The main source of neroli oil is bitter orange (Citrus Aurantium Amara), originally grown in Africa and tropical Asia, but now cultivated in large quantities in Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean.
The oil from the harvested petals very quickly evaporates from the cells of the petals after they are plucked from the tree. For the maximum percentage of oil yield from raw materials, the petals are harvested by hand, trying to avoid damage. This makes it very difficult to overestimate the value of neroli.
The aroma of a princess
Neroli oil is named after Countess Marie Anne Orsini, her husband Flavio Orsini was the Duke of Bracciano. He, in fact, was originally from the Italian city of Nerola. It was Marie Anne who first introduced the fashion for neroli. This famous beauty loved the scent of orange blossoms, added them to her bath and scented her clothes with them. This fragrance was so intoxicating and seductive that the fame of this aphrodisiac oil quickly spread.
Marie Anne possessed the abilities of a real diplomat. Louis XIV favored her and used her services to carry out French policy. This extraordinary and ambitious lady introduced the fashion for neroli oil in the highest circles of Spain, France, and Italy. It was rumored that she owes her success in negotiations and her exceptional ability to convince to the aroma that permeated her clothes and apartments. This aroma relaxed and disarmed her interlocutors. Thus, thanks to the princess from Nerola, the fragrance got its modern name.
Not just about fragrance
Marie Anne possessed the abilities of a real diplomat. Louis XIV favored her and used her services to carry out French policy. This extraordinary and ambitious lady introduced the fashion for neroli oil in the highest circles of Spain, France, and Italy. It was rumored that she owes her success in negotiations and her exceptional ability to convince to the aroma that permeated her clothes and apartments. This aroma relaxed and disarmed her interlocutors. Thus, thanks to the princess from Nerola, the fragrance got its modern name.
A 2012 laboratory study examined the chemical composition of neroli oil in detail. The results showed that due to the compounds it contains, the oil works effectively against bacteria, yeast and fungi. This makes it a potential SOS remedy for inflammatory processes in the skin.
An anti-stress effect for your face
Neroli hydrolat is one of the champions in its ability to retain moisture in the skin on the surface of the epidermis. With its astringent texture, this floral water covers the stratum corneum of the epidermis with a thin but firm protective layer. The skin gradually begins to produce less sebum and acquires a healthy glow.
Neroli hydrolat contains ketones, esters, and terpenes. It has antiseptic, bactericidal, rejuvenating and deodorizing effects.