Sweet orange essential oil: a scent for everyday relaxation

Bend a piece of orange peel near a lamp and a fine mist of droplets bursts out, with the scent spreading instantly. Those droplets are the very essence of the fruit. Sweet orange essential oil is simply that treasure, collected in quantity. It is no accident that it is one of the most popular oils for scenting the home.

What is sweet orange?

The sweet orange tree belongs to the rue family and is grown in warm regions all over the world. Depending on the classification, it goes by two Latin names: Citrus sinensis, the most common today, and Citrus aurantium var. dulcis, which highlights its kinship with the bitter orange. As with other citrus fruits, its essence is not distilled but expressed: the peel is pressed to release the oil held in tiny pockets.

According to the product sheet, our sweet orange essential oil comes precisely from the expressed pericarp, the rind of the fruit, and is sold in a 10 ml bottle. The sheet points out that its use requires the advice of a specialist. To see how citrus oils compare with the others, read our guide to essential oil families.

How to use it

Our druggist recommends it for diffusion, for its pleasant scent and the relaxing moments it accompanies.

• On its own: a few drops in the diffuser for about twenty minutes, then a break and some fresh air.
• In a duo: sweet orange goes with almost everything. With lavender it turns floral, with cedar woodier; a single drop of a spice oil gives it a festive feel.
• Around the home: after cleaning, a short session leaves a fruity note in the living areas.

Sweet orange in the bathroom

To enjoy its scent without a bottle or diffuser, try the Evabio sweet orange and calendula soap. According to its product sheet, it is a superfatted soap scented with warm notes of organic sweet orange essential oil, with marigold petals worked into the bar. It is wrapped in transparent paper made from wood fibre.

Precautions

A citrus oil, so a few rules apply. Not for internal use and never apply neat. As a precaution, as with other citrus oils, avoid the sun after applying it to the skin. Avoid contact with the eyes. Seek advice during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for a child or if you are under medical care. Close the bottle tightly after use and keep it cool and dark: citrus oils deteriorate faster than others. Keep out of children's reach.

Our products

• Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), 10 ml – expressed from the pericarp.
• Sweet orange EO – soft, fruity scent.
• Organic sweet orange EO, 10 ml – described as ideal for diffusion.
• Evabio sweet orange and calendula soap – superfatted soap scented with organic sweet orange essential oil.

To finish

Simple, cheerful and easy to pair, sweet orange is often the first essential oil in a collection. Come and smell it, along with our soap, at Droguerie Perusset in Yverdon-les-Bains: we will help you choose the format and blend that suit you.