I’m going to let you in on a little-known perfume secret: When a floral perfume smells particularly delectable, it’s likely due to the addition of one note. That note is orange blossom, and when it’s added to fragrances, they morph into something truly delectable.
Orange blossoms are gorgeous white flowers that bloom on orange trees. They’ve been blended into perfumes for centuries, and have even been touted as an aphrodisiac. Orange blossoms work so well in perfumes because their scent is so complex—they don’t just smell floral, but they also have notes of citrus, honey, and even greenery. Orange blossom oil (also known as neroli oil) is really potent and a little goes a long way, so perfumers consider it a specialty oil.
You’ll likely find whiffs of orange blossoms in a lot of your favorite perfumes, as they add a certain je ne sais quoi to just about everything they touch. I’ve rounded up my nine recommendations if you’re on the market for an orange blossom-centric scent—so get ready for the endless compliments to roll in.
Key Notes: Clementine flower, orange blossom, white lilac, orris wood. Packed with both orange blossom and clementine flower, this fragrance is a white flower lover’s paradise. It’s bright, versatile, and smells just as good layered with other fragrances as it does on its own.
Key Notes: Cassis, honey, peach
Key Notes: Orange blossom, lemon, musk, bergamot, petit grain. If your purview of Le Labo starts and ends with Santal 33, it’s time to expand your knowledge of the brand. The star of this scent is an orange blossom note that took over three years to compose, and it’s utterly sumptuous.
Key Notes: Iris, patchouli, musk
Key Notes: Mandarin, orange blossom, labdanum. This bright scent marries citrus notes with orange blossom notes. The resulting smell is like standing directly next to an orange tree at peak season—it’s warm, juicy, and delicious.
Key Notes: Cassis, rose geranium, patchouli
Key Notes: Orange blossom, vanilla absolute, marshmallow, amber. Rihanna’s signature perfume is spun-sugar sweet, but it also has notes of orange blossom. The floral is perfectly blended with vanilla and marshmallow for sweetness, and it ends with a touch of amber to give it a rich base.
Key Notes: Almond milk, iris, musk
Key Notes: Orange blossom, tuberose, vanilla. This is the ultimate classic floral scent. Orange blossom and tuberose are weaved together for the perfect floral, while vanilla keeps the whole thing grounded.
Key Notes: Jasmine, gardenia, woods
Key Notes: Bergamot, galbanum, tarragon, lemon, jasmine absolute, tuberose, lily of the valley, violet absolute, rose absolute, ylang-ylang, carnation, broom flower absolute, orange blossom, beeswax absolute, clove, oak moss absolute, sandalwood, civet, cedar, musk, tonka bean. It doesn’t get much more iconic—or classically Parisian—than a Houbigant Paris scent. The perfume house has been around since 1775 and is the only fragrance house that spans four centuries. This dreamy floral is sure to turn heads.
Key Notes: Jasmine, orange blossom, grasse tuberose, ylang-ylang. If you’re a floral lover, this one is for you. It’s basically like wearing a bouquet of gorgeous flowers on your skin.
Key notes: orange, Grasse jasmine, May rose, patchouli, vetiver
Key Notes: Orange, pear, iris, orange blossom, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, amber, vanilla. If you’re after a scent that balances florals with fruit, woods, and a tinge of gourmand, try this fragrance. It’s citrus on the nose with lots of subtle notes woven through.
Key Notes: Lavender, orange blossom, musk accord. A hint of musk transforms this floral-forward fragrance into something a little subtler and breezy. It’s perfect for anyone who doesn’t want just another floral perfume.
