Ultimate Citrus Perfume Fragrance Oil List for Blending

Natasha Bruce-Carline
Ultimate Citrus Perfume Fragrance Oil List for Blending

Welcome to our latest Citrus Perfume Fragrance Oil List, where we dive into all things citrus and share some of our all-time favorites.

We’ll begin by defining what we mean by citrus and citrus perfumes, before exploring the different types of citrus fruits and the best citrus perfume fragrance oils to use in your blends and formulations.

A full article on Citrus Perfume Recipes is coming next week, so this guide is designed to help you prepare, whether brainstorming scent ideas or ordering supplies in advance. Don’t forget to sign up for the VINEVIDA newsletter to stay in the loop and be the first to access the new recipes.

You’ll also find a comprehensive list of top citrus fragrance oils, ranging from light and airy to green, Mediterranean, floral, and even resinous or woody aromatics.

To make your blending even easier, we’ve paired many of these citrus oils with their best complementary partners. Whether you're creating citrus perfume recipes, soaps, or candle blends, these suggestions will give you a head start.

If you’d like to get prepped early, check out the full list of ingredients and equipment in Craft Your Scent: Cologne With Essential Oils so you're ready to mix as soon as the recipes drop.

Before we go further, let’s define what we actually mean by citrus.

What Do You Mean By Citrus?

To understand citrus perfume fragrance oils, it helps to clarify what we mean when we call a fragrance citrus.

The term refers to a genus of fruit-bearing trees that produce a wide range of fleshy, tangy fruits, ranging in flavour from mildly to intensely sour. These fruits typically have a zestable rind and soft, juicy flesh filled with extractable juice vesicles. Citrus fruits span a vibrant colour spectrum—from deep red to orange-yellow and bright green.

Native to Asia, citrus plants now flourish in temperate and tropical regions around the world, thriving best in warm, sunny climates.

While citrus essential oils are commonly cold-pressed from the rind and are often phototoxic (requiring sun safety precautions), citrus perfume fragrance oils are synthetically crafted or adapted versions that carry none of the phototoxic risks, making them safer and more versatile in perfume formulation.

Green Citrus

All citrus fruits begin green—even oranges—and only develop their signature colours as they ripen on the plant.

If you’re drawn to bright, sharp green notes, Lime is a standout. With its tart, energising aroma, lime adds a lively spark to everything from refreshing drinks to bold citrus perfume fragrance oils. It’s an excellent choice when you want a fragrance that feels invigorating and clean.

For something slightly softer and more floral—while still keeping that vibrant green edge—Kaffir Lime offers a more delicate twist on the classic lime note.

Bergamot, with its fresh green aroma, is another citrus favourite. It uplifts and brightens both premium fragrance oils and commercial perfumes. Versatile and widely used, it’s a go-to in many bespoke citrus blends.

Yellow Citrus

Eau de Colognes are typically known for opening with clean, fresh notes of Lemon, but many modern interpretations now feature slick, refreshing bursts of Grapefruit instead. These zesty top notes are also common in citrus perfume fragrance oils, where Lemon, Bergamot, and Grapefruit create bright, sparkling accords.

One standout citrus making waves is Yuzu, a sharp Asian fruit with a complex character that goes beyond the familiar lemon profile. Zingy and sour, its aromatic depth has made it a rising star in both cuisine and perfumery.

To dial the citrus intensity up even further, Citron offers a punchy, uplifting note—still tart, but with a smoother, more lingering finish.

While rarely seen, Lemon Blossom is a hidden gem. Softer and more floral than Orange Blossom (Neroli), it delivers a heady, almost intoxicating sweetness that adds elegance and lift to citrus-inspired blends.

Orange Citrus

There’s no denying that orange-toned citrus fruits dominate the category, which is why orange-based accords appear so frequently in citrus perfume fragrance oils.

From juicy Sweet Orange, with its cheerful brightness, to the more intense and resinous Bitter Orange, these oils offer a dynamic range for blending—from lighthearted to bold.

