Citrus is a wildly refreshing scent that is both invigorating and intoxicating. It has long been used to fragrance many things thanks to its beautiful zesty aroma. In the perfume industry, citrus scents are combined with a variety of other accords making this one of the most diverse fragrance families.
Citrus perfume scents are ideal for both men and women, and as such, there is a varied range of products. Choosing your favorite needn’t be difficult, and we have put together a list of some of the most incredible and best citrus perfumes available. There is something for every taste.
About The Citrus Scent
Citrus trees have been observed in records from throughout history, and it is evident that many civilizations adored their fragrant aroma. From ancient Roman times to Persia, the citrus scent has been widely used.
In modern times, citrus fragrances are widely used for a variety of applications; one of these is in perfumes. One of the great things about these fresh citrus perfumes is that they are suitable for both men and women. The scent can be mixed with a huge number of other scents to make citrus floral perfumes, citrus woody perfumes, and many more.
You will often hear the term citrus aromatic being used in perfumery; this relates to a deep fragrance with a light head of citrus and a more intense, rich base. These types of fragrances are diverse and can be used at any time, but in the main, citrus-scented perfumes are associated with summertime.
Citrus will likely always be a popular scent for perfumes because it is so easy to wear. It also has a lot of benefits which are associated with aromatherapy. Citrus oils are known for their ability to relax, uplift, and improve mood, amongst other things.
15 Best Citrus Scented Perfumes
Citrus perfume is so diverse and varied that there are hundreds of choices out there. Much like spicy fragrances, citrus is one of the best scents for unisex use. In our opinion, these are some of the most beautiful and vibrant perfumes with citrus scent on the market today.
1. Dior Sauvage
Sauvage might just be one of the most iconic men’s fragrances in recent years. Who can forget that seductive and wild advertising campaign with Johnny Depp? But that is exactly what Dior wanted to portray with the scent; it is wild and free; it is daring.
Sauvage, French for wild, is an Aromatic Fougere fragrance that was released in 2016 but hints back to its predecessor from the late sixties. It is an intense perfume for the man who is not afraid to show his animalistic side. It is suited to guys who are confident and care-free.
The top notes are fresh bergamot and rich pepper. These are followed by a heart of lavender, pink pepper, Elemi, and vetiver before revealing a woody base of cedar.
The fragrance has incredible longevity and a sillage that is worth getting excited about. This perfectly demonstrates the raw and demanding nature of the scent.
2. Dior Eau Fraîche Eau De Toilette
For the ladies who love Dior fragrances, this fresh chypre floral perfume is the perfect blend of flowers and citrus. It is great for daytime wear and would make the ideal fragrance for those warm spring and summer months.
It is presented in a beautifully feminine bottle that is pretty and charming. But these traits are juxtaposed by the bold and sensual notes that combine in this fragrance. It opens with citrus notes and bergamot before middle notes of jasmine and gardenia come through. There is an intoxicating and inviting base of patchouli that gives this a modern twist from other florals.
Dior Eau Fraiche is perfectly suited to the young, care-free lady who wants to get in touch with her sensual side. But all the while, it remains elegant.
3. Michael Kors Sporty Citrus Perfume
In 2013, Michael Kors released a range of three perfumes, glam, sexy and sporty. The sporty fragrance is fresh and sharp and a scent that demands attention from the first spritz. It is not ashamed to be noticed and nor should the wearer.
This is a fragrance designed for youthful women with a sense of adventure and a zest for life. It brings together notes of orange blossom, mandarin orange, and musk for an intense fragrance that lasts throughout the day.
The perfume comes in a bottle that is representative of the brand, so there is no denying where this scent comes from. But one of the most gorgeous aspects of this fragrance is the sillage that instantly grabs attention as you move through a space. This is not a citrus scent for the faint-hearted.
4. Calvin Klein CK One
If you grew up in the nineties, you would likely remember the hype that this perfume brought. In modern times, it is just as well-loved, and the simplicity of Calvin Klein perfumes and colognes are perfectly represented in this scent.
