Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara) is a floral essential oil with a fresh, floral aroma and a heart note. Steam distillation from flower, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Lavender, Bergamot (FCF), Rose. For topical use, keep dilution at or below 10%.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Heart |
| Aroma family | Floral |
| Chemical family | Monoterpenol |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | flower |
| Origin | Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt |
| Blending factor | 4 |
| Volatility index | 3 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 6.0 |
| CAS number | 8016-38-4 |
Safety & dilution
| Max topical dilution | 10% |
| Max facial dilution | 5% |
| Pregnancy | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Nursing | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Children | Generally suitable, well diluted (from ~2 months) |
| Cats | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Dogs | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
Evidence: Moderate — Boskabady et al., 2006 -- published neroli research.
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.
Scale amounts to any container with the dilution calculator.
Blends well with
Used in these blends
- Soft Exhale Horizon →
- Gentle Exhale Spark →
- Reset Aura →
- Midnight Exhale Harbor →
- Anchor Breeze →
- Midnight Ease Garden →
- Anchor Lullaby →
- Exhale Reset →
- Steady Garden →
- Steady Anchor →
- Salt Lullaby →
- Guard Aura →
- No-Bite Glow →
- Gentle Study Circuit →
- Heart Reset →
- Heart Lullaby →
- Gentle Comfort Sanctuary →
- Clear Courage Wave →
- Bloom Shield →
- Bright Comfort Anchor →
- Heart Sanctuary →
- Courage Breeze →
- Bloom Lullaby →
- Golden Heart Anchor →
Frequently asked questions
What does Neroli essential oil smell like?
Neroli has a fresh, floral aroma, classed as a floral oil with a heart note.
What is the safe dilution for Neroli?
For topical use, keep Neroli at or below 10%, and 5% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Neroli safe to use during pregnancy?
Neroli is generally considered suitable during pregnancy when properly diluted. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
Is Neroli safe to use around children?
Neroli is generally considered suitable for children when well diluted (from around 2 months). Consult a professional for young children.
Is Neroli safe around pets?
For cats — generally lower-risk when well diluted and diffused sparingly; dogs — generally lower-risk when well diluted. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does Neroli blend well with?
Neroli pairs well with Lavender, Bergamot (FCF), Rose, Frankincense (Carterii), Sandalwood (Australian).