A few cute things about Neroli
There’s something effortlessly charming about neroli. This soft, floral water — made from bitter orange blossoms — has been cherished for centuries, whether to soothe the senses, calm the skin, or add a fragrant note to sweet treats.
With its gentle touch and beautiful scent, neroli hydrosol is one of those ingredients that quietly does a bit of everything. From skincare to rituals, it’s a true multitasker with a rich (and surprisingly cute) backstory.
Here are just a few things we love about Neroli:
It’s made from orange blossoms – Neroli essential oil is steam-distilled from the delicate white flowers of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium).
Royal roots – The name “neroli” comes from a 17th-century Italian princess, Anne Marie Orsini, the Duchess of Bracciano and Princess of Nerola, who famously used it to scent her gloves and bathwater.
It's different from orange blossom absolute – Although both come from the same flower, neroli is distilled (lighter, fresher), while orange blossom absolute is solvent-extracted (heavier, more floral).
Aromatherapy favorite – Neroli is known for its calming, anti-anxiety effects. It’s often used to soothe stress, reduce cortisol, and promote better sleep.
Skin-soothing powerhouse – It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties, making it amazing for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
A natural aphrodisiac – In traditional perfumery and aromatherapy, neroli has long been considered an aphrodisiac thanks to its sensual, uplifting scent.
Signature in iconic perfumes – Neroli features in classics like Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino, Chanel No. 5, and Guerlain’s Eau de Cologne Impériale.
It pairs beautifully with other botanicals – Especially citrus oils like bergamot and floral notes like jasmine or rose.
Time-consuming to produce – It takes around 1,000 kg of orange blossoms to produce just 1 kg of neroli oil, making it one of the pricier essential oils.
Uplifting + grounding – It’s one of those rare scents that can lift your mood and calm your nerves at the same time — basically bottled balance.
Whether you’re misting it onto clean skin, adding a few drops to your pillow, or simply enjoying its soft, citrusy-floral scent, neroli hydrosol has a way of making everything feel a little more calm, a little more beautiful.
It’s a quiet overachiever in the world of botanicals — steeped in history, rich in benefits, and endlessly lovely to have around. Just one more reason we’ll always have a soft spot for this fragrant little flower.
