Lemon

Lemon is the fruit of the lemon tree, a shrub of the Rutaceae family. Lemon is part of the citrus fruits, along with mandarin or grapefruit. Lemon originates from Asia, probably China. Today the lemon tree grows in Mediterranean and subtropical regions. Lemon is very rich in vitamin C, but also has many other benefits. There are 7 different varieties of lemon. They differ in acidity and in their aromas, which are more or less pronounced. In perfumery, the essence of lemon contained in the fruit's peel is used.

Lemon, a citrus fruit of the citrus olfactory family

Like all other citrus fruits, lemon belongs to the “citrus” olfactory family. Lemon offers surprisingly fresh fragrances, but also tangy, acidic ones. However, lemon notes are light, even volatile, so they are mainly found in top notes. Lemon was initially used mostly in perfumes for women, but it increasingly appeals to men. Lemon is part of many eau de Cologne and Eau de Toilette compositions. This is the case for Allure Homme Sport Cologne by Chanel. Here, the top notes are entirely citrus (lemon, grapefruit, bergamot, mandarins), therefore light and fresh. The base notes (cedarwood, musk) bring a woody sillage… for a wave of well-being.

The pairing of lemon with other olfactory families

Lemon is indeed present in citrus fragrances and in eaux de Cologne. It can nevertheless be found paired with many fragrances, notably floral ones. As in Ange ou Démon, le Secret by Givenchy. Here, lemon, still in the top notes, is joined in the heart notes by peony and jasmine. This perfume is intended for innocent young women, more angel than demon. Lemon also blends perfectly into oriental perfumes, where it is always positioned in the top notes. This is the case for Thierry Mugler's perfume Alien Sunessence. Here, lemon stands alone in the top notes, which is very rare. It is joined by floral notes and frangipani flowers in the heart notes, as well as white amber and woody notes in the base notes… a very sparkling and sun-kissed perfume. Lemon also fits into woody and chypre perfumes, where it likes to pair with vetiver and patchouli, as in Bel Ami by Hermès.

A small yellow or green citrus fruit, lemon is an integral part of our cuisine. Thanks to its many therapeutic virtues, it is widely used, notably as an essential oil. In perfumery, lemon belongs to the citrus family. Initially, it was widely used for eaux de Cologne and Eaux de Toilette. Fresh and tangy, lemon blends wonderfully into floral, fruity, oriental, woody, or chypre perfumes.