Skip to content
SupplyList
Menu

Orange flower water

Orange flower water suppliers and sourcing guide

Orange flower water is the aqueous distillate collected when fresh bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) blossoms are steam or water distilled to make neroli oil. It carries a small amount of dissolved aromatic compounds and is used as the water phase or a fragrance ingredient in toners, mists and creams, and as a flavoring in pastries and drinks. Brands buy it as a clear liquid, either pure hydrosol or a preserved cosmetic grade.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Neroli water · Citrus aurantium amara flower water · Orange blossom water · Bitter orange flower distillate
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of orange flower water

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Pure hydrosol

    Unpreserved distillate from neroli production, mainly from Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt and France.

  • Preserved cosmetic grade

    Flower water with a supplier-added preservative system, labeled with the flower water INCI name plus the preservatives.

  • Food grade

    Orange blossom water made for culinary use, sometimes as a double-distilled grade.

  • Organic

    Distillate from certified organic blossoms.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Identity and odor
Appearance, odor and GC-MS profile of volatiles such as linalool, methyl anthranilate and alpha-terpineol against a reference.
pH and refractive index
pH and refractive index or density as lot-to-lot consistency checks.
Microbiology
Total aerobic count, yeast and mold, and absence of Pseudomonas and other specified organisms.
Preservative content
Assay of any added preservative by HPLC for preserved grades.
Heavy metals and pesticides
Metals by ICP-MS and a pesticide screen for food and organic grades.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store orange flower water in full, closed containers in a cool, dark place; unpreserved hydrosol usually needs refrigeration and a short use window once opened. Use glass, lined or suitable plastic containers rather than bare metal. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, confirmed by microbial testing for unpreserved grades.

Lots and expiry dates

Aroma strength varies with harvest, blossom quality and distillation, so record GC-MS results and origin for each lot. Test micro on each unpreserved lot before release and rotate stock first-in, first-out.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

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.

Orange flower water suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking orange flower water 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 orange flower water? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of orange flower water can brands buy?

Common forms include pure hydrosol, preserved cosmetic grade, food grade and organic. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for orange flower water include?

Expect identity and odor, pH and refractive index, microbiology, preservative content and heavy metals and pesticides, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should orange flower water be stored?

Store orange flower water in full, closed containers in a cool, dark place; unpreserved hydrosol usually needs refrigeration and a short use window once opened. Use glass, lined or suitable plastic containers rather than bare metal. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, confirmed by microbial testing for unpreserved grades.

What is the regulatory status of orange flower water?

21 CFR 182.20, which covers essential oils and natural extractives including distillates that are GRAS, lists bitter orange flowers (Citrus aurantium L.) and sweet orange flowers. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists bitter orange flowers (Citrus aurantium L.) with the technical effect 'flavoring agent or adjuvant'.

More cosmetic bases, emollients and surfactants

All 76 cosmetic bases, emollients and surfactants

Sell ingredients to brands?

Request a free listing for the ingredients you make or distribute. No paid placement.

Request a listing