Orange essential oil is a popular and versatile oil that has been used for centuries for its aroma and therapeutic properties.
But did you know that there are different types of orange essential oil, each with their own unique characteristics and aromas?
In this blog post, we will explore the different types of orange essential oil, their properties, and how they can be used.
Types of orange essential oil:
- Sweet orange essential oil - Citrus sinensis
- Blood orange essential oil - Citrus sinensis
- Mandarin orange essential oil - Citrus reticulata
- Tangerine essential oil - Citrus reticulata
- Clementine essential oil - Citrus reticulata
- Bitter orange essential oil - Citrus aurantium
- Bergamot essential oil - Citrus aurantium
- Neroli blossom essential oil - Citrus aurantium
- Orange blossom extract - Citrus aurantium
- Petitgrain - various
With so many different varieties of orange essential oils available, there is sure to be one that will captivate your senses. Whether you prefer the sweet and fruity aroma of sweet orange essential oil, the complex, spicy scent of bitter orange essential oil, or the delicate and floral scent of neroli blossom there is an option for every preference.
So why not explore the world of orange essential oils and discover your new favorite scent?
Citrus family
The citrus family, scientifically known as Rutaceae, is a large and diverse group of flowering plants that includes many commercially important fruit crops, including oranges, mandarins, lemons, limes and grapefruits.
Citrus plants are typically evergreen shrubs or small trees with fragrant leaves and showy white flowers that give rise to the fruits.
The citrus family includes various species, such as Citrus sinensis, Citrus reticulata, and Citrus aurantium.
Citrus sinensis is the scientific name for sweet oranges, while Citrus reticulata refers to mandarins or tangerines, and Citrus aurantium is known as bitter orange.
These three citrus species have distinct differences, particularly in their aroma. Sweet oranges have a fresh, sweet, and juicy scent, while mandarins have a warm, sweet, and slightly floral aroma. On the other hand, bitter oranges have a complex, rich, and slightly spicy scent.
Despite these differences, all three species have a characteristic orange citrusy fragrance that makes them popular ingredients in perfumes, aromatherapy and skincare.
1. Sweet Orange Essential Oil
Botanical name: Citrus sinensis
Plant part: Fruit peel
Processing method: Cold pressed essential oil
Composition: 95% limonene
Sweet orange essential oil, also known as orange essential oil, is cold-pressed from the peels of the orange Citrus sinensis.
Orange essential oil is composed of ~95% D-limonene and other minor compounds, including beta-myrcene, linalool, alpha-pinene, sabinene and others.
Sweet orange essential oil is one of the most popular and widely used citrus oils in aromatherapy.
Sweet orange essential oil is delicately sweet and tangy with the aroma of fresh cut oranges. The smell of sweet orange is familiar and comforting. It reminds us of childhood and evokes feelings of happiness and delight.
Sweet orange essential oil is uplifting and energetic.
Learn more: Is Orange Essential Oil Safe for Skin?
Benefits of Sweet Orange Essential Oil in Skincare
Dry Skin Love Wild Orange Oil to Milk Face Cleanser contains cold-pressed, organic sweet orange essential oil from the USA.
Dry Skin Love Wild Orange Oil Cleanser also contains cold-pressed, wild orange essential oil (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) from the Dominican Republic.
Wild orange has a delicious aroma - fresh, sweet, deep, rich and tangy. It is so vibrant and full of life; you can almost smell the sparkles. A unique citrus aroma.
2. Blood Orange Essential Oil
Botanical name: Citrus sinensis
Plant part: Fruit peel
Processing method: Cold pressed essential oil
Composition: 98% limonene
Blood orange essential oil is derived from the rind of the fruit of the blood orange tree. This type of orange is characterized by its deep red pulp, which is due to the presence of anthocyanins.
Blood orange essential oil has a sweet and tangy aroma, with a hint of raspberry-like notes. Its therapeutic properties are said to be similar to that of sweet orange essential oil, but with an added boost of antioxidants.
Blood orange essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and uplift mood. Its unique color and fragrance also make it a popular choice for use in natural perfumes and cosmetics.
