Neroli  – Where Light and Richness Collide

In the realm of the finest oil extracts cherished by perfumers worldwide, there is orris absolute, rose otto, geranium, and then there is neroli — an essence so versatile, it embodies both uplifting and calming notes simultaneously.

Neroli captured our hearts the moment its name silently graced the long list of potential ingredients for our signature 9phases scents. At the dawn of our fragrance journey it’s name sounded more than familiar to us, but its scent was a bit of a mystery. Nevertheless, we followed our hearts.  And once again, like always, our hearts proved to be right. 

Few scents rival neroli in evoking elegance, tranquility, and allure in the realms of aromatherapy and perfumery. 

Derived from the delicate blossoms of the bitter orange tree, neroli’s origins trace back to the foothills of the Himalayas. From there, the bitter orange tree journeyed to India, China, Egypt, Tunisia, and the Mediterranean basin.  Its enchanting white, five-petal flowers exude a fragrance that fills the spring air.  With centuries its cultivation  become beyond  ornamental and fragrant. Remarkably, bitter orange trees can endure for up to 600 years, with almost every part of it being usable in food  and beauty products, perfumery and pharmacopeia. 

Precious nature of neroli is evidenced by the fact that one ton of bitter orange blossoms yields merely a kilo of it. Flowers of bitter orange tree are also used for production of orange blossom absolute, but they are obtained through a different process of solvent extraction, making the fragrance similar to neroli but warmer and more floral. 

Princess of Nerola

Neroli owes its name to Anna Maria de la Tremoille, a French princess from Paris. She was a very influential woman of her time, having a significant impact on Spanish policy and representing French influences in Rome. Her tumultuous marriages brought her to Italy, where she married her second husband, Flavio Orsini, Duke di Bracciano. During the 17th century, Anna Maria made her name an important one in the history of perfumery by popularizing the use of bitter orange blossom essence. She infused its alluring fragrance into almost everything – her clothes, baths, and gloves – giving it the name of her beloved small city in Lazio – Nerola.

Like every ‘it-girl,’ she neither invented neroli nor did its production originate in Nerola, but her influence and allure fueled its desirability. Probably having an equal number of admirers as critics, Anna Maria de la Tremoille knew two things well – how to make an impression and how to wield influence. It’s no wonder she liked the neroli scent – very expressive and difficult to forget.

Symbolic meaning

Throughout history, neroli has been cherished for its exquisite aroma and diverse applications, from perfumery to medicinal use. Its intoxicating scent uplifts the spirit, eases stress, and fosters feelings of joy and positivity.

Additionally, neroli symbolizes purity and fertility, a belief held in ancient China where it became a staple in bridal bouquets. This tradition birthed the phrase “to gather orange blossoms,” synonymous with “to seek a wife.”

Queen Victoria immortalized neroli by adorning herself in orange blossoms at her marriage to Prince Albert in 1840. Their unarranged love, a rarity for their time, became a symbol of passion and enduring commitment, with orange blossoms encapsulating their bond.

Essence of Italy

Neroli always evokes thoughts of Italy in us. Its calming influence reconnects us with the sun-kissed landscapes, abundant joys, and eternal love that characterize the land where darkness finds no refuge.

Neroli is a scent ultimately full of light and richness, a blend that speaks to our souls like only a few can.