Citruses

Citruses is a family label rather than one fruit. Perfumers use it for the bright, zesty peel notes of lemon, orange, mandarin, grapefruit and bergamot, usually pressed from the rind. The scent is sparkling and clean, with a sharp, juicy tang and a little bitterness. Citrus materials are light and evaporate quickly, so they form the first impression of a fragrance. When a perfume lists citruses it points to this combined peel accord instead of a single fruit. It lifts heavier notes such as woods, musk and amber, and it makes a composition feel open and fresh from the first spray.

Citruses almost always open the fragrances in this range, a bright, zesty first impression that gives way to the heart and base.