the most popular perfumes in the world come from the citrus perfume family. They are fresh, zesty, and uplifting. In this article, I have compiled a list of the top 10 best citrus fragrances you need to try.
These scents have been chosen based on their unique blends of citrus notes, my experience of wearing them, and avoiding the hype so that you can actually get a list of something that provides value to the customers.
I have included both unisex and gender-specific perfumes, so there’s something for everyone on this list.
Whether you’re looking for a refreshing perfume to wear during the day or night, every fragrance here has stood the test of time or gained a cult following with its own unique story and character.
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It is a well-known “secret” that Hermes and Acqua di Parma have been coined as the best brands in the citrus realm of perfumery. But, I want to expand on this topic and provide something more that comes from someone with a real experience in this hobby.
Therefore, in this list, you won’t find any sort of paid advertisements we see more and more, nor have I received any of these for free.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the world of citrus fragrances suitable for every wallet and discover the top 10 scents that have Scent Grail approval.
Top 10 best citrus fragrances: The list
Writing an article about the best citrus fragrances is undoubtedly one of the most popular and discussed topics in the perfume world.
However, the sheer versatility of citrus as a fragrance note means that there are endless possibilities for perfumers to create unique and distinctive compositions that stand out from the crowd.
My goal for this article is to focus solely on the fragrance quality, ignoring current trends in the industry, although many of these fragrances are modern compositions.
Additionally, at the end of the list, I will provide readers with some handy tips and tricks on how to choose the right citrus fragrance for their unique style and preferences, as well as a brief explanation of what exactly citrus fragrances are.
Last but not least, I’ve removed any monetary limitations for this list, but I’ve made sure to include options that are great and affordable for those who don’t plan to spend a lot on a new perfume.
1. Dior Homme Cologne
A note from the brand: “Pure and demanding, the Dior Homme Cologne fragrance reflects a quest for fine, quality ingredients. Its enveloping trail has all the casual charm of a timeless white shirt: Dior Homme eau de Cologne represents the elegance of simplicity. It’s an intimate scent, just for you.
For this fragrance, the Dior Perfumer-Creator revisits the freshness of eau de Cologne around Grapefruit Blossom, refining and imbuing it with a musky sensuality.
Style without ostentation. As expressive as an Eau de Parfum and yet incredibly light and airy. Dior Homme Cologne defies the laws of perfumery.
Why is Dior Homme Cologne one of the best citrus fragrances: Cologne is a fragrance composed of just three notes that evokes memories of summer holidays spent on the Mediterranean coast.
It is a simple composition and the last release from Demachy as an in-house perfumer at Dior. What I appreciate about Cologne is its ability to blend the classic eau de cologne formula with modern contemporary elements.
While this fragrance may seem like a simple citrus scent for hot weather days, it is actually the outlier in the old iris-based Dior Homme line. The result is a spectacular natural-smelling citrus fragrance that can be enjoyed by both men and women during those scorching summer days when nothing else seems to work. The Cologne and Sport flankers from the Dior Homme series have always held a special place in my heart and in my perfume collection. They are unmistakably reminiscent of summer.
- Perfumer: Francois Demachy
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Toilette
- Fragrance Type: Citrus Musk
- Release Date: 2013/2022
- Target Audience: Men
- Masculine/Feminine: 50% – 50%
- Most dominant notes: Calabrian bergamot, Grapefruit blossom, and Musk
- Age Group: 20+
- Seasons: Spring and Summer
- Occasions: Any Occasion
- Longevity and Sillage: 4 – 6 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Medium
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 3/5
- Value for money: 10/10
- Accords: Citrus, White Floral, Musky
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: A
2. Acqua di Parma Colonia Club 2015
A note from the brand: With the eau de cologne for men Colonia Club, Acqua di Parma has created a fresh and stylish embodiment of contemporary Italian living. Discover this refined and elegant olfactory interpretation of classic Italian cologne.
Enjoy the delicate fragrance of the eau de cologne Colonia Club that Acqua di Parma created for men. Elegantly dynamic and fresh, the Colonia Club scent is characterized by original top notes of neroli, mint, and galbanol. The energetic vitality of the mint and the freshness of the galbanol give a new spicy perspective to the traditional Colonia. For the gentleman who experiences life with passion!
Why is Acqua di Parma Colonia Club 2015 one of the best citrus fragrances: I’ve recommended Colonia Club countless times online, and it’s time to talk about it again.
As you may already know, Acqua di Parma has discontinued this masterpiece and replaced it with a new fragrance called C.L.U.B., which unfortunately doesn’t smell anything like the original minty/citrus aromatic scent. That’s why I highly recommend getting your hands on the original before it’s completely sold out.
