perfumery is a nuanced art. It’s not simply a case of adding more alcohol and water to dilute a fragrance concentrate. There’s far more skill involved. As you move from an Eau de Cologne to an Eau de Parfum, for example, ingredient safety becomes a major consideration. Certain components—like benzoin and oakmoss—are heavily regulated. They must be used at low concentrations across all dilution levels, as scaling up can pose safety risks. That’s why it’s essential to consult IFRA safety guidelines from the outset. Decide early on what type of fragrance you’re making, the concentration you aim for, and whether it will be applied to shaved skin—these choices all affect formulation. Don’t worry, though—VINEVIDA Fragrance Calculator makes it easy to calculate skin-safe dilution rates for your citrus perfume recipes.
Creating Accords For Citrus Perfume Recipes

When I created the Ultimate Citrus Perfume Fragrance Oil List for Blending, I organised the fragrances into five key categories:
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Light and Airy Citrus
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Green Citrus
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Mediterranean Citrus
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Floral Citrus
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Resinous Wood Citrus
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Now, let’s explore how to create accords and blends within these categories. This will help you craft stunning citrus perfume recipes using VINEVIDA essential oils and Soaps & Candles fragrance oils. Whether you're searching for the best citrus perfumes for him or a long-lasting citrus perfume for her, this section will guide you. You'll learn how to design fresh, vibrant citrus accords—perfect foundations for building signature scents and truly personal blends.
Light and Airy Citrus Perfume Accords

Creating Light and Airy Citrus Perfume Recipes
To craft light and airy citrus perfumes, start with zesty yellow or green citrus oils such as Grapefruit, Bergamot, Lemon, or Lime. These bright, uplifting top notes bring an instant freshness. Pair them with light, green elements like Basil or the gentle, aromatic notes of White and Green Tea to maintain the delicate, breezy feel. For depth and staying power, anchor the blend with subtle base notes. Light woods such as Amyris or soft earthy tones like Vetiver or Patchouli work beautifully. Benzoin essential oil is a powerful fixative—just a drop can stabilise and extend the scent.
Sample Accord:
Lemon + Green Tea + Amyris
A sparkling, clean aroma that energises and uplifts.
Light and Airy Citrus Perfume Accords | |||
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Each section creates a simple accord; simply work down the accord to create the complete formula. Key: EO = essential oil FO = VINEVIDA Soaps & Candles fragrance oil |
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Accord One - Grapefruit and Gardenia ↓ |
Accord Two - Citrus Tea ↓ |
Accord Three - Orange Grove In Bloom ↓ |
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Top Notes |
Grapefruit EO and Basil EO |
Lime EO and Litsea Cubeba EO | Lemon EO and Lime EO |
Heart Notes | NO. 38 - Gardenia FO or NO. 44 - Jasmine FO | NO. 72 - White Tea FO |
Petitgrain EO and NO. 1204 - Inspired by: Fleur D'Oranger by Diptyque FO |
Base Notes |
Cedarwood EO or NO. 21 - Cedarwood & Amber FO |
Patchouli EO or Vetiver EO | NO. 1200 - Inspired by: Ambre by Diptyque FO |
Green Citrus Perfume Accords

Creating Green Citrus Perfume Recipes
To design invigorating green citrus perfumes, you don’t need to limit yourself to green-coloured fruits. Any citrus can work, especially when layered with citrus-scented leaves like Litsea Cubeba and Lemongrass, which bring fresh, bright energy. The key to a true green profile is weaving verdant elements through all three layers of your blend. Start with lively top notes such as Bergamot or Ginger. Build a heart with deeper green tones—Ravensara, Petitgrain, or the woody nuance of Galbanum. Green or White Tea also complements beautifully here. Anchor the base with earthy stabilisers. Just a touch of Benzoin or long-lasting Orris adds depth, while Vetiver and Patchouli help the scent linger on the skin.