3. Mandarin Essential Oil
Botanical name: Citrus reticulata blanco
Plant part: Fruit peel
Processing method: Cold pressed essential oil
Composition: 70-76% limonene, 14-18% gamma-terpinene, 2% alpha-pinene, 1% beta-pinene, 1.8% beta-myrcene
There are three different types of mandarin essential oil available: red, yellow, and green.
- Red mandarin essential oil is extracted from the fully ripened, mature fruits.
- Yellow mandarin essential oil is extracted from the peel of partially ripened fruits.
- Green mandarin essential oil is extracted from the unripe fruit.
The extraction method for all three types is typically cold-pressed, which involves pressing the peels of the fruit to release the oil.
The aroma of mandarin essential oil is sweet, citrusy, and slightly floral with a light, refreshing note.
Yellow mandarin essential oil has a light, sweet, zesty and refreshing citrus aroma with tangy, orange-like top notes.
Green mandarin essential oil has a beautifully tangy and fresh, yet slightly bitter citrus aroma with a soft, floral undertone.
Red mandarin essential oil has a smooth, sweet-tart citrus aroma typical of this fruit with a slight floral undertone.
4. Tangerine Essential Oil
Botanical name: Citrus reticulata blanco var tangerine
Plant part: Fruit peel
Processing method: Cold pressed essential oil
Composition: 93% limonene, 1.79% beta-myrcene, 1% gamma-terpinene
Tangerines are a specific variety of mandarin that is usually smaller and easier to peel than other mandarin varieties.
The aroma of tangerine essential oil is sparkling, fresh, sweet, and tangy with a bright, zesty citrus note similar to, yet more subtle than mandarin essential oil.
5. Clementine Essential Oil
Botanical name: Citrus × clementina
Plant part: Fruit peel
Processing method: Cold pressed essential oil
Composition: 93% limonene, 2% beta-myrcene, 1% gamma-terpinene
Clementines are a type of mandarin orange. Specifically, they are a hybrid between a mandarin and a sweet orange.
Clementine essential oil has a delightful, sweet, and tangy aroma. Its citrusy scent is similar to that of other mandarin oranges, but with a sweeter and more intense aroma.
6. Bitter Orange Essential Oil
Botanical name: Citrus aurantium
Plant part: Fruit peel
Processing method: Cold pressed
Composition: 90% limonene, 1.5 - 3% myrcene, 0.2 - 1.2% beta-pinene
Bitter orange essential oil is derived from the rind of the bitter orange fruit, also known as Seville orange. This type of orange essential oil has a bitter, tart, and slightly floral aroma. The scent is not as sweet as that of sweet orange essential oil, and it can be quite invigorating.
Bitter orange essential oil is commonly used in perfumes, colognes, and other fragrances due to its unique aroma.
7. Bergamot Essential Oil
Botanical name: Citrus aurantium var. Bergamia
Plant part: Fruit peel
Processing method: Cold pressed
Composition: 35-48% limonene, 22-36% linalyl acetate
Bergamot essential oil is derived from the rind of the bergamot orange, which is a hybrid citrus fruit. It has a distinctive spicy, citrusy, and floral aroma with a slightly bitter undertone.
Bergamot essential oil is commonly used in perfumes, colognes, and other fragrances due to its unique scent profile. It is also used in aromatherapy for its calming and uplifting properties. Additionally, bergamot essential oil is often used in skin care products and is a popular ingredient in facial cleansers, toners, and moisturizers.
The aroma of bergamot is fresh, sweet and mouth-watering, with bright, citrusy top notes, and a warm floral note in the dry down. Its aroma is especially pleasing and uplifting to the spirit.
Dry Skin Love Wild Orange Oil to Milk Face Cleanser contains cold-pressed, vacuum distilled, organic bergamot essential oil that is FCF grade (bergapten-free), meaning the compound responsible for the photosensitizing effects (sunlight sensitivity) have been removed. Our bergamot comes from Italy.
8. Neroli Blossom Essential Oil
Botanical name: Citrus aurantium L.
Plant part: Flowers
Processing method: Steam distilled
Composition: 10-20% limonene, 30% linalool, 2-10% linalyl acetate
Neroli essential oil is extracted from the fragrant white flowers of the bitter orange tree. It has a sweet, floral scent with a hint of citrus, making it a popular ingredient in perfumes and other fragrances. Neroli essential oil is also known for its calming and soothing properties, making it a great addition to aromatherapy blends for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. Additionally, it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, neroli essential oil is a versatile and highly valued oil in the world of aromatherapy and perfumery.