This is an aromatic citrus perfume for men and women that combines fresh and woody notes. Opening with green notes, lemon, and pineapple, this is a unique citrus perfume that draws you in from the beginning. It has a heart of jasmine, nutmeg, and rose for a continued individuality that cannot be replicated. The base is woody with cedar and musk, making this a timeless and effortless scent.
It is perfect for year-round wear and for all occasions. The fragrance comes in a classic bottle that once again demonstrates the simple, elegant nature of the brand.
5. Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Bergamot Eau De Parfum
One of the first things that you notice about this perfume is the beautiful bottle. It is luxurious and opulent and the perfect representation of what is inside. This is a citrus aromatic scent for men that is powerful and intoxicating.
The fragrance was released in 2014 and is one of the less obvious go-to citrus perfumes for men, but it is hard to see why. This has a beautiful, strong sillage that follows you wherever you go and lasts from the day into the evening and beyond.
It has a unique combination of notes beginning with fresh bergamot and orange blossom before a heart of clary sage is revealed. The shady and musky base comprises musk mallow and vetiver. Perfect for a passionate gentleman who wants something luxurious and strong.
6. Eau De Citron Noir by Hermès
This is a fragrance with a unique story. It was inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine and brings a new flavor to the world of citrus scents.
Made for both men and women, Hermes presents the fragrance in a simple, blue bottle that does not take away from the juicy and refreshing scent inside. The combination of notes is undoubtedly unique, but no punches are pulled to create this invigorating scent. Lemon, smoke, lime, citron, and black tea come together to bring you something totally new and exciting.
This is a fragrance for a special daytime event; a day at the races, a beachside lunch, or a wedding. It is suited to those who are daring, adventurous, and passionate about living in the moment. It is a fragrance that will bring out your inner confidence and radiance effortlessly.
7. Byredo Sundazed
This is perhaps one of the most refreshing and light citrus fragrances available today. It was released in 2019, so it is still a relative newcomer but has certainly been well-received.
This unisex citrus fragrance opens with California lemon and mandarin orange notes before a heart of jasmine sambac and neroli. The base is unique and appealing, with cotton candy and musk for a sweet finish that lasts all day.
It comes in a delicate and simple bottle that is stylish and makes a beautiful centerpiece for your vanity unit.
If you are looking for a scent that is delicate yet delicious, then this would make the ideal signature scent. Perfect for afternoon tea or a stroll along the beach; it oozes a summer vibe that is unmistakable.
8. Aqua Allegoria Limon Verde Guerlain
This incredible unisex fragrance comes in a black and gold bottle that is opulent and elegant. It is difficult not to be drawn in by the packaging alone.
Limon Verde is a citrus aromatic scent that is ideal for use in the daytime, especially in summer. It begins with zesty lime notes that are followed by green notes, fig, sugar, and tropical fruit. It is a unique and unmistakable smell perfect for a signature scent.
The heady tonka bean base gives a lasting accord that also makes this fragrance suitable for evening wear.
This is a perfume for men and women who want a clean scent but one that identifies their lively and vibrant personality. It is youthful and fresh at the same time as being timeless and classic.
9. Jo Malone London Lime Basil & Mandarin
Perhaps one of Jo Malone’s most popular and recognizable scents, Lime, Basil, and Mandarin effortlessly demonstrates how citrus and herbal aromas blend so well. It begins with notes of lime, bergamot, and mandarin orange before the middle notes of basil, iris, and thyme come through.
It has a beautifully delicate base of patchouli and vetiver that is not over-pronounced. But it is rather light and elegant. This is a unisex fragrance that is perfect for people who want to douse themselves in citrus luxury without being over the top.
The fragrance was launched in 1999 and remains popular today and is often replicated by many, but none compare to the original and best citrus perfume for men and women.