Inspiration: NO. 110 - Green Tea & Vetiver
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Top: Bergamot, Ginger, Green Tea, Mandarin
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Mid: Ambergris, Iris, Light Musk
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Base: Sandalwood, Vetiver
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This type of accord balances freshness with elegance, making it ideal for energising yet grounded citrus perfumes
Green Citrus Perfume Accords | |||
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Each section creates a simple accord; simply work down the accord to create the complete formula. Key: EO = essential oil FO = VINEVIDA Soaps & Candles fragrance oil |
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Accord One - Down To Earth ↓ |
Accord Two - Lime Mint ↓ |
Accord Three - Verbena and Vervain ↓ |
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Top Notes | Bergamot EO and Grapefruit EO | Bergamot EO and Lime EO | NO. 48 - Lemon Verbena FO and Lime EO |
Heart Notes | NO. 110 - Green Tea & Vetiver FO | NO. 1112 - Inspired by: Eucalyptus Spearmint by Bath & Body Works FO |
Lemongrass EO and NO. 1314 - Inspired by: Verveine 32 by Le Labo FO |
Base Notes | NO. 59 - Patchouli FO and Vetiver EO | Vanilla Oleoresin EO and Peru Balsam EO | NO. 105 - Golden Amber & Vanilla FO |
Mediterranean Citrus Perfume Accords

Mediterranean Citrus Perfume Recipes
Our fragrance collection includes a range of Mediterranean-inspired fragrance oils that serve as the perfect heart for your citrus perfume recipes. These versatile blends provide a strong foundation around which you can craft your signature scent. To get the best results, study the original scent profile of the fragrance oil and choose complementary accords to support its theme.
A Working Example: Mediterranean Citrus Perfume
Take NO. 3114 - Inspired by: Mandarino di Amalfi by Tom Ford. Its scent notes include:
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Top: Tarragon, Mint, Blackcurrant, Grapefruit, Lemon
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Middle: Black Pepper, Coriander, Orange Blossom, Sage
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Base: Vetiver, Amber, Labdanum, Musk, Civet
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This fragrance already evokes the sun-drenched coast, but there’s room to enhance its Mediterranean identity. Avoid veering into tropical or Baltic profiles. Instead, think craggy cliffs dotted with aromatic herbs, sunwarmed woods, ripe citrus groves, and soft ocean breezes.
How to Build Around It:
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Top Notes: Add a zesty accord of Bergamot and Yuzu to further brighten and invigorate the opening.
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Heart Notes: Deepen the floral character with a touch of Jasmine or Gardenia. NO. 43 - Honeysuckle & Jasmine would be a perfect addition, allowing the fragrance to bloom through the heart.
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Base Notes: Soften and smooth the dry down with gourmand elements like Vanilla or Caramel. Consider a hint of soft animalic warmth—Cashmere complements Civet beautifully, offering sensuality without overpowering the blend. Avoid leather here; it’s too bold for this profile.
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The Goal:
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Lift the top notes for a brighter, more refreshing opening.
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Expand the heart with lush white florals that breathe and bloom.
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Soften the base with creamy, seductive elements that linger.
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This method of complementing the structure of an existing fragrance oil allows you to develop a well-rounded Mediterranean citrus perfume that feels transportive and luxurious.
Mediterranean Citrus Perfume Accords | |||
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Each section creates a simple accord; simply work down the accord to create the complete formula. Key: EO = essential oil FO = VINEVIDA Soaps & Candles fragrance oil |
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Accord One - Capricious Crush ↓ |
Accord Two - Nectarine and Bergamot ↓ |
Accord Three - Cypress’s Green Depths ↓ |
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Top Notes | Mandarin EO and Blood or Sweet Orange EO |
Bergamot EO and Sweet Orange EO |
Citron EO and Litsea Cubeba EO |
Heart Notes | NO. 4108 - Inspired by: Arancia di Capri by Acqua di Parma FO, Nutmeg and Cardamom EO | NO. 1301 - Inspired by: Bergamote 22 by Le Labo and NO. 1817 - Inspired by: Nectarine Blossom & Honey by Jo Malone | NO. 3111 - Inspired by: Italian Cypress by Tom Ford, Thyme EO and Dwarf Siberian Pine EO |
Base Notes | NO. 1206 - Inspired by: Philosykos by Diptyque and Peru Balsam EO | Sandalwood EO and Amber EO | NO. 50 - Mahogany Teakwood and Palo Santo EO |
Floral Citrus Perfume Accords

Floral Citrus Perfume Recipes
Exploring the interplay between floral notes and citrus accords is a creative joy. There’s a particular satisfaction in discovering how a floral essential oil or fragrance oil can find its perfect citrus counterpart. When well-matched, the two create a symbiotic blend—each element enhancing the other’s natural character. This is your opportunity to slow down and experiment. Try pairing Honeysuckle with Grapefruit for a bright, airy profile. Blend the powdery softness of Violet with the tart lift of Kaffir Lime and the cool clarity of Eucalyptus. Don’t be afraid to defy convention—some of the most celebrated perfumes began as rule-breaking experiments.
