Neroli
Citrus Aurantium
Neroli Oil is a high end essential oil which has a gorgeous floral scent with citrus undertones. It is commonly used in beauty products such as soaps, perfumes and lotions, but can be used as an essential oil and mixed with a carrier oil to create your own moisturising and soothing lotions.
History of Neroli Oil
Neroli Oil is an oil that dates back thousands of years, mostly being found in Egypt and Tunisia. It is also known as Bitter Orange Oil, and has a similar scent to other orange oils on the market. There is a history behind the oil, as Princess Nerola (real name Duchess Bracciano) in the 1700's used the essential oil regularly, putting it in baths and infusing her clothes with its aroma. She was then nicknamed Princess Nerola, and gave it commercial popularity. Neroli Oil was also used by Ancient Egyptians to fight disease, as well as using it in religious ceremonies; it was popularly used by priests. The oil rose to popularity in Spain in the 1500's for similar remedies.
The oil has been consistently used at weddings due to it being an aphrodisiac, and is considered an ‘oil of romance’. There are many resources discussing where the oil originated, and there are multiple sources stating that it came from far east Asia, as well as other sources indicating that it had come from the Mediterranean and the Middle East. The first location it was found is unfortunately unknown, but Egypt and Tunisia grow the most prized orange blossoms used to make Neroli oil.
So, why is Neroli Oil still so popular today?
Due to its extensive use throughout history, Neroli Oil has made its mark across a number of industries over the years. It has many similarities to Sweet Orange Oil, and has a number of benefits as an alternative therapy. It can relieve depression, anxiety and stress and its beautiful smell has made it popular in aromatherapy and perfumery industries. Today, it is one of the most commonly blended oils in perfumes, and can be found in popular brands like Jo Malone and Aesop.
Although the oil is fairly expensive in comparison to other essential oils on the market, it is still popular due to the amount of use that you can get out of it. Whether it’s making your own perfume, candles or home scent blends, or using it as an alternative therapy for muscle pain, stress and depression - it’s incredibly versatile. Overall, it’s a highly popular oil which has embedded itself into multiple industries, and smells absolutely amazing!
Extracting Neroli Oil
Like most essential oils, Neroli Oil is extracted via steam distillation. This process involves putting the orange blossom into a steam distiller, where steam gently lifts the oil off the blossoms. It then collects on the top of the condensed water at the end of the steam distillation process. Another process has been used in the past to make Neroli Oil, and this was called enfleurage. It is rarely used due to prohibitive costs, and this process is not vegan or vegetarian.
The process involves putting the orange blossoms between layers of animal fat, which then become saturated with the flower oil. An alcohol is then used to extract the whole mixture. Steam distillation however is vegetarian and vegan, and commercially is the most popular method used today. It is also a method which enables manufacturers to yield as much oil as possible without damaging the end product.
Can I make Neroli Oil at home?
Providing you have access to orange blossom and a steam distiller, you can make Neroli Oil at home. If you’re someone who regularly enjoys making essential oils at home, we recommend purchasing a steam distiller rather than renting one. If you don’t have a steam distiller, you can make an infusion of the oil using a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond. Bruise the flowers slightly, and leave them in the mixture for 1-2 weeks, making sure to lightly stir the mixture each day. This will lift the oil from the flowers. After around 2 weeks has passed, drain the flowers from the oil and you’ll be left with an infusion of Neroli Oil and Jojoba Oil!
What do you think of Neroli Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? As always, the Essentially Yours team loves to hear how you’re using your oils, as well as your favourite blends. So, feel free to reach out to one of the team today!
Can I make Neroli Oil at home?
Providing you have access to orange blossom and a steam distiller, you can make Neroli Oil at home. If you’re someone who regularly enjoys making essential oils at home, we recommend purchasing a steam distiller rather than renting one. If you don’t have a steam distiller, you can make an infusion of the oil using a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond. Bruise the flowers slightly, and leave them in the mixture for 1-2 weeks, making sure to lightly stir the mixture each day. This will lift the oil from the flowers. After around 2 weeks has passed, drain the flowers from the oil and you’ll be left with an infusion of Neroli Oil and Jojoba Oil!
What do you think of Neroli Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? As always, the Essentially Yours team loves to hear how you’re using your oils, as well as your favourite blends. So, feel free to reach out to one of the team today!