10. Lancôme Ô de l’Orangerie
While this floral fragrance was launched in 2011, it was inspired by the original O fragrance from 1969. It comes impeccably presented in a bottle that is clean and fresh, just like the scent it contains.
The perfume is designed to ignite an image of a slow walk through a French garden in springtime. It feels romantic and heady at the same time as feeling innocent and new. It is an excellent fragrance for the woman who is graceful and elegant with a bright personality that fills a room as easily as this perfume does.
It begins with notes of African orange flower and citrus with a heart a jasmine. The base is woody with cedar and benzoin giving this scent a notability like no other. It is classy, it is elegant and it is sublime.
11. White Citrus Bath and Body Works
Since 2009, this has been an incredibly popular fragrance from Bath & Body Works. It is light and fresh at the same time as being invigorating. This would make an excellent day-to-day fragrance for young women with a lively personality. It is also ideal for those lazy summer vacations and has a truly tropical feel.
The fragrance is floral fruity and has top notes of lemon, mandarin orange and grapefruit. The heart comprises ginger, apricot and lily of the valley before an intoxicating base of musk and woody notes comes through. There is no denying that this is an exotic and unique scent that can be worn to invoke confidence.
When you wear this perfume, you will feel uplifted thanks to the citrus notes and relaxed thanks to the beautiful combination of floral and fruits. It has an intimate sillage making it ideal for those up close and personal moments.
12. Lemon Line by Mancera
Lemon Line is a citrus aromatic fragrance that is quite unlike any other. It is made for men and women and comes in one of the most regal and luxurious-looking bottles on the market.
This is another citrus aromatic but has a much more musky base than many of the others thanks to the combination of white muck and oakmoss. This gives it incredible longevity.
The fragrance opens with the scent of lavender, lemon and orange for a truly citrus experience. This is followed by a heart of white flowers and amber, further demonstrating the unique nature of this scent.
It is fresh and clean and perfect for any time of the year but is best worn on summer evenings for social gatherings where you want to show your classy side. There is no doubt that you will be noticed when wearing this; it will fill a room with its fragrant aroma.
13. Tom Ford Neroli Portofino
Tom Ford are usually known for their strong and intense fragrances but this citrus scent for men and women is a lot lighter. But that is not to say that it doesn’t leave an impression.
It begins with fresh bergamot, mandarin orange, lemon, rosemary and lavender for one of the most complex starts out of all of these perfumes. The heart is floral with African orange flower and neroli whereas the base is musky and deep with amber and musk mallow.
It comes in a bottle that is on-brand for Tom Ford but rather than the neutral colors we often see, this one is a rich royal blue.
That is fitting since this is an elegant and luxurious fragrance that quietly demands attention. It is delicate enough for everyday use but opulent enough for those personal moments with a lover.
14. Acqua di Gioia by Giorgio Armani
Armani don’t usually use any airs and graces; their fragrances sell themselves. This is no exception, it comes in a gloriously simple bottle that is feminine and attractive.
The floral aquatic fragrance was launched in 2010 and has since become one of the brand’s most iconic numbers. It is designed for women who want to show off their free spirit and their daring strength without being garish.
It does this without even trying and gives a hint towards the beauty of nature. The top notes are amalfi lemon and mint for a truly fresh start and the heart is deeply floral; jasmine and peony. When we reach the base, we get brown sugar and cedar for something extraordinary and long-lasting.
Wear this on your summer vacation; after all, Armani himself was inspired by a Caribbean beachside villa when creating this fragrance.
15. Avon Citrus Perfume
Avon is continually releasing new and exciting fragrances and in 2019, they delivered this incredible citrus perfume for men. It is presented in a bottle that is both masculine and bold, giving you a hint to the perfume within.
The fragrance opens with citrus notes of lemon, tangerine and bergamot with a herbal heart of clary sage and rosemary. The base is a deep cedar and ambroxan that helps this to linger throughout the day.