Below are three curated directions for floral-citrus blends, each with its own emotional and aromatic personality:
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Light and Lively
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Grapefruit + Neroli + Lavender
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A bright, sparkling scent with a carefree energy.
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Blowsy and Romantic
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Orange Blossom + Rose + Mandarin
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Full-bodied and feminine with a soft citrus bloom.
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Seductive and Mysterious
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Jasmine + Kaffir Lime + Patchouli
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Deep, intriguing, and slightly exotic.
These combinations offer inspiration, but the real magic happens when you create your own signature pairings. Trust your nose and your intuition. You may just stumble upon the next unforgettable trend.
Floral Citrus Perfume Accords | |||
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Each section creates a simple accord; simply work down the accord to create the complete formula. Key: EO = essential oil FO = VINEVIDA Soaps & Candles fragrance oil |
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Accord One - Light and Lively ↓ |
Accord Two - Blowsy and Romantic ↓ |
Accord Three - Seductive and Mysterious ↓ |
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Top Notes | Lemon EO and Grapefruit EO | NO. 1118 - Inspired by: Sugared Lemon by Bath & Body Works FO | Sweet Orange EO and Cardamom EO |
Heart Notes | NO. 1402 - Inspired by: Citrine by Nest FO and Neroli EO | NO. 33 - Fresh Cut Roses FO |
Ylang Ylang EO and NO. 3131 - Inspired by: Velvet Orchid by Tom Ford FO |
Base Notes | Palo Santo EO and NO. 1200 - Inspired by: Ambre by Diptyque FO | NO. 107 - Vanilla Chai & Honey FO | Sandalwood EO and Vanilla Oleoresin EO |
Resinous Wood Citrus Perfume Accords
Resinous Wood Citrus Perfume Recipes
This is your ideal starting point if you're searching for a citrus perfume with a more masculine edge. These blends lean into deeper base notes—woods, resins, and balsams—that ground citrus top notes and help them linger on the skin. The key to gender-balancing these recipes lies in the proportion of base notes. You can include floral heart notes in masculine fragrances—just ensure they’re anchored by robust woody or resinous bases. Herbal or green top notes also add dimension and strength, creating a bold opening.
This category is a playground for exploring complex, rich accords that evoke warmth, sensuality, and power. Consider these pairing ideas:
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Sweet Orange or Blood Orange with Cedarwood or Sandalwood
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The crispness of Bergamot or Grapefruit is softened by the creamy, smoky tones of Palo Santo
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One of my personal favourites: Golden Amber blended with Mandarin or Tangerine—smooth, warm, and unforgettable.
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Here are three fragrance directions to inspire you:
1. Feminine
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- Mandarin + Amber + Sandalwood
- Radiant, smooth, with golden depth.
2. Unisex
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- Grapefruit + Lavender + Cedarwood
- Balanced, aromatic, and clean.
3. Masculine
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- Bergamot + Vetiver + Palo Santo
- Green, grounded, and charismatic.
Feel free to tweak and transform these blends to match your style or reframe their gender alignment. A great scent defies labels—it simply works.
