Bright, fresh, and immediately uplifting, with a citrus character considerably more complex than lemon or lime. The opening is clean and sunny, with a floral quality that gives bergamot its particular sophistication: a delicate neroli-like facet runs underneath the citrus brightness, alongside a subtle green, slightly bitter edge and a warm, slightly spicy undertone that deepens as the top note develops. It is at once familiar and refined, and it is this quality that makes it so useful as a top note bridge between the sharp citrus opening and the floral or aromatic heart of a composition.

Bergamot works as a top note brightener, floral citrus modifier, and structural lifting agent across virtually every fragrance family. Use in a wide range of personal care applications; note phototoxicity risk for leave-on skin applications (see below).

Recommended concentration: 2-10% in fine fragrance; follow cosmetic safety guidelines for leave-on applications given furanocoumarin content.

Particularly effective in:

Fougere and aromatic compositions as a foundational top note
Chypre structures alongside oakmoss, labdanum, and florals
Cologne and eau de cologne type compositions
Floral compositions as a bright, lifting top note
Tea-type accords alongside neroli and aromatic notes
Aromatherapy and diffuser blends

Blends well with:

Florals: neroli, jasmine, rose, lavender, ylang ylang
Herbs: rosemary, clary sage, lavender
Citrus: lemon, orange for additional citrus brightness
Woods: cedarwood, sandalwood as a base
Resins: frankincense, labdanum
Spice: black pepper, cardamom at low levels

Material Type: Essential oil
Botanical Name: Citrus bergamia Risso et Poit.
Common Name: Bergamot
Plant Part: Fruit peel
Extraction Method: Cold pressing
CAS Number: 8007-75-8
Origin: Calabria, Italy
Odour Profile: Fresh, bright, floral-citrus; clean and radiant; subtle green and bitter edge; neroli-like floral undertone; warm spicy drydown
Appearance: Yellow-green to greenish mobile liquid
Solubility: Soluble in alcohol and oils
Key Components: Linalyl acetate (25-45%), linalool, limonene, bergapten (furanocoumarin; responsible for phototoxicity)
Regulatory Status: Contains naturally occurring furanocoumarins (bergapten); phototoxic in leave-on skin applications. IFRA limits apply for leave-on applications. SDS documentation can be supplied upon request where available.

For external use only. Do not ingest
Phototoxic: avoid application to skin that will be exposed to sunlight or UV light within 12-18 hours; use bergaptene-free (FCF) bergamot for leave-on formulations where sun exposure is likely
Dilute before skin application; patch test recommended for sensitive individuals
Avoid contact with eyes
Flammable; store away from heat and open flames
Store tightly sealed in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight; bergamot oxidises with age
Shelf life: 1-2 years; citrus oils are among the less stable in the palette; refrigeration reccomended