The scent begins with a burst of natural-smelling citrus notes. To my nose, bergamot and orange are the most distinct notes, with neroli providing a solid backbone.
In the dry down, Club softens into a beautiful blend of soft musk, lavender, and real ambergris. In my opinion, it is the best fragrance ever created by Acqua di Parma.
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Read the full review here.
- Perfumer: n/a
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Cologne
- Fragrance Type: Green Aquatic
- Release Date: 2015
- Most dominant notes: Mint, Ambergris, Lavender
- Target Audience: Unisex
- Masculine/Feminine: 80% – 20%
- Age Group: 30+
- Seasons: Spring, Summer, and Fall
- Occasions: Business, Leisure, Sports, Night Outs
- Longevity and Sillage: 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Medium
- Likeability: Medium
- Uniqueness: 5/5
- Value for money: 10/10
- Accords: Aromatic, Green, Aquatic
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: A+
3. Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum
A note from the brand: “Sauvage Eau de Parfum teams the freshness of a juicy, spicy Calabrian Bergamot note with the sensuality of a mysterious and enveloping Papua New Guinean Vanilla absolute accord. The fragrance unfurls a powerful and noble trail.
To create Sauvage Eau de Parfum, François Demachy, Dior Perfumer-Creator, drew inspiration from the desert at the magical twilight hour: mixed with the coolness of the night, the burning desert air exudes profound scents.”
Why is Sauvage Eau de Parfum one of the best citrus fragrances: Like it or not, Sauvage is a fragrance of the millennial generation. Just as Yves Saint Laurent Kouros and Dior Eau Sauvage marked older generations, Sauvage is undoubtedly the fragrance we will in 20 or 30 years look at as the scent of our youth.
If you don’t believe me, just look at the sales numbers. The whole Sauvage line is the best-selling fragrances in the world year after year and that means something.
A potent and strong fresh/spicy perfume that attracts positive impressions and suits any age group. To my nose, Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum is the king of the “blue” fragrance family of all time, and my most worn fragrance in 2021 and 2022.
Read the full review here.
- Perfumer: Francois Demachy
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Citrus Spicy
- Release Date: 2018
- Target Audience: Men
- Masculine/Feminine: 90% – 10%
- Most dominant notes: Ambroxan, Bergamot, and Sichuan Pepper
- Age Group: 20+
- Seasons: All seasons
- Occasions: Any Occasion
- Longevity and Sillage: 8 – 10 hours with very good projection
- Compliments: High
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 2/5
- Value for money: 9/10
- Accords: Citrus, Spicy, Musky
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: A
4. Tom Ford Costa Azzurra
A note from the brand: “Tom Ford Costa Azzurra evokes the uninhibited sensuality of a Mediterranean escape. Costa Azzurra captures the easy sensuality of a purely uninhibited escape. The exhilarating aroma of sea air, fresh aromatic notes, evergreens, and citrus set the scene and mingle with deeper woody scents — a crisp medley of cypress, oaks, and aromatics.”
Why is Tom Ford Costa Azzurra one of the best citrus fragrances: Costa Azzurra is the only fragrance on this list that comes from my favorite perfume brand of all time. Initially, it wasn’t a fragrance that impressed me, which was reflected in my review.
However, as time has passed, I’ve come to appreciate more and more what it does and how well it does it. This appreciation only grows stronger with each new mediocre designer and niche release on the same theme that fails to match even half of the quality that Costa Azzurra delivers.
Unlike other aquatic-themed fragrances that rely on the standard ‘sea notes,’ Costa Azzurra stands out by featuring sublime notes of lemon, salty driftwood, and cypress which naturally grow by the sea. This combination provides the wearer with a realistic representation of being on the beach without the smell of suntan lotion.
Overall, Costa Azzurra is a versatile and unique fragrance that is perfect for the upcoming summer season. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to try something new.
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Read the full review here.
- Perfumer: n/a
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Aromatic Woody
- Release Date: 2021
- Target Audience: Unisex
- Masculine/Feminine: 70% – 30%
- Most dominant notes: Lemon, Cypress, Woody Notes
- Age Group: 25+
- Seasons: Spring, Summer, and Fall
- Occasions: Casual, Business, and Sport
- Longevity and Sillage: 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Medium
- Likeability: Medium
- Uniqueness: 3/5
- Value for money: 9/10
- Accords: Aromatic, Woody, Citrus
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: B+
5. Orto Parisi Bergamask
A note from the brand: “The parts of the body that carry more smell are those where more soul is collected. The strong smells have become unpleasant to us, because the excess of soul is intolerable to the extent that our innate animalism is repressed and breaking from civilization.