Mandarin—often called Mandarin Orange—adds a gentle, sweet note and is part of a family that includes other small, juicy favourites like Clementines, Nordicots, Tangerines, and Satsumas.

Also worth celebrating are the heady floral notes of Neroli, distilled from orange blossoms, and the fresh green tones of Petitgrain, drawn from the leaves and stems of the same tree. Together, they give perfumers even more ways to explore the richness of the orange family.

Pink/Red Citrus

This spring, I treated myself to a box of organic Blood Oranges from Italy—mouthwateringly fragrant and rich with flavour. A true sensory delight, and yes... plenty of Vitamin C too!

Citrus perfume fragrance oils with red or pink notes—like Blood Orange or Pink Grapefruit—often have an elegant, sophisticated feel. They’re typically layered with textured aromatics, offering depth and warmth. NO. 3134 and NO. 4000 is a beautiful example, each featuring complex Blood Orange accords.

Pink Grapefruit is another standout. Sweeter and softer than its white counterpart, it blends beautifully with florals—especially tropical favourites like Ylang Ylang and Frangipani—creating juicy, exotic perfumes.

Blood Oranges themselves range in colour from classic orange to red-flecked, even deep crimson. If you’ve never tried one, it’s worth the experience—sumptuous, both in taste and scent.

Citrus Perfume Compositions

vinevida fragrance family wheel
Most citrus perfumes and citrus perfume fragrance oils sit on the cooler side of the fragrance wheel. Their sparkling, volatile top notes are uplifting but short-lived, so they’re often paired with warmer floral hearts and musky or woody bases to enhance longevity and balance.

To help citrus top notes linger, perfumers layer them with heart notes that echo or support the citrus profile. This bridges the gap between the fleeting brightness and the deeper base tones.

For example:
 – Cardamom offers a spicy, orange-like edge, adding warmth and texture.
 – Orange Blossom and Neroli bring soft, heady florals that gently extend the citrus story.
 – Jasmine, rich and luxurious, anchors those floral-citrus blends beautifully into the heart.

Base notes provide the grounding finish that helps citrus blends last. Ideal companions include Cedarwood, Patchouli, Sandalwood, and Vetiver, which offer depth, resonance, and staying power on the skin.

Why not try blending bright yellow and green citrus oils with a heart of Jasmine and Neroli, finished with a sensual swirl of Musk and Sandalwood?

You can create your own using natural essential oils, or explore our professionally formulated VINEVIDA Soaps & Candles fragrance oils to craft something truly unique.

Quick Note On Which Variation To Use: 

If you are planning on making citrus perfume fragrance oil blends for topical products, please use VINEVIDA Soaps & Candles fragrance oils. Our Diffuser variations are only intended for use in Nebulizing or Cold Air Diffusers (CAD)

Our Favorite Citrus Perfume Fragrance Oil Lists

Let’s get stuck into our citrus perfume fragrance oil lists. You can use them to create your own citrus notes, perfumes, aftershaves, and colognes. 

While this focuses on VINEVIDA citrus-based fragrance oils, don’t forget we have lots of citrus essential oils too!  What? You want a quick list of those, too? Your wish is my command!

Citrus Essential Oils Other Essential Oils With Citrus-Like Aromas
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
Pink Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)
White Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)
Lemon (Citrus limon L (Burm.) F. )
Lime (Citrus latifolia Tanaka)
Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
Neroli (Citrus aurantium)
Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis L)
Petitgrain (Citrus Aurantium L Var Paraguay)
Tangerine (Citrus Reticulata Blanco) 		Citronella Ceylon (Cymbopogon nardus)
Citronella Java (Cymbopogon winteranus)
Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora)
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus)
Litsea Cubeba (Litsea Cubeba)

Now to the fragrance oils! 