Neroli Blossom Essential Oil Neroli blossom essential oil is extracted from the blossoms of the Citrus aurantium tree. This type of orange essential oil has a sweet and floral aroma that is distinct from other types of orange essential oils. Neroli blossom essential oil is often used in aromatherapy for its calming and relaxing properties. It is also used in skincare products for its soothing and regenerative properties.
9. Orange Blossom Extract
Botanical name: Citrus aurantium L.
Plant part: Flowers
Processing method: Solvent extracted
Composition: 1% limonene, 13-40% linalool, 10% linalyl acetate
Orange blossom extract, also known as orange flower extract, is a fragrant oil extracted from the flowers of the bitter orange tree. The flowers are handpicked and then steam distilled to extract the oil. Orange blossom extract has a sweet, floral scent that is often described as delicate, sensual, and uplifting. It is commonly used in perfumes, skincare products, and aromatherapy due to its calming and mood-enhancing properties. Additionally, orange blossom extract is believed to have several health benefits, such as reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Its gentle and soothing aroma makes it a popular choice for use in massage oils and bath products.
Orange Blossom Extract Orange blossom extract is extracted from the flowers of the Citrus aurantium tree. This type of orange essential oil has a sweet and delicate floral aroma that is quite different from other types of orange essential oils. Orange blossom extract is often used in perfumes and colognes due to its unique fragrance. It is also used in skincare products for its soothing and moisturizing properties.
10. Petitgrain Essential Oil
Botanical name: Various
Plant part: Leaves, twigs and remaining post-harvest orange blossoms
Processing method: Steam distilled
Composition: 4% limonene, 17% linalool, 55% linalyl acetate
There are several types of Petitgrain essential oil, including:
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Petitgrain bigarade: distilled from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree, Citrus aurantium.
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Petitgrain sur fleurs: distilled from the leaves and flowers of the bitter orange tree.
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Petitgrain mandarin: distilled from the leaves and twigs of the mandarin tree, Citrus reticulata.
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Petitgrain lemon: distilled from the leaves and twigs of the lemon tree, Citrus limon.
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Petitgrain bergamot: distilled from the leaves and twigs of the bergamot tree, Citrus bergamia.
These different types of petitgrain essential oil have distinct aromas and therapeutic properties due to their unique chemical compositions.
Petitgrain essential oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree. It has a fresh, woody, and slightly floral scent with a hint of citrus. The oil is widely used in perfumes and colognes for its uplifting and refreshing aroma.
Summary
Overall, the citrus family is characterized by its bright and refreshing aromas, and each species within the family has its own unique aroma and flavor profile. Whether you prefer the sweet and tangy aroma of sweet orange, the warm and floral aroma of mandarin, or the complex and bitter aroma of bitter orange, there is a citrus essential oil that is sure to appeal to your senses.
Orange essential oil is a versatile and widely used oil with numerous therapeutic and aromatic benefits. The scent and quality of orange essential oil are impacted by various factors such as the geographical origin, extraction method, plant part used, and more. It is important to understand these factors to ensure that you are using a high-quality and pure essential oil. The different types of orange essential oils, including sweet orange, bitter orange, blood orange, bergamot, neroli blossom, orange blossom extract, and petitgrain, each have their own unique aroma and uses. Whether you are using it for aromatherapy, skincare, or household cleaning, orange essential oil is a wonderful addition to your collection of essential oils.
References
New Directions Aromatics - Canada's Leading Supplier of Essential Oils
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Author Information
Dr. Natasha Ryz is a scientist, skin care expert and an entrepreneur. She is the founder of Dry Skin Love Skincare, and she creates skincare products for beauty, dry skin and pain relief.
Dr. Ryz has a PhD in Experimental Medicine from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, and she is a Vanier scholar. She also holds a Master of Science degree and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.
Natasha is the former Chief Science Officer of Zenabis Global, and she oversaw cannabis extraction, analytics, and product development. Her team brought 20 products to market including oils, sprays, vapes and softgels.
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