This project is my garden I have planted, fertilized, cultivated, and harvested. Orto Parisi states that our body is experienced like a garden, and its smells are a true mirror of our soul.”
Why is Orto Parisi Bergamask one of the best citrus fragrances: Ever wondered what bergamot oil smells like? Now is your chance to experience it in its full glory in a form of perfume.
Funnily enough, it is also a scent on which my opinion slightly changed after my review from 2022. Out of all the fragrances on this list, Bergamask is by far the strongest and longest-lasting citrus-based fragrance on the market.
It features the notes of bergamot, combined with a unique and innovative way of implementing sandalwood and musk in the base.
Great for summer days, but be careful how much you apply since I have personally experienced that some people find it quite harsh. The musk inside here is animalic, and the composition is not as fresh as you might think on the initial spray.
Read the full review here.
- Perfumer: Alessandro Gualtieri
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Extrait de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Citrus Musk
- Release Date: 2014
- Target Audience: Unisex
- Masculine/Feminine: 70% – 30%
- Most dominant notes: Bergamot, Musk, and Sandalwood
- Age Group: 25+
- Seasons: Spring and Summer
- Occasions: Business, Leisure, and Night Outs
- Longevity and Sillage: 24+ hours with great projection
- Compliments: Medium
- Likeability: Medium
- Uniqueness: 5/5
- Value for money: 8/10
- Accords: Citrus, Musky, Woody
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: B+
6. Hermès Un Jardin Sur Le Nil
A note from the brand: “Created in 2005, Un Jardin sur le Nil eau de toilette evokes an olfactory journey to the garden islands in Aswan, Egypt. In this composition, perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena tells of this river synonymous with life and generosity. Designed by Fred Rawyler, the bottle is inspired by the lines of horse-drawn carriage lanterns. Its glass is in a delicate green gradient, evoking the banks of the Nile. The box is illustrated with a lotus flower by artist Veronique de Mareuil.”
Why is Hermès Un Jardin Sur Le Nil one of the best citrus fragrances: What can I say about Un Jardin Sur Le Nil that hasn’t been said before? It’s a proper art form in a bottle and one of the best citrus fragrances of all time.
I have to admit that the whole floral-green-citrus combination didn’t sound appealing to me at first, and from the notes, it seemed like a fragrance that would be better suited for a woman than a man.
But make no mistake, Un Jardin Sur Le Nil has a fantastic development and feels more like an experience than a simple scent. Dominated by green and citrusy notes, this transparent masterpiece is like nothing else on the market.
It’s a true unisex scent in a bottle, timeless and uplifting, and evokes the feeling of being in a lush garden.
- Perfumer: Jean-Claude Ellena
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Toilette
- Fragrance Type: Citrus Floral
- Release Date: 2005
- Target Audience: Unisex
- Masculine/Feminine: 50% – 50%
- Most dominant notes: Green Mango, Tomato Leaf, and Musk
- Age Group: 25+
- Seasons: Spring, Summer, and Fall
- Occasions: Any occasion
- Longevity and Sillage: 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Low
- Likeability: Medium
- Uniqueness: 5/5
- Value for money: 9/10
- Accords: Citrus, Aromatic, Floral
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: A
7. Nishane Hacivat
A note from the brand: “Is a tribute to elegance, kindness, competence, and love of art. Inspired by the traditional shadow play character, this eau chypre will help you live in your best dreams by the everlasting sparkles of its joyful structure made of the stimulating notes of pineapple and bergamot backed with the genuine woody notes. Enjoy being loved with this blissful scent that has become an iconic scent for many in such a short period of time!”
Why is Nishane Hacivat one of the best citrus fragrances: Named after a famous Turkish shadow play character(shadow puppetry), Hacivat embodies the spirit of adventure, drama, and charisma from that ancient form of storytelling and entertainment.
Hacivat is a complex and sophisticated fragrance that combines a range of citrus, woody and green notes with its masterful blending of notes.
Even with its quite interesting story, Hacivat is a clear clone of Creed Aventus but with amplified performance and emphasis on the oakmoss.
A mass-appealing scent almost anyone will like and enjoy and a great compliment-pulling scent overall. Recommended for those who can afford more expensive variations of Aventus, but for everyone else, you can stick with Armaf CDNIM or Afnan Not Only Intense.
