Citrus perfumes are the perfect blend of freshness and energy, making them versatile enough to wear all year round. Whether you’re seeking a burst of energy on a cold day or want to carry a refreshing scent during the summer, citrus fragrances can uplift your mood instantly. These perfumes, featuring notes like orange, grapefruit, and lemon, are dynamic and have the ability to blend beautifully with other ingredients to create complex and alluring scents.
Cosmo’s perfume-obsessed editors have curated a list of the best citrus perfumes, tested and loved by them. If you’re ready to explore fragrances that make you feel fresh and invigorated, keep reading!
1. SKYLAR Citrus Reverie Eau de Parfum – Best Citrus Perfume Overall
Key notes: Rangpur Mandarin, Pink Pineapple, Orange Flower
Scent type: Eau de Parfum
Price: $30 at Sephora
A refreshing scent that feels like enjoying fruits on a beach, Citrus Reverie has a sweet but not overwhelming appeal. Its energizing citrusy notes paired with pink pineapple and orange flower leave a long-lasting fragrance. Editor Veronica Lopez raved, “Perfume doesn’t usually take to my skin very well, but this one stayed fresh for hours after the first spritz.”
2. PHLUR Tangerine Boy Eau de Parfum – Best Bright Citrus Perfume
Key notes: Tangerine, Lemon, Amber
Scent type: Eau de Parfum
Price: $99 at Sephora
If you’re in the mood for an undeniable orange scent, Tangerine Boy is a delightful citrus fragrance with a dash of warm amber to round it out. Beauty Editor Beth Gillette loves this fragrance for its balance, saying, “It’s undeniably orange, but with warm amber hints, it doesn’t smell like a cleaning product.”
3. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle – Best Iconic Citrus Perfume
Key notes: Orange, Patchouli, Turkish Rose
Scent type: Eau de Parfum
Price: $143 at Sephora
A cult favorite, Coco Mademoiselle starts with fresh citrusy grapefruit and orange, with touches of bergamot. The fragrance then transitions to jasmine, rose, and vanilla, giving it a skin-like finish. Julee Wilson, Beauty Editor at Large, describes it as a “bright perfume that smells fresh and a little like your skin but sweeter.”
4. OUI the People Orange Blossom Mist – Best Citrus Body Mist
Key notes: Orange Blossom, Creamy Neroli, Lush Greens
Scent type: Mist
Price: $35 at Sephora
For a refreshing body mist, OUI the People Orange Blossom Mist is a perfect pick. With a creamy neroli and lush green notes, this mist smells like a sweet creamsicle without being overpowering. Editor Julee Wilson says, “It’s the perfect balance of zesty and bright while hydrating your skin.”
5. DedCool Sunlit Blooms Eau de Parfum – Best Warm Citrus Perfume
Key Notes: Orange Blossom, White Florals, Salty Vanilla
Scent type: Eau de Parfum
Price: $90 at Sephora
Perfect for when you need that blend of sweet and citrus, Sunlit Blooms has a floral touch to balance out the citrusy notes. With its warm layers of vanilla and orange blossom, it’s like capturing a sunrise in a bottle. Editor Julee Wilson calls it “the perfect mix of sweet and citrus, warm and comforting.”
6. Nette Lemon Puff Eau de Parfum – Best Gourmand Citrus Perfume
Key notes: Lemon Heart, Meringue Accord, Vanilla Bean
Scent type: Eau de Parfum
Price: $125 at Sephora
For those who enjoy gourmand fragrances, Lemon Puff is a delicious treat. With notes of lemon, vanilla, and meringue, it’s like wearing a lemon dessert. “It’s a yummy lemon scent that gives off a sweet coating,” says beauty editor Beth Gillette. If you prefer citrus that’s sweet but not too tangy, this is for you.
7. By Rosie Jane Remi Eau de Parfum – Best Spicy Citrus Perfume
Key notes: Bright Mandarin, Fresh Cardamom, White Amber
Scent type: Eau de Parfum
Price: $80 at Sephora
Perfect for colder months, Remi blends mandarin with the spice of cardamom and warmth from white amber. Beauty Editor Julee Wilson loves how this scent is both bright and spicy, making it a year-round favorite.
8. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette – Best Fresh Citrus Perfume
Key notes: Sicilian Lemon, Apple, Cedarwood
Scent type: Eau de Toilette
Price: $114 at Sephora
An iconic citrus fragrance, Light Blue is known for its lemon-meets-green-apple top note combination. Its musky, woodsy base makes it a rich, bright scent that stays fresh, even after hours of wear. Editor Julee Wilson praises it, saying, “It’s iconic for a reason.”
9. Jo Malone London Orange Bitters Cologne – Best Winter Citrus Perfume
Key notes: Sweet Orange, Bitter Orange, Sandalwood
Scent type: Cologne
Price: $170 at Nordstrom
Orange Bitters is a perfect winter citrus fragrance with a tang of sandalwood and amber. “It’s like sipping hot tea with an orange slice by a fireplace,” says beauty editor Beth Gillette. If you’re looking for a citrus scent that works in winter, this one’s for you.
10. Yves Saint Laurent Libre Green Mandarin & Bergamot – Best Summer Citrus Perfume
Key notes: Green Mandarin, Bergamot, Orange Blossom
Scent type: Parfum de Peau
Price: $155 at Sephora
For a summery citrus fragrance, Libre Green Mandarin & Bergamot is perfect. It’s aquatic, green, and citrusy, evoking the feel of a vacation. “It’s my signature scent for the summer,” says beauty editor Beth Gillette.
Conclusion: The Best Citrus Scents to Try
Citrus perfumes are more than just a summer fragrance—they are a refreshing, energizing scent perfect for any time of the year. From the classic Coco Mademoiselle to the gourmand Nette Lemon Puff, there’s something for every citrus lover. Whether you want a burst of energy, a sweet treat, or a spicy twist, these citrus scents will leave you feeling fresh, vibrant, and ready for anything.