Super Light & Airy Citrus Perfume Fragrance Oils

These citrus perfume fragrance oil suggestions are perfect for creating ethereal light citrus perfumes that are more suited to creating your own Colognes and Eau De Fraiche.

These also work well blended to a fruity citrus perfume, so don’t be afraid to blend in uplifting, sweet fruit aromas like Lychee, Mango, and Pineapple.

Green Citrus Perfume Fragrance Oils

If you’re seeking fresh citrus perfume fragrance oils, this category is bursting with crisp, green aromatics—perfect for creating clean, invigorating blends that enliven and energize.

Experiment with Peppermint or Spearmint essential oils to craft your own citrus-mint perfume, or go in a slightly earthier direction with a citrus-matcha blend. Try pairing NO. 1308 with Sweet Orange essential oil and a splash of Yuzu for something uplifting, juicy, and refreshingly modern.

Mediterranean Citrus Perfume Fragrance Oils

I've been delighting in the Mediterranean aromas inspired by Tom Ford lately—fresh, sweet citrus perfume fragrance oils balanced with florals, ripe fruits, herbs, and sun-warmed woods. Elegant, refined, and effortlessly sophisticated.

If you're searching for Orange Blossom or orange-toned citrus perfume fragrance oils, this is the place to explore. You’ll find both warm, sunset-style citrus perfumes and breezier, more enigmatic citrus cloud fragrances.

Floral Citrus Perfume Fragrance Oil

Citrus floral perfumes remain some of the most enduringly popular blends in the world—bright and refreshing at the top, with expansive floral hearts and soft musky or woody finishes. We’ve got plenty of floral and citrus perfume fragrance oils to explore.

For a mood-boosting blend, try pairing zingy citrus oils like Bergamot or Mandarin with gentle floral notes. It’s a simple way to uplift and energize.

This is also where you’ll find softer combinations like citrus-vanilla perfumes and delicate citrus-tea fragrances. For something refined and refreshing, blend the Bergamot of Earl Grey Tea with white or green tea aromas to create a light, elegant finish.

Resinous Wood & Citrus Perfume Fragrance Oil

All citrus perfume fragrance oils benefit from a touch of resin, like Amber, or a woody base. These elements add depth, texture, and longevity, extending the life of citrus top notes and helping the scent linger beautifully on the skin.

This category is ideal for creating Eau de Colognes and Eau de Fraîche styles for both men and women. Compared to heavier aromas like Tobacco or Leather, these blends feel brighter, lighter, and more universally wearable.

Look out for standout examples of:

– Citrus & Sandalwood perfumes

– Citrus & Amber perfumes

– Citrus woody perfumes

Complimentary Partners for Citrus Perfume Fragrance Oils

It’s surprisingly easy to take a single citrus perfume fragrance oil and blend it with another to create a unique, bespoke scent—ideal for citrus perfumes, aftershaves, and Eau de Colognes.

These simple combinations also work beautifully across skincare, beauty, and home fragrance products, offering a creative way to stand out and design something entirely your own.

Essential oils can help introduce new accords and add dimension. Sweet Orange and Mandarin bring soft, mood-boosting sweetness that pairs elegantly with white florals like Jasmine and Bergamot. For something sharper and more energising, try Lemon, Lime, or Grapefruit.

Have fun exploring and experimenting—you might just discover your next signature blend.

Mix This Citrus Perfume Fragrance Oil With This Complimentary Fragrance Oil To Achieve…
NO. 24 - Citrus Odor Eliminator NO. 48 - Lemon Verbena Strengthens the citrus aroma and introduces fresh green aromatics. While busting pesky niffs and whiffs.
NO. 145 - Water Lily NO. 1301 - Inspired by: Bergamote 22 by Le Labo To add supporting layers of aromatic texture and complexity.
NO. 1118 - Inspired by: Sugared Lemon by Bath & Body Works NO. 62 - Pineapple Slices To create a soft, sweet, fruity aroma, full of vitality and tropical vibes.
NO. 109 - Petitgrain Blossom NO. 38 - Gardenia or NO. 44 - Jasmine To add intoxicating white floral notes and texture.
NO. 131 - Blooming Ocean NO. 2100 - Inspired by: Breakline by Hollister To bolster the ocean and marine aromatics.
NO. 1314 - Inspired by: Verveine 32 by Le Labo NO. 79 - Vanilla Luxe To soften the profile, add rich complexity and comforting gourmand aromatics.
NO. 1402 - Inspired by: Citrine by Nest NO. 43 - Honeysuckle & Jasmine Add unabashed romance by weaving through heady white floral notes.
NO. 2206 - Inspired by: When In Rio by Sol De Janeiro NO. 2203 - Inspired by: Bikini Season by Sol De Janeiro Similar fragrances complement one another while bringing new dimensions and depth.
NO. 3132 - Inspired by: Venetian Bergamot by Tom Ford NO. 1205 - Inspired by: Oud Paris by Diptyque This adds depth and dimension and gives resounding and lingering base notes.
NO. 1014 - Inspired by: November Rain & Marriott Hotels NO. 1201 - Inspired by: Baies by Diptyque Echoes the currant and rose accord just on a deeper, more comforting level.
NO. 3124 - Inspired by: Rive d'Ambre by Tom Ford NO. 3134 - Inspired by: Bitter Peach by Tom Ford Similar accords combine to create a powerhouse aroma.
NO. 4104 - Inspired by: Zafferano by Acqua di Parma NO. 133 - Violets To add simple powdery, floral notes and broaden the floral heart accords.

Using Citrus Perfume Fragrance Oils Safely

Ladies and gents, it is vitally important when using citrus perfume fragrance oils that you know how to use them safely.

For this reason, we supply the IFRA Statement, which is a safety data sheet that gives you the maximum usage rates for skin safety. The figures tell you the maximum use level for skin safety.

While it is considered a guideline, we strongly recommend compliance with the standards and following the recommended usage rates for skin-safe formulations.

The IFRA safety data applies to all your citrus perfume fragrance oils, whether you are making candles, cold or hot process soap-making, or creating your own bespoke citrus perfume. 

Every Fragrance Oil Is Different

Each citrus perfume fragrance oil has a different set of IFRA guidelines, so you need to consult the safety data for every fragrance oil that you plan to use.

Every webpage for an individual fragrance oil has a section called DOCUMENTS. If you click on this, it will give you some options, one of which is the IFRA STATEMENT. Click on this one and take a look with me. IFRA statement for NO. 48 - Lemon Verbena -Fragrance Oil for Soaps & Candles.

If you are going to create your own citrus perfumes, you will be working in categories 3A and 3B, and 4A and 4B. The main difference between categories 3 and 4 is whether it is applied to shaved skin or not.

You can see that Categories 3A & 3B have the same maximum safety dilution rate of 0.57%. This means in 100ml of perfume, you may only use up to 0.57ml of this particular fragrance oil.

Because 4A & 4B are applied to unshaved skin, the percentage you can use is often much higher; in this case, it is 3.43%. Which means in 100ml of perfume, you may only use up to 3.43ml of this fragrance oil.

See! It is not difficult to understand, is it? If you get stuck, the Fragrance Calculator will get you out of a spot! 

Other Uses For Citrus Perfume Fragrance Oils

Naturally, when you invest in citrus perfume fragrance oils, you want to make the most of them. Don’t let them sit on the shelf—these vibrant oils are packed with potential.

VINEVIDA Soaps & Candles fragrance oils are specially formulated to withstand the heat and intensity of soapmaking and candle crafting. Their versatility extends well beyond perfume—they're suitable for everything from makeup to home cleaning products.

These fragrance oils are also skin-safe, and our Fragrance Calculator helps you determine exactly how much to use in your project, whether you're working with fragrance oils or natural essential oils. Handy, right?

