Petitgrain
Petitgrain is a fresh, green and floral essential oil extracted from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree. It has a lighter, less sweet scent than neroli and is widely used in British skincare and fragrance to add a clean, uplifting note while helping to balance the skin.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, petitgrain essential oil functions primarily as a fragrance ingredient and mild astringent. Its naturally occurring linalyl acetate and linalool content give it a calming aromatic profile that helps refine the appearance of pores and control excess oil without