Description
Petitgrain essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and young twigs of the bitter orange tree, Citrus aurantium. The name petitgrain (French for “little grain”) originally referred to the tiny unripe oranges that were used for distillation, though today the leaves and twigs are the standard raw material. Petitgrain is part of the triad of essential oils produced from the same tree: neroli comes from the flowers, bitter orange from the peel, and petitgrain from the leaves and twigs.
Petitgrain essential oil has a fresh, green, woody, and slightly floral aroma with light citrus and herbaceous undertones. The main constituents include linalyl acetate and linalool, giving it a soft, rounded quality that shares characteristics with both bergamot and neroli but at a more affordable price point. It is a versatile middle note widely used in both aromatherapy and natural perfumery.
In aromatherapy, petitgrain essential oil is used for its calming and uplifting properties. It is a popular choice in blends for stress, anxiety, and nervous exhaustion. It blends beautifully with lavender, bergamot, neroli, geranium, clary sage, and ylang ylang. In natural perfumery, petitgrain is valued as a green, fresh top-to-middle note with good lasting power.
Petitgrain essential oil is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for most users. Always dilute before skin application. This 10ml bottle is suitable for use in diffusers, oil burners, and diluted skin and hair preparations. Not for internal use.
