PETITGRAIN ESSENTIAL OIL
A fresh green-citrus oil with elegant floral, woody and lightly bitter notes.
Botanical Information
Botanical Name: Citrus aurantium var. amara
Common Name: Petitgrain Bigarade
Family: Rutaceae
Origin of Plant: Asia; widely cultivated in Mediterranean and subtropical regions
Method of Extraction: Steam distilled from the leaves and twigs
Note: Top to Middle
Colour: Colourless to pale yellow
Aroma: Fresh, green, floral, woody and citrusy
About This Essential Oil
Petitgrain Essential Oil is steam distilled from the leaves and twigs of the Bitter Orange tree. Its fresh green-citrus aroma differs from Neroli, which comes from the flowers, and Bitter Orange peel oil, which comes from the fruit rind. Petitgrain is widely used in natural perfumery, diffuser blends, soaps and carefully formulated body products.
Key Benefits
• Provides a fresh, green and elegant citrus aroma
• Creates a calm and uplifting aromatic atmosphere
• Popular in diffuser and room-fragrance blends
• Adds freshness to natural perfumes and colognes
• Complements soaps and carefully formulated body products
• Bridges citrus, floral and woody compositions
History
The name Petitgrain means 'little grain' and reflects the oil's early production from small, unripe Bitter Orange fruits. Modern Petitgrain Bigarade is generally distilled from the tree's leaves and twigs. It became an important material in European perfumery and eau-de-cologne compositions, where its green, floral-citrus character helps connect bright citrus top notes with deeper floral and woody materials.
Main Chemical Components
55% Esters, 30% Alcohols, 10% Monoterpenes
Aromatic Characteristics
• Fresh and green
• Floral and citrusy
• Lightly woody and bitter
• Bright top-to-middle aromatic note
Aromatic Uses
• Adds freshness to natural perfumes and colognes
• Creates a calm atmosphere in diffuser blends
• Complements soaps and body-care products
• Softens sharp citrus aromatic compositions
• Connects floral, citrus and woody notes
Aromatic Profile
• Often described as refreshing and balancing
• Opens with crisp green-citrus notes
• Develops floral, woody and lightly bitter nuances
• Elegant without being overly sweet
Blends Well With
Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Orange, Rosemary, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang.
Health & Safety
• External use only; do not ingest or apply undiluted. Dilute appropriately.
• Patch test before use; stop if irritation occurs. Avoid eyes and broken skin.
• Do not add undiluted oil directly to bath water.
• Seek qualified advice for pregnancy, breastfeeding, children or medical conditions.
• Follow product-specific dermal limits and supplier safety data.
• Diffuse intermittently in a well-ventilated space.
• Oxidised oil may sensitise; keep tightly closed and use fresh oil.
• Keep from children and animals; store below 25°C away from sunlight and heat.
