Neroli vs. Bergamot: A Fragrance Note Comparison

Neroli and bergamot are two of the most elegant citrus scents that you can find in fragrances. Although you could consider them cousins within the world of fragrances, they each have their own, distinct smell that adds something unique to the fragrances they’re a part of. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the smell of each and the Snif scents they pair well with so that you can be a true citrus aficionado. 

What Is Neroli?

At the most basic level, neroli is the essential oil that’s derived from the flower blossoms (specifically the petals!) of bitter orange trees. This irresistible fragrance got its name from an Italian town near Rome where it was first distilled. 

What Does Neroli Smell Like?

Neroli has a bright, citrusy smell that can help you wake up in the morning feeling refreshed and energized. In addition to the prominent citrus notes, it has floral, green, and clean undertones that add to its overall freshness. 

What Does Neroli Pair Well With?

Given that neroli is a classic citrus scent, it’s no wonder that it pairs well with other juicy citrus smells. You can see some of our favorite citrus notes, including neroli, on full display in Citrus Circus. This citrus fragrance also features cedar, creamsicle, grapefruit, and sparkling water for a bright and balanced scent. 

The creamy woodiness of cedarwood complements the green, crisp smell of neroli — and that’s why we use both in Vow Factor, a fig scent with green fig, rose, ambrette seeds, and tonka bean. 

What Is Bergamot?

Often referred to as the “Prince of Citrus”, bergamot is another citrus scent that knows how to make a splash. Similar to neroli, it comes from an orange tree. However, unlike neroli, bergamot is made using the rind of the orange fruit rather than the flower petals. 

What Does Bergamot Smell Like?

If you’ve ever had a cup of Earl Grey tea, you’re already acquainted with the smell of bergamot. It has a smell that’s similar to lime but without the bite. Sweet and sunny, it’s one of the more complex citrus fragrances used in perfumery. 

What Does Bergamot Pair Well With?

Given that bergamot is the star ingredient in Earl Grey, it’s no wonder that it pairs well with black tea. You can smell this match made in heaven for yourself with Golden Ticket, our tea fragrance that combines bergamot, black tea, golden maté, galbanum, incense, amber, and vetiver. 

To balance out the tartness of bergamot, it’s often also combined with vanilla. This delectable duo takes center stage in Sweet Ash. Along with juniper, fir balsam, tonka bean, and white moss, Sweet Ash is lowkey sweet and addictive, but still fresh. 

Pick Your Poison

You’re officially a certified citrus expert. When you’re looking for a more floral take on a citrus scent, look for neroli, and when you want a sweet, juicy citrus scent that brings a little bit of intrigue to the table, bergamot is the scent for you. 

Sources:

The Effectiveness of Neroli Essential Oil in Relieving Anxiety and Perceived Pain in Women during Labor: A Randomized Controlled Trial | NIH

Biological effects of bergamot and its potential therapeutic use as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer agent | NIH

Clinical application of bergamot (Citrus bergamia) for reducing high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease markers | NIH

(PDF) Composition of Egyptian Neroli Oil | Research Gate