Petitgrain essential oil is extracted from the green twigs and leaves of the bitter orange tree, the same species that yields bitter orange essential oil from its fruit and neroli essential oil from its flowers. Petitgrain, however, has a fragrance that is uniquely different from these other oils that incorporates a leafy-herbaceous quality with woody undertones. It is interesting to note that what was known as petitgrain oil was originally obtained from green unripe bitter oranges. In fact, “petitgrain” means “little seeds.”
The oil contains several active constituents that contribute to its value in skin care and its floral-citrusy-woody scent. Geraniol and linalool, for instance, provide a rose-like fragrance, while linalool is responsible for a touch of spiciness.
