Bergamot in Perfumery: Fragrance’s Favorite Citrus Note

Bergamot is the most loved and frequently used citrus material in all of fragrance. Its unique, calming, and pleasant aroma make it a popular staple to fragrance collections around the world.

Let’s explore bergamot to understand it as an ingredient and learn how it is used in perfumes and colognes for both men and women alike.

What is Bergamot?

Bergamot is an exotic citrus fruit that’s actually an orange, but looks like a large bumpy lime. Oil, extracted from the rind, is most commonly used in perfumes, creams, lotions, soaps, and suntan oils. 

Bergamot is primarily grown in Italy’s southern region of Calabria. It’s estimated that between 80-90% of the world’s annual bergamot harvest is grown here, with a large portion of the crop used for essential oils and perfumery .

The scent characteristics of Bergamot differ from both the lime and the orange. Bergamot’s aroma contains a unique floral quality with a hint of spice. It’s also more balanced and has a richness to it when compared to traditional sharp citrus fruits. 

The origin of this specialized hybrid citrus is often debated. However, its unique sweet aroma and opulent qualities as an essential oil may lend weight to the theory that it is actually a hybrid between an orange and a lime.

There is a long held Italian belief that bergamot helps to reduce stress and rejuvenate skin. If this is true, it may be a reason why most people find bergamot calming and invigorating. 

What Makes Bergamot so Popular in Perfumery? 

Bergamot’s popularity in colognes and perfumes is most likely due to its bright and uplifting feel. It appeals to both men and women almost equally, it’s completely ‘safe’ for professional settings, and is able to fit into many diverse styles and genres of fragrance across all seasons. 

Bergamot is probably most identified with fragrances aimed at spring and summer seasons. These warm or hot weather perfumes and colognes are often nicknamed ‘freshies’ and share light, crisp, bright, and refreshing qualities. 

Since bergamot was popularized in Calabria Italy, it frequently conjures images associated with the beautiful sunny summer coastlines of the Italian Riviera. Imagine walking among a huge group of blooming bergamot trees growing above the coastal cliffs of Italy. 

Simply, bergamot represents spring and summer. Who wouldn’t love the sights, sounds, and smells of warm sunshine on your body, a cool breeze from the sea on your face, and the inviting aroma of lush citrus trees blooming. This explains why bergamot is a near instant reminder of fresh aromas and warm spring and summer fun.

Bergamot Featured in Modern Fragrances

Bergamot’s versatility and popularity make it a staple of perfumery that won’t go away anytime soon.

You’ll find it blended with a wide array of fragrance styles for all seasons for its vibrant and alluring opening. 

Bergamot may be blended to create the summery and exotic feel of paradise or pure summer island vibes as used in perfumes such as Beach Geeza’s Coco Moon EDT.

Beach Geeza also blends vibrant bergamot with sea side accords for a cool and refreshing essence inside Ocean Water EDT.

You’ll also find bergamot mixed with exotic ingredients such as oud in popular fragrances like Jo Malone Oud & Bergamot. 

How is Bergamot Oil used in Perfumery? 

Bergamot, like most citrus materials, is used as a top note– so it’s often one of , if not the first, note you’ll smell in a fragrance.

Bergamot is an inviting, happy, and energizing note, sure to put you in a good mood day or night. It can also function to center your mind and emotions after a hectic day or week.

Besides its pleasant and prized aroma, bergamot oil helps perfumers alcohol to smell more aromatic during the initial spritz of a fragrance as it adheres to your skin.

Beach Geeza Fragrances Featuring Bergamot

Beach Geeza loves the aromatic powers associated with bergamot. We appreciate its versatility and in beach inspired perfumes and colognes. 

For Beach Geeza Fragrances containing bergamot, please explore: Coco Moon EDT and Ocean Water EDT, available in both 15ml and 50ml sizes. 

Beach Geeza’s YouTube Video Exploring Bergamot in Perfumery

Join Ryan Hunts, Beach Geeza Founder & Perfumer, to learn about bergamot in perfumery as he explores its characteristics and use in fragrances.

At Beach Geeza we always encourage you to:

Enjoy Life and Smell Extraordinary.