Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium var. amara) is a green essential oil with a green, fresh aroma and a heart note. Steam distillation from leaf, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Bergamot (FCF), Lavender, Neroli. For topical use, keep dilution at or below 10%.
Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium var. amara) is a green essential oil, steam-distilled from the leaf, produced in Paraguay and France. Its aroma is green, fresh, sitting as a heart note in a blend. It's commonly paired with Bergamot (FCF), Lavender, Neroli, Sweet Orange. Keep topical use at or below 10% — everyday blends are usually 1-3%. Always patch-test first.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Heart |
| Aroma family | Green |
| Chemical family | Ester |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | leaf |
| Origin | Paraguay, France, Egypt |
| Blending factor | 6 |
| Volatility index | 3 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 6.0 |
| CAS number | 8014-17-3 |
Safety & dilution
| Max topical dilution | 10% |
| Max facial dilution | 5% |
| Pregnancy | No specific caution recorded |
| Nursing | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Children | Generally suitable, well diluted (from ~2 years) |
| Cats | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Dogs | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
Evidence: Traditional — EODB: 2 GC-MS analyses (Citrus aurantium).
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.
Plan safe amounts with our essential oil dilution calculator.
Blends well with
Used in these blends
- Reset Horizon →
- Reset Garden →
- Soft Exhale Horizon →
- Gentle Exhale Spark →
- Reset Aura →
- Calm Workshop →
- Anchor Harbor →
- Midnight Exhale Harbor →
- Anchor Breeze →
- Quiet Steady Glow →
- Midnight Ease Garden →
- Steady Trail →
- Reset Reset →
- Soak Reset →
- Ocean Spa Trail →
- Butter Focus →
- Electric Shine Cocoon →
- Velvet Sparkle Cocoon →
- Soft Calm Workshop →
- Saffron Shield Pulse →
- Amber Shield Trail →
- Electric Desk Workshop →
- Quiet Aura →
- Clean Reset →
Compare Petitgrain with
Frequently asked questions
What does Petitgrain smell like?
Petitgrain has a green, fresh aroma, classed as a green oil with a heart note.
What is the safe dilution for Petitgrain?
For topical use, keep Petitgrain at or below 10%, and 5% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Petitgrain safe to use during pregnancy?
Our dataset records no specific pregnancy caution for Petitgrain. That is not the same as it being established as safe — always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any essential oil during pregnancy.
Is Petitgrain safe to use around children?
Petitgrain is generally considered suitable for children when well diluted (from around 2 years old). Consult a professional for young children.
Is Petitgrain 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 Petitgrain blend well with?
Petitgrain pairs well with Bergamot (FCF), Lavender, Neroli, Blood Orange, Geranium.