Neroli Oil Varieties
Neroli Oil Varieties
In terms of varieties, it’s difficult to tell exactly how many varieties of Neroli Oil are on the market as it can also be called Bitter Orange Oil. Our research shows that there can be multiple variations of the oils (potentially over 100) however their benefits and properties remain the same. The only difference in these varieties would be the scent or texture potentially, but there are no stand out varieties of Neroli Oil which perform better than others due to the chemical composition of the oil.
Which variety of Neroli Oil should I be using?
As mentioned, there are no stand out varieties of Neroli Oil as their chemical composition is the same (meaning the benefits will be the same). The main differences that you may find with different brands of Neroli Oil is the scent and texture, and this will be defined by the extraction method, how pure the oil is as well as which variety of bitter orange they’ve used to extract the oil.
What we do suggest, though, is picking an oil which is 100% essential oil and nothing else. This means that you’ll have the purest essential oil, and will feel all of its benefits. Where possible, check the process of how the oil is made, as if it is extracted with another method that isn’t steam distillation, this can affect the composition of the oil and its overall benefits. There are some cheaper Neroli Oils on the market which we’ve researched, and often these are diluted with a carrier oil or with other alcohols.
Neroli Oil is known to be a slightly more expensive essential oil in comparison to others, so don’t be afraid to spend a little more on this oil to ensure that you’re getting the best quality possible.
What do you think of Neroli Oil? Is there a particular variety that you’ve tried that works for you? As always, the Essentially Yours team loves to hear from the community and how you’re using your oils. So, feel free to reach out to one of the team today!
Which variety of Neroli Oil should I be using?
The main differences that you may find with different brands of Neroli Oil is the scent and texture, and this will be defined by the extraction method, how pure the oil is as well as which variety of bitter orange they’ve used to extract the oil.
What we do suggest, though, is picking an oil which is 100% essential oil and nothing else. This means that you’ll have the purest essential oil, and will feel all of its benefits. Where possible, check the process of how the oil is made, as if it is extracted with another method that isn’t steam distillation, this can affect the composition of the oil and its overall benefits. There are some cheaper Neroli Oils on the market which we’ve researched, and often these are diluted with a carrier oil or with other alcohols.
Neroli Oil is known to be a slightly more expensive essential oil in comparison to others, so don’t be afraid to spend a little more on this oil to ensure that you’re getting the best quality possible.
What do you think of Neroli Oil? Is there a particular variety that you’ve tried that works for you? As always, the Essentially Yours team loves to hear from the community and how you’re using your oils. So, feel free to reach out to one of the team today!
Benefits of Neroli Oil
Neroli Oil is an incredibly popular essential oil, and is also known as Bitter Orange Oil. It has a similar scent to other orange citrus oils on the market, however it is mostly used in perfumery, aromatherapy and skincare. It has been used in religious ceremonies such as weddings, due to the scent being a natural aphrodisiac. The oil rose to popularity first in the 1500's and then the 1700's, and today is commonly used as a natural skincare remedy as well as in perfumes. A lot of high end perfumes will have Neroli in one of the base notes, as the rich citrus scent works well with a lot of other oils on the market.
So, what are the benefits of Neroli Oil?
Softens and fades stretch marks
Known for its beneficial properties in skincare, Neroli Oil works well to fade stretch marks and smooth out the skin. Use in combination with a carrier oil such as Jojoba Oil and you have a beautiful oil which you can use before bed to help fade stretch marks.
Softens and fades scars
Just like stretch marks, Neroli Oil can be used to fade scars or dark spots on the skin caused by acne. With extensive use over a long period of time you’ll start to see results.
Relieves pain
Neroli Oil is a natural pain reliever, and can be used topically to soothe sore muscles and joints. When combined with a carrier oil and another pain relieving oil such as Clary Sage Oil, you can have a powerful remedy which is 100% natural!
Antibacterial
Like most essential oils, Neroli Oil is an antibacterial oil which is great to use on minor cuts and grazes (or insect bites if you travel often). You can use the oil topically to help keep bacteria at bay, and it’s a handy oil to travel with because of this.
Reduces wrinkles
Neroli Oil is a natural anti-ageing solution and can be used on a daily basis as a natural alternative to other products in the beauty market.