Resinous Wood Citrus Perfume Accords | |||
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Each section creates a simple accord; simply work down the accord to create the complete formula. Key: EO = essential oil FO = VINEVIDA Soaps & Candles fragrance oil |
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Accord One - Feminine ↓ |
Accord Two - Unisex ↓ |
Accord Three - Masculine ↓ |
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Top Notes | Lime EO and Mandarin EO | Sweet Orange EO and Bergamot EO | Lime EO, Citron EO and Mandarin EO |
Heart Notes | NO. 3132 - Inspired by: Venetian Bergamot by Tom Ford FO | NO. 3124 - Inspired by: Rive d'Ambre by Tom Ford FO | NO. 3600 - Inspired by: Aventus by Creed FO and Dried Ginger EO |
Base Notes | Frankincense EO and Amyris EO | Palo Santo EO and Copaiba Balsam EO | NO. 1205 - Inspired by: Oud Paris by Diptyque FO and Amyris EO |
Citrus Perfume Recipe For Eau De Parfum

Final Citrus Perfume Recipe: A Glorious Eau De Parfum
I’ve shared a bounty of citrus perfume recipes and zesty accords to get you started. But here’s one final, radiant blend to try—perfect for near-instant results. You can use it right away, but if you have the patience to leave it in a dark cupboard for a few weeks, it will mature beautifully.
This citrus perfume recipe is designed for Eau De Parfum strength (10%). You can easily reduce the concentration to suit:
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Eau De Toilette (4–8%)
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Eau Fraîche (3–6%)
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Eau De Cologne (3–5%)
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Important: Do not exceed the 10% concentration without consulting IFRA safety guidelines. This recipe uses the safe maximum for unshaved skin under categories 4A and 4B. It is not suitable for shaved skin.
If you plan to use it immediately, don’t skip the carrier oil. It helps cushion the skin against the drying effect of alcohol.
What You’ll Need
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Measuring jug
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Funnel
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Stainless steel spoon
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100ml fragrance bottle
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Oil- and waterproof label
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Eau De Parfum Base
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60ml Perfumer’s Alcohol (e.g, Ethanol, Isopropyl myristate, or Monopropylene glycol)
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10ml Jojoba Carrier Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)
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20ml Distilled Water (Aqua)
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10ml Fragrance Concentrate (see below)
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Fragrance Concentrate Formula
This refreshing citrus perfume bursts open with vibrant zest and warm spices. A floral heart brightens the blend, which settles into a deep, woodsy, and musky base. To make the blend more unisex or masculine, simply omit NO. 43 (Honeysuckle & Jasmine) and substitute with 5ml of NO. 1810 (Vetiver & Sandalwood) for an earthier finish.
Top Notes:
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20 drops of Mandarin Essential Oil (Citrus reticulata)
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20 drops of Bergamot Essential Oil (Citrus bergamia)
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20 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil (Eucalyptus citriodora)
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Heart Notes:
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3 ml NO. 1810 - Inspired by: Grapefruit by Jo Malone Soaps & Candles fragrance oil
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2 ml NO. 43 - Honeysuckle & Jasmine Soaps & Candles fragrance oil
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10 drops of Black Pepper essential oil (Piper nigrum)
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10 drops of Cardamom essential oil (Elettaria cardamomum)
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Base Notes:
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10 drops of Amyris Essential Oil (Amyris Balsamifera)
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10 drops of Patchouli Essential Oil (Pogostemon cablin)
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Safety:
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Do not use it in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
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Do not use it on shaved skin.
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Method:
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Combine your fragrance concentrate and carrier oil into a large measuring jug.
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Then add in your perfumer’s alcohol, and mix thoroughly.
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Don’t panic if it looks cloudy at first, this is perfectly normal. Over time, it will settle and return to being clear.
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Then add your distilled water and mix thoroughly again.
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Decant the fragrance into your chosen fragrance bottle; using a funnel really helps keep the bottle clean and oil-free, which is essential to getting your label to adhere properly.
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You must label it, listing every single ingredient for safety reasons. However, please go wild with the label and create something truly beautiful that you are going to love using.
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You do need to allow your citrus perfume recipe to sit for at least 24-48 hours before use. I know you can be patient, you can do it!
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As I said earlier, ideally, it is best left for up to 6 weeks to fully mature.
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Refreshing & Energizing Citrus Perfume Room Spray Recipe

Now you can take this fragrance concentrate for your citrus perfume recipe and use it to create other amazing scented home products like Room Spray and Wax Melts. Let me show you how, but first, a reminder on converting your IFRA safety data.