- Perfumer: Jorge Lee
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Extrait de Parfum
- Fragrance Type: Citrus Woody
- Release Date: 2017
- Target Audience: Unisex
- Masculine/Feminine: 70% – 30%
- Most dominant notes: Pineapple, Grapefruit, and Oakmoss
- Age Group: 25+
- Seasons: Spring, Summer, and Fall
- Occasions: Any Occasion
- Longevity and Sillage: 10 – 12 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: High
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 2/5
- Value for money: 9/10
- Accords: Citrus, Woody, Mossy
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: B+
8. Chanel Allure Homme Sport
A note from the brand: “A composition between freshness and sensuality. Italian mandarin heralds the clean and intense notes of cedar. Sensual and almondy Tonka bean, enhanced by white musk, creates a deep and enveloping trail. Allure is a reflection of your personality, your way of being in the world. One of a kind, it cannot be defined, only observed.
Why is Chanel Allure Homme Sport one of the best citrus fragrances: Allure Homme Sport is my favorite Chanel perfume of all time, along with Antaeus. Many citrus/aquatic fragrances have been released since 2004, but none have captured the magic of AHS.
It’s an airy and smooth creamy orange fragrance that serves as a perfect daily scent. AHS is a great choice for those who prefer lighter projecting fragrances, especially in the summer heat.
Although it is primarily a summer scent, you can wear Allure Homme Sport all year round, thanks to its seductive vanilla note. Its refreshing opening makes it an excellent choice for a blind buy.
- Perfumer: Jacques Polge
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Toilette
- Fragrance Type: Woody Aquatic
- Release Date: 2004
- Target Audience: Men
- Masculine/Feminine: 80% – 20%
- Most dominant notes: Orange, Sea Notes, and Aldehydes
- Age Group: 20+
- Seasons: Spring, Summer, and Fall
- Occasions: Any Occasion
- Longevity and Sillage: 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: High
- Likeability: High
- Uniqueness: 3/5
- Value for money: 8/10
- Accords: Citrus, Marin, Aldehydic
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: A
9. Guerlain Vetiver
A note from the brand: “Vétiver draws its character from an innovative accord in perfumery, crafted on the basis of vetiver, tonka bean, nutmeg and tobacco. The fragrance opens on the spontaneous, piquant freshness of citrus fruits with orange, bergamot and lemon. At the heart, spices such as nutmeg and pepper intensify the fragrance, before giving way to vetiver, tobacco and tonka bean. A fresh woody accord for a fragrance with authentic elegance.”
Why is Guerlain Vetiver one of the best citrus fragrances: Guerlain’s Vetiver and I go way back. About ten years ago, I received a small sample of this liquid masterpiece and couldn’t believe how something like this smelled so good, especially considering that Vetiver was already over 50 years old by that time.
Yes, it does smell like a long-lost time when all men were gentlemen and behaved that way in any situation. As we know, Guerlain is Guerlain, and they don’t release poor perfumes, and Vetiver is no exception.
It’s a classic and timeless fragrance that is fresh, aromatic, and green at the same time. I have to say that I prefer the vetiver molecule here over any other vetiver-based fragrance. With the infusion of sparkly citruses and green tobacco, Guerlain Vetiver is not only one of the best citrus fragrances out there but also one of the best men’s fragrances of all time.
- Perfumer: Jean-Paul Guerlain
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Toilette
- Fragrance Type: Citrus Woody
- Release Date: 1961
- Target Audience: Men
- Masculine/Feminine: 90% – 10%
- Most dominant notes: Bergamot, Vetiver, and Tobacco
- Age Group: 30+
- Seasons: Spring, Summer, and Fall
- Occasions: Business and Leisure
- Longevity and Sillage: 6 – 8 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Low
- Likeability: Medium
- Uniqueness: 5/5
- Value for money: 10/10
- Accords: Citrus, Aromatic, Woody
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: A+
10. Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Orange Soleia
A note from the brand: “The cheerful, sunny and invigorating effervescence of a succulent blood orange, refreshed by mint, pink peppercorn and bergamot on a background of woody notes and tonka bean.
Why is Aqua Allegoria Orange Soleia one of the best citrus fragrances: Lastly, we have a special fragrance from the Aqua Allegoria line that seems to be overlooked.
Orange Soleia is a scent inspired by Sicilian citrus groves basking in the hot Mediterranean sun. It features an underused note of blood orange, along with aromatic mint and refreshing petitgrain, making it a bright and uplifting fragrance.
This unisex composition works well for both genders and is suitable for any occasion. Many have compared it to the more expensive Orange Sanguine by Atelier Cologne, making it an excellent option for those who want a similar fragrance at a fraction of the price with better performance.
