Neroli

Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara L.) True Neroli is used extensively in Aromatherapy, in high quality perfumes and skin care products. However, when you see Neroli being used in commercial products such as soaps, candles, and body care products a synthetic version of Neroli is more than likely used because True Neroli is very expensive. Often Petitgrain (its cousin) which is a distilled oil from the leaf of the orange tree is often used in conjunction with Neroli or often passed off as True Neroli, which is confusing because they share similar botanical names.

Neroli possesses a light sweet floral tone with a faint green crispness while at the same time is rather dusty and tobacco like.  A number of studies have been conducted with Neroli pointing to its profound effect on stress, anxiety, fear and its ability to relax patients in hospital settings.

Neroli Research: There is a significant amount of research indicating that the scent of Neroli has positive effects on stress and anxiety. Neroli oil is relatively high in Linalool a highly fragrant constituent that occurs in many aromatic plants. Linalool is said to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties,  however, there is no empirical evidence that Neroli oil possesses any skin care properties or protection. In my opinion the it is the carrier oils (cold pressed vegetable oils) that are used in skin care products that possess properties which help to soothe, hydrate and improve the texture and elasticity of the skin. The addition of Neroli oil due to it's delicate and sweet scent is clearly a lovely choice when skin care formulators want to add a natural aroma to a product.

Effects of Inhalation of Essential Oil of Citrus aurantium L. var. amara on Menopausal Symptoms, Stress, and Estrogen in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial. In summary, the present randomized controlled trial showed that inhalation of neroli oil by postmenopausal women improved their quality of life related to menopausal symptoms, increased sexual desire, and reduced blood pressure. In addition, inhalation of neroli oil may reduce stress levels and stimulate the endocrine system. These findings indicate that neroli oil can be used to relieve various symptoms related to menopause. Source: