Tangerine is a citrus note from a deep-orange type of mandarin, Citrus reticulata (sometimes named Citrus tangerina). It is sweet, bright and juicy, with a sharper, tarter tang than common mandarin, and it gives fragrances a cheerful, fruity opening.
What does Tangerine smell like?
Tangerine smells like mandarin with more punch: sweet and juicy, but with a sharper acidity and a slightly more orange-like, less musky character. The characteristic floral, grape-like note of mandarin is weaker. In perfume, tangerine often appears as a sweet, candied or sparkling citrus, and it is frequently built with synthetic support for longevity.
Where Tangerine comes from
The name tangerine is usually traced to Tangier in Morocco, from where such fruit was shipped in the 19th century. In the United States, the Dancy tangerine was once the classic Florida variety. Tangerine oil is cold-pressed, mainly in the Americas.
- Also known as: Dancy tangerine, Citrus tangerina
- Fragrance family: Citrus
- Type: Natural and synthetic
- Main origins: United States, Brazil
- How it's obtained: Cold expression of the peel
- Key aroma molecules: Limonene, gamma-terpinene
Tangerine in perfume history
The distinction between mandarin and tangerine is more commercial than botanical, and in perfumery the two terms are often used interchangeably. Tangerine became popular as a note in American fragrances in the 20th century, as it was an everyday fruit there.
Tangerine in modern perfumery
Tangerine is used in fruity florals, fresh unisex scents and gourmands. It is a favourite in playful and youthful fragrances, and it adds sparkle and sweetness to citrus accords.
How Tangerine wears and what it pairs with
Tangerine is a top note, bright for 20 to 40 minutes. It pairs with vanilla, jasmine, peony, pink pepper, amber, sandalwood and musks.
Safety and regulation
Limonene is an EU-declarable allergen. Tangerine peel oil is not usually considered a strong phototoxic risk.