- Perfumer: Thierry Wasser
- Perfume Oil Concentration: Eau de Toilette
- Fragrance Type: Citrus
- Release Date: 2020
- Target Audience: Unisex
- Masculine/Feminine: 40% – 60%
- Most dominant notes: Blood orange, Bergamot, and Petitgrain
- Age Group: 20+
- Seasons: Spring and Summer
- Occasions: Business, Leisure, and Sport
- Longevity and Sillage: 4 – 6 hours with moderate projection
- Compliments: Medium
- Likeability: Medium
- Uniqueness: 3/5
- Value for money: 9/10
- Accords: Citrus, Aromatic, Green
- Holy Grail Scent Rating: B+
Citrus fragrances explained and tips&tricks
Citrus-based fragrances are a type of perfume that prominently feature notes of citrus fruits such as Sicilian or Calabrian lemon, orange, grapefruit, or bergamot.
These perfumes are known for their fresh, bright, uplifting, and invigorating qualities, making them a popular choice for warmer weather. Citrus notes are often combined with other ingredients such as herbs, flowers, woods, and spices to create more complex and interesting compositions.
Citrus fragrances can also range from light and subtle to bold and long-lasting scents.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CITRUS FRAGRANCE FOR YOU?
Choosing the right citrus fragrance for you can be a daunting task with so many options on the market that can often smell a lot like each other.
To start, consider your personal taste in scents and what kind of citrus notes you prefer. Do you like a zesty and sharp lemon or a sweeter and juicy orange? Think about the occasion or season in which you plan to wear the fragrance.
Citrus perfumes are usually fresh and light so you should also consider the performance of the fragrance, as some citrus scents tend to have a shorter lifespan on the skin compared to others.
Lastly, always try to sample the fragrance before committing to a full bottle purchase, as the scent can vary from person to person depending on individual body chemistry.
CITRUS FRAGRANCE TRENDS
Citrus perfumes have been a staple in the perfume industry for as long as there are perfumes, but their appeal has increased in the last couple of decades.
One of the most recent trends in citrus perfumes is the inclusion of unusual citrus notes like as pomelo, yuzu, and bitter orange. Another trend in the fragrance industry is the use of natural and organic ingredients(Jo Malone and Atelier Cologne), which appeals to consumers who value sustainability and ethical sourcing.
Furthermore, there has been an increase in the demand for unisex fragrances, especially in niche perfumery, with citrus and oriental scents at the forefront of this movement.
Finally, softer and fresher citrus aromas ideal for year-round wear have been prioritized more and more over heavy and overbearing releases that are also popular.
THE BENEFITS OF WEARING CITRUS FRAGRANCES
Citrus perfumes have several benefits beyond just smelling refreshing and mood-boosting. The uplifting and invigorating scent of citrus oils can boost your energy levels, sometimes even helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
These scents can also stimulate your senses and improve your cognitive function, aiding in mental clarity and focus. Overall, wearing a citrus-based perfume can not only make you smell good but also improve your day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these were my top 10 best citrus fragrances for fans of traditional and modern compositions who appreciate the simple beauty of natural and fresh scents.
With these bright, and uplifting scents with energizing qualities, there is a citrus perfume out there for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a scent to wear during the day or a stronger and summery fragrance for a special event, they are an excellent choice worth having in your perfume collection.
Which one is your favorite from my top 10 best citrus fragrances list? Let’s start a conversation and let me know in the comment section below.
In case you are in doubt about whether you should consider buying this fragrance or not, it’s always good to take a look at Scent Grail’s S.P.A. Signature Factor Guide.
It is easy to use and the most relevant perfume-buying guide on the web. This way, you can check out if a particular fragrance is worth checking out, and potentially find your signature perfume.
Scent Grail content is free for anyone to use without anything hiding behind the paywall. If you would like to help me do more great articles like this, you can donate via PayPal. Much appreciated.
Find out more Scent Grail articles about perfumery, check out top lists, and other helpful reviews via the links below:
REVIEWS
- Tom Ford Oud Wood
- Maison Francis Kurkdjian Apom Pour Homme
- Gucci Guilty Absolute Pour Homme
- Etat Libre D’Orange Remarkable People
- Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Eau De Parfum
- Masque Milano Russian Tea
TOP LISTS
- Top 10 Best Dior Perfumes Of All Time
- Top 10 Best Cheap Spring Fragrances For Men
- Top 10 Best Perfumers Of All Time
- Top 10 Best Clone Fragrances
- Best Fresh Fragrances For Men
- Top 10 Best Designer Fragrances For Beginners
SCENT GRAIL LEARNING CENTER
- How To Start A Perfume Collection
- How To Start A Perfume Blog
- Perfume Reformulations
- How To Buy Vintage Perfume
- Perfume Shopping Tips
- How To Find Your Signature Scent
Until next time, have a great time, and keep smelling like a million bucks!
Best, Marin!
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