Naturally, you need to check the IFRA guidelines and check that your ingredients in the fragrance concentrate are at a percentage where they are still safe to be used in another category, for instance:
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The percentage of fragrance oils and essential oils used in the given fragrance concentrate is still suitable to be used in category 10B, which covers aerosol and pumped sprays like Room Sprays.
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It can also be used to create candles and wax melts in category 12, which mostly has no restrictions.
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However, the percentages of these fragrance oils in the fragrance concentrate are far too high to be used in body creams, face products, and hand creams.
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Remember, every fragrance oil has different safety dilution rates! You need to check every single one you use to convert your fragrance concentrates for your citrus perfume recipes to use in other projects.
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You Will Need:
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Stainless steel spoon
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Measuring jug
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Funnel
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120 ml /4 fl oz spray bottle
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Oil and waterproof label
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Ingredients:
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115 ml of Distilled water (Aqua)
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2.4 ml of Polysorbate 20 (Sorbitan monolaurate)
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2.4 ml/ 2% of citrus perfume recipe fragrance concentrate (formula above)
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1.2 ml of Preservative - follow the individual manufacturer's instructions.
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Safety:
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Not for topical use.
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Shake well before use.
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Do not spray towards the face.
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Protect polished surfaces and precious linens, and soft furnishings.
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Do not spray where pets like to lay or sleep.
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Method:
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This is super simple! Firstly, measure out your distilled water.
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Then measure and add in the small amounts of dispersant/Polysorbate 20 and the preservative.
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Add your citrus perfume recipe fragrance concentrate, and then mix thoroughly until combined.
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This is the time to check the fragrance level. Do this by not relying on the smell in the bottle, add the spray nozzle, spray it, and test that instead for a more reliable test result.
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You may need to add a little more fragrance, I suggest 3% is more than enough.
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However, when you are blending your fragrance concentrate and they have ethereal top note-heavy scent profiles, go up to 5%. Remember, though, that using a large amount of fragrance oil is simply not conducive to a successful outcome. Less is more here!
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Now you need to check that the oils have fully dispersed; if not, mix in a little more dispersant.
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Add the spray nozzle and clean the bottle well with white vinegar to help the label stick properly.
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Then add your oil and waterproof label, which lists all of the ingredients and any safety contraindications.
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Don’t forget to add the instructions to ‘shake well’ and ‘not spray near the face and eyes’.
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How To Use:
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Never use Room Spray on the skin; it is not designed for that, as it is not formulated at a skin-safe level of dilution. If you want to make Body Spray safely, check out How to Make Body Spray With Essential Oils and Fragrance Oils
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Before using, shake your bottle well to make sure the ingredients are evenly dispersed. Poorly dispersed oils can create oil droplets that may stain.
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Don’t spray your citrus perfume recipe room spray towards the face. Always check which way the spray nozzle is facing first.
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Avoid spraying on precious surfaces and linens; be proactive and patch test in inconspicuous places first.
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We recommend that you do not spray your citrus perfume recipe room spray towards pets or animals, or where they rest or sleep. If you are concerned, read Are Essential Oils Safe For Pets for more guidance on this matter.
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Wax Melts

Your citrus perfume recipe fragrance concentrate is perfect for use in Category 12 products like Candles and Wax Melts, because, for the most part, there are no restrictions. There are the odd exceptions (No’s 3, 7, 23, 51, 99, 1031, 1405, 3107, 3110, 3124, 3516).
Essentially, all you need to make Wax Melts is your citrus perfume recipe, fragrance concentrate, and some suitable wax, oh, and you need a decent mold or wax melt outer. It’s a doddle really!
For a full tutorial, check out Creative Uses of Fragrance Oils for Wax Melts.
You Will Need:
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Double Boiler
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Heat-proof gloves
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Stainless steel spoon
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Mold or Wax Melt Outers
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Oil and waterproof label
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Wax Melt Burner and heat-proof mat/plate
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Ingredients:
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100g of Soy Wax Pellets (Hydrogenated Soy Bean Oil)
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5 - 10 ml of your citrus perfume recipe fragrance concentrate
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Optional:
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Preservative of your choice - follow the manufacturer's instructions
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Wax colorant- follow the individual manufacturer's instructions
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Glitter
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Safety:
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Wear heat-proof gloves when handling hot wax.
