Neroli oil
Neroli oil suppliers and sourcing guide
Neroli oil is the essential oil steam-distilled from the fresh blossoms of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium subsp. amara), produced mainly in Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt. Orange flower water is collected as a by-product, and orange flower absolute is made by solvent extraction of the same flowers. It takes a large weight of hand-picked blossoms to make each kilogram, so neroli is costly. It is used in fine fragrance, colognes, cosmetics and at trace levels in flavors.
- Also known as
- Citrus aurantium flower oil · Orange flower oil · Neroli bigarade oil · Bitter orange flower oil
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of neroli oil
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Neroli oil
Steam-distilled bitter orange blossom oil, light and floral, high in linalool and limonene.
Orange flower absolute
Solvent-extracted absolute from the same blossoms, heavier and richer in methyl anthranilate.
Orange flower water
Hydrosol from neroli distillation, sold for food and cosmetic use.
Dilutions
Neroli diluted in jojoba, fractionated coconut oil or ethanol at a stated percentage.
Organic
Certified organic neroli, mostly from Tunisia and Morocco.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- GC-MS profile
- Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry, reporting key constituents such as linalool, limonene, beta-pinene, linalyl acetate, nerolidol and methyl anthranilate against the supplier's or ISO ranges; the main identity and adulteration check.
- Physical constants
- Specific gravity, refractive index and optical rotation at 20 °C against the specification.
- Adulteration screen
- Checks for added petitgrain oil, synthetic linalool or linalyl acetate, often with chiral GC.
- Fragrance allergens
- Levels of declarable fragrance allergens (such as linalool, geraniol, citronellol, limonene) for cosmetic labeling and IFRA compliance.
- Residual solvents
- Residual extraction solvents by headspace GC for absolutes.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Store in full, tightly closed amber glass, aluminum or lined steel containers in a cool, dark place, ideally with a nitrogen headspace once opened; heat, light and air oxidize the oil and change its odor. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and a GC-MS and odor retest is the usual way to confirm older stock.
Lots and expiry dates
Composition varies by origin and harvest year, so record these and the GC-MS profile for each lot and keep a retained sample. Because neroli is often sold diluted, confirm the concentration on every certificate.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 182.20 lists neroli, bigarade (Citrus aurantium) among essential oils, oleoresins and natural extractives that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists neroli bigarade oil, also called orange flower oil, with the technical effect flavoring agent or adjuvant, citing 21 CFR 182.20.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's aromatherapy essential oils monograph lists neroli essential oil from the flower of Citrus aurantium.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Neroli oil suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking neroli oil suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell neroli oil? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of neroli oil can brands buy?
Common forms include neroli oil, orange flower absolute, orange flower water, dilutions and organic. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for neroli oil include?
Expect gC-MS profile, physical constants, adulteration screen, fragrance allergens and residual solvents, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should neroli oil be stored?
Store in full, tightly closed amber glass, aluminum or lined steel containers in a cool, dark place, ideally with a nitrogen headspace once opened; heat, light and air oxidize the oil and change its odor. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and a GC-MS and odor retest is the usual way to confirm older stock.
What is the regulatory status of neroli oil?
21 CFR 182.20 lists neroli, bigarade (Citrus aurantium) among essential oils, oleoresins and natural extractives that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for their intended use. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists neroli bigarade oil, also called orange flower oil, with the technical effect flavoring agent or adjuvant, citing 21 CFR 182.20. Health Canada's aromatherapy essential oils monograph lists neroli essential oil from the flower of Citrus aurantium.
More flavors, spices and essential oils
- Vanilla extractExtract of vanilla · Pure vanilla extract
- Vanilla beansVanilla planifolia · Vanilla tahitensis
- Vanillin4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde · Vanillic aldehyde
- Ethyl vanillin3-Ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde · Bourbonal
- Natural flavorsNatural flavoring · Natural flavour
- Artificial flavorsArtificial flavoring · Synthetic flavors
- CinnamonCinnamomum verum (Ceylon cinnamon) · Cinnamomum cassia (Chinese cassia)
- NutmegMyristica fragrans · Nutmeg seed
- CloveSyzygium aromaticum · Eugenia caryophyllata
- CardamomElettaria cardamomum · Green cardamom
- Black pepperPiper nigrum · Peppercorns
- Cayenne pepperCapsicum annuum · Capsicum frutescens
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