Please note that the benefits of Neroli Oil may vary from person to person, and if you’re using the oil topically as a skincare solution please consult a dermatologist if you have a history of acne or you’re on any medication for it.
Uses of Neroli Oil
Neroli Oil, also known as Bitter Orange Oil has been used for thousands of years, originally by the Ancient Egyptians. It was popularly used in religious ceremonies, but rose to prominence in the 1700s after Duchess Bracciano used the oil as a personal perfume, infusing her clothes with its aroma. She was nicknamed Princess Nerola because of this. The oil is considered an aphrodisiac but also has a number of other healing properties, making it very popular in the essential oil community. Today, it is commonly used on a commercial scale in perfumery.
So, what can you use Neroli Oil for?
Aromatherapy
Neroli Oil is popular in aromatherapy as it can make you feel peaceful and calm, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. It can work well on its own as well as with other essential oils, one of our favourites being Bergamot Oil!
Skincare
Neroli Oil is known for being a holy grail to own if you’re looking to use essential oils as a part of your skincare routine. Whether it’s applying directly onto breakouts, or creating serums and oils which will tighten and brighten the skin, Neroli Oil is excellent for all of the above. Make sure that when you use it on your skin that you’re combining it with a carrier oil or lotion of some kind.
Perfume
Neroli Oil is popular in most high end perfumes as a base note, due to its rich citrusy scent. You can make your own scents at home using the oil, just blend with other essential oils you love and put in it’s own spray bottle.
Candles
If you like making candles or adding scents to them, you can add a few drops (depending on the size of the candle) into your mixture before it solidifies. We recommend using Neroli Oil and Jasmine Oil to create a beautiful homemade candle.
Home scent
Simple pop a few drops into your electric diffuser and voila - you have a beautifully scented room.
Massage oils
Neroli Oil is known to be a pain reliever and muscle relaxant, and can work very well as a massage oil to soothe sore muscles and joints. You can mix with another relaxant such as Clary Sage to make a powerful massage oil.
Blends well with
Here at Essentially Yours we have created a directory which enables all of our customers to access as much information about their essential oils as possible! Whether it’s understanding the history behind an oil, or finding the best blends - our website has all the information you’ll need. In this blog we’re going to talk about Neroli Oil and what it blends well with. So, if you want to learn more - keep reading!
Jojoba Oil
Silky and soft, Jojoba Oil is another favourite of ours when it comes to carrier oils. It’s great if you have sensitive or acne prone skin, as the makeup of Jojoba Oil is very similar to your skin’s natural oils, therefore avoiding extra blockage and dirt inside your pores. Neroli Oil and Jojoba Oil mixed make beautiful skin treatments, which can be used as serums or before bed night oils which can brighten and tighten the skin, leaving your complexion looking smooth and dewy.
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Coconut Oil
Rich and creamy, Coconut Oil is one of our favourite carrier oils because it is packed with healthy fats and acids which are great for your skin, gut, hair, nails and teeth. Mixed with Neroli Oil, you can make a gorgeous massage oil or a mixture which can be used in the bath to nourish and soothe your skin. Remember, Coconut Oil is solid at room temperature, so if you’re looking to make a blend you’ll have to warm it up a bit first.
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Almond Oil
Sweet and nourishing, Almond Oil is another carrier oil which we love as it works well to create massage oils as well as daily moisturisers. It absorbs quickly into the skin, and used in combination with Neroli Oil makes a great daily oil which can be used on stretch marks and scars which you’d like to fade.
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Jasmine Oil
Fragrant, sensual and refreshing, Jasmine Oil and Neroli Oil blend beautifully together to create a DIY perfume, a scent which can be used in an electric diffuser or put in a homemade candle. It is a delicate but intense blend which smells gorgeous.
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Grapefruit Oil
Bitter and fragrant, Grapefruit Oil and Neroli Oil work beautifully together in a blend as they are both citrus fruits, however they have different layers of scents which complement each other well. This can work well in an electric diffuser if you’re looking to feel clear, alert and calm.
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Bergamot Oil
This oil is great blended with Neroli Oil because it can create a soothing fragrance, or work well in a candle or in the bath. Just add equal drops of each and you’ll be in heaven.
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