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Method:
Working Proactively
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Cover your working area with something like a newspaper to protect your surfaces.
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If your working area is carpeted, consider protecting the floor.
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Take care not to allow ANY molten wax to go down your plughole, it WILL block it up!
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Work efficiently and pre-prepare your ingredients and equipment so they are at hand and ready to go.
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Melt The Wax
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Set your double boiler to preheat over low to medium heat. We pre-warm it because the aim is to melt the wax low and slow. We want to take our time and be patient with it for the best results.
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Add your soy wax to the double boiler to melt, you can stir to help it along if you wish.
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If you are using a wax-based colorant, this might be the best time to add it, but double-check the manufacturer's instructions.
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The moment everything is molten, separate the pan from the water below and set aside on a pan-stand to cool a little.
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Adding The Citrus Perfume Recipe Fragrance Concentrate
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Before you add your citrus perfume fragrance concentrate, the wax needs to cool a little. For Soy wax, the ideal temperature to aim for is between 180-185F. This is where an infrared thermometer helps; however, most of us don’t have one of those, so we will just have to wing it and guess.
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Gently pour in the citrus perfume fragrance concentrate and stir the oils in well. It will take at least 2-3 minutes for the oils to be evenly distributed through the wax.
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Molding The Wax Melts
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Set your clean and dust-free molds on a level surface and pour your citrus perfume fragranced wax into your molds to a suitable level. (Using wax melt outs? See below.
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Leave them to one side to set. Cover them with a clean, soft cloth, making sure the cloth does not touch the surface of the wax, to keep them clean and dust-free.
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Allow to set and cool fully before demolding.
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It is vitally important if you are going to package your wax melts to let them cool fully. It allows any warm moisture to escape that may otherwise encourage the growth of mold and bacteria.
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Only ever package wax melts once they are cold and after you have allowed them to cure a little.
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If you are using wax melters, pour your wax into the level indicated. Cover with a clean cloth, making sure it does not touch the wax. Once fully cooled and cured, shut the lid and apply the packaging label. Only shut once fully cooled for the reason above!
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Discarding Wax
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NEVER dispose of excess wax down the sink. It will likely set in the pipe and block it.
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Dispose of your excess wax into a muffin case or paper towel and discard it in the normal household refuse. But only discard it if you must; it has so many extra uses. There really is no need to waste any wax when you can work sustainably and save, reuse, or repurpose precious resources.
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Labeling
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- ALWAYS label your wax melts, however you intend to store them. Trust me, it is a good idea. Hopefully, it does not take a neighbour's 4-year-old eating one thinking it was candy-like to make you realise that!
How To Use:
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It is preferable to store your labeled citrus perfume recipe wax melts in an airtight container. Restricting the airflow will help preserve the fragrance.
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Always use an appropriate fireproof receptacle, placed on a heatproof mat.
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Follow basic fire safety guidelines, like placing away from draughts, keeping out of reach of children and pets, and never leaving one burning unattended.
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Final Thoughts
Designing, experimenting, and curating these citrus perfume recipes has been a joy. Building on foundational guides like Craft Your Scent: Cologne With Essential Oils and the Ultimate Citrus Perfume Fragrance Oil List for Blending, this article helps deepen your understanding of fragrance design while developing your blending and perfumery skills. In the Ultimate Citrus Perfume Fragrance Oil List, we explored the core fragrance families that form the backbone of many citrus perfumes:
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Light and Airy Citrus
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Green Citrus
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Mediterranean Citrus
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Floral Citrus
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Citrus and Resinous Wood
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Here, I’ve shown you how to create unique accords within each of these categories, offering a versatile range of citrus perfume recipes—from uplifting and breezy to rich and sensual. You’ve also learned how to convert your fragrance concentrates into room sprays and wax melts and how to work safely with IFRA maximum skin dilution rates. If you ever get stuck, the VINEVIDA Fragrance Calculator is a quick and reliable tool to help you stay within safe blending limits. Creating your signature citrus scents is one of the most enjoyable aspects of home perfumery. Thankfully, most citrus essential oils and fragrance oils are highly affordable, so dive in, experiment freely, and have a zesty, aromatic time crafting beautiful, personal fragrances for yourself and your loved ones.