This is the perfect scent for a man who is confident and vibrant. A man who wants to flaunt his unique personality. It is irresistible and effortlessly unique. But one of the greatest things is its diversity; it can be worn just as easily to a high-end event as it can for casual drinks in the sun.
How To Choose Your Citrus Perfume
Citrus perfumes are undoubtedly versatile and since these scents combine so well with many other scents, there are a lot of different perfumes to choose from.
Perfume with citrus scents is ideally worn by people who want something fresh and long-lasting. Thanks to the intensity of these scents, they have a much greater longevity than some other fruity scents. This makes them popular with people who want the freshness of fruit without having to keep respraying.
If you want a citrus scent for the evening, you should consider choosing something that has a lot of musk and woody undertones. You will often find cedar, white musk and patchouli at the heart and base of these scents. For a winter citrus, you would want to move away from fresher scents and go for an Oriental or citrus vanilla scent such as Armani Code or Britney Spears Hidden Fantasy.
In contrast, for daytime and summer wear, go for a citrus scent that combines florals and herbs for something fresh and enticing.
Frequently Asked Questions On Citrus Perfume
What is the best long lasting citrus perfume?
One of the best citrus perfumes that has excellent longevity is Dior Sauvage for men.
What citrus adds to a perfume?
Adding citrus to a fragrance makes it luminous and full of character. Thanks to its intense scent, it will last much longer than many other fruit accords.
What Guerlain perfume has citrus and musk?
For a musky citrus scent, Guerlain offers Chant D’Aromes that combines citrus top notes with musky and woody base notes.
What are the best citrus orange smelling perfumes for women?
In our opinion, the best smelling citrus orange perfume for women is Clarins Eau Des Jardins. It is fresh and exotic with orange, grapefruit and mint.
Full Guide On Citrus Scent Perfume
It is commonly believed that citrus trees are natively found in regions across southern Europe and throughout the Middle East. This is not correct. Whilst these trees do grow there today, it is originally thought that they were brought here by Alexander the Great in the 4th century. He was thought to have brought them from India.
There is evidence of citrus fruits being used throughout time and as far back as the time of Alexander. In ancient Persia, the grant aroma of citrus was believed to have many benefits including an ability to remedy poison. It was also commonly used as a breath freshener and an insect repellent, which it still commonly is today. Just think of those warm summer nights with a citronella candle burning on the garden table.
But it was not just in the Middle East that we see its prominent use across time. The Roman and Greek civilisations adored citrus fruits and tiles have been found in the ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii which depict their use. There have also been drawings from ancient Egypt showing citrus trees being used for fragrance.
Aside from the trees being introduced to Europe many hundreds of years ago, we see evidence of even more citruses being brought to Europe in the 1800s. Primarily, these were from China where their use can be dated back as far as 1100.
It would appear that nowhere was exempt from receiving a citrus offering since in 1493, Christopher Columbus himself set up plantations across Haiti. This introduced a range of species to the Carribean such as lemon, orange and grapefruit, which many people today believe are native trees.
In modern times, we have truly harnessed the power of the citrus aroma and various citrus oils are used in aromatherapy. These are known to be cleansing and refreshing as well as having potent calming properties to relieve stress.
In the perfume industry, we see a wonderful range of citrus scents including bergamot, lemon, orange and grapefruit. These are commonly blended with floral, woody and herbal scents that offer a varied selection of fragrances.
These citrus oils are extracted from the peel of the fruit through a steam distillation process. However, a lot of the fragrance oils used in perfumes are synthetic but replicate the natural scent very well. This makes it long-lasting and powerful.
Final Thoughts On Citrus Perfume
Citrus perfumes are known for their fresh and vibrant character and as such, are widely used in perfumes for both men and women. They can be combined with a variety of other scents so you will often find them in floral, Oriental and fruity perfumes.
Much like other scent families, citrus has been used throughout the centuries thanks to its potent and fragrant aroma and it certainly doesn’t look as though it will dwindle in popularity any time soon.