Citrus · Natural material · Top notes, Heart notes
Petitgrain
Petitgrain is a fragrant oil steam distilled from the leaves and young twigs of the bitter orange tree. It smells green and fresh like crushed citrus leaves, with a woody side and a hint of flowers. In perfume, petitgrain usually sits in the top notes and is a familiar part of colognes and fresh perfumes.
· Written by the FRAG team
What does petitgrain smell like?
Petitgrain smells like citrus leaves crushed in your hand: green, fresh and slightly bitter. Behind that is a faint woody and floral side. Petitgrain comes from the same tree as neroli, and its floral side can feel related. Compared with peel oils, petitgrain is less sweet and drier.
Petitgrain from Paraguay is known for a scent that holds a little better than petitgrain from elsewhere. On skin, petitgrain still behaves as an opening note, then slowly blends with flowers or herbs in the heart.
Where does petitgrain come from?
Petitgrain is made by steam distilling the leaves and green twigs of the bitter orange tree (Citrus × aurantium). In French, petitgrain means little grain, because the oil was once made from small, unripe green fruits. Today it comes mainly from leaves and twigs.
The main producers are Paraguay and France. Besides bitter orange, there is petitgrain mandarin from mandarin leaves and petitgrain citronnier from lemon leaves. Petitgrain without any qualifier usually means petitgrain bigarade from bitter orange.
Petitgrain in a perfume
Petitgrain most often appears in the top notes. It gives a citrus opening a green, woody side, so the start feels neater and less sweet. Petitgrain is a classic cologne ingredient, alongside bergamot, lemon and neroli.
Petitgrain often appears with other materials from the bitter orange tree, namely neroli and orange blossom, and with herbs such as lavender and rosemary. It is common in fresh and aromatic perfumes. In hot, humid weather, petitgrain is brightest in the first minutes, then herbs in the heart carry its green feel forward.
When to wear petitgrain
Petitgrain suits daytime, work and hot weather. It smells green and clean with no sweetness, so it is comfortable in humid air and in the office. Paired with lavender or neroli, petitgrain also suits daytime events that call for a neat, polite scent.