Let’s take a look at some of the other brilliant projects you can dive into. After all, it makes sense to enjoy your citrus perfume fragrance oils while they’re still fresh and at their best.

Candles & Wax Melts

You can take some of our perfumer’s blending tips and use your citrus perfume fragrance oils to make candles, wax melts, and other wax-based products like scented sachets.

Citrus perfume fragrance oils are notoriously difficult to ‘fix’ into candles and achieve effective hot and cold throws. This is where a bit of perfumers' knowledge of how to ‘affix’ ethereal top notes using base notes like Benzoin, Amber, and Orris comes in.

We have a whole range of incredible citrus perfume fragrance oils for candles. You can use the lists above for your candle projects as well as your perfumery projects.

Check out the ‘Resinous Wood & Citrus Perfume Fragrance Oils’ section for more masculine fragrance oils for candles and wax melts. 

Reed Diffusers and Air Fresheners

Naturally, you can take the very same citrus perfume fragrance oils and use them to create sumptuous Room Sprays to refresh the ambiance of your room. It is amazing how just a quick spritz of Mandarin and Sweet Orange uplifts and enlivens the whole room.

It’s really easy to make Reed Diffusers with your citrus perfume fragrance oil; they are great for on-the-spot fragrance and are great for troublesome spots like near shoe cupboards and small cloakrooms.

I have used them successfully to make gelatin air fresheners that last for ages and are great for the car, as well as the home.

Just don’t forget if you are using Nebulizing or Cold Air Diffusers, that you need the DIFFUSER fragrance oil variation. You can use the Soaps & Candles variation in water-based aromatherapy diffusers. If in doubt, check the instructions out! 

Soaps & Bathing Products

If you are wondering if you can use citrus perfume fragrance oil to make soaps, well, the clue is in the title. Soaps and Candles fragrance oils.

All of your citrus perfume fragrance oils can be used to make hot and cold process soaps, lotion bars, and solid shampoo bars. They can be used to make liquid soaps, shampoos, and conditioners, too.

Why not try your favorite citrus perfume fragrance oil in bath bombs and shower steamers for an invigorating and uplifting experience? 

Skin and Body Care Products

I love the floral citrus perfume fragrance oils for making delectable skin and body care products. Many of them have quite elegant, refined, and sophisticated aromas, and there is such a range of versatility within this section. From young, lively and vibrant like NO. 35 - Fruit Loops to the more reserved, refined and elevated like NO. 3115 - Inspired by: Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford.

Citrus perfume fragrance oils are ideal for creating a range of body care products like body sprays and lotions, foot and hand creams, dry body oil, and even cuticle oils.

I like the light and airy citrus perfume fragrance oil in cleansing skin care products like cleansers, toners, and masks. Of course, they are just as lovely as moisturizers and serums, but I like to add an extra floral element to these. That is just my preference, and you can choose yours!

There is a whole world of exciting possibilities with citrus perfume fragrance oils. If you need some inspiration, start with this HUGE list of ideas.

Unlock the Power of Aromatherapy: 100 Ways to Use Essential Oils (& Fragrance Oils)

The Final Words

We hope you fall in love with these citrus perfume fragrance oils just as much as we have. However you choose to use them, they uplift, energise, and bring a joyful brightness that’s hard to resist.

With such a versatile range to explore, which direction will you go first?
 – Light & Airy
– Green Citrus
– Mediterranean Citrus
– Floral Citrus
– Resinous & Woody Citrus

(Perhaps we should have added Fruity Citrus too—there are certainly plenty of sweet, juicy options that fit the bill!)

Keep an eye out for the upcoming article on Citrus Perfume Recipes, where we’ll guide you through creating your own Eau de Cologne, perfumes, and aftershaves using these incredible oils.

In the meantime, have fun exploring the citrus perfume fragrance oils that speak to you most, and don’t forget to add your favourites to your basket so you’re ready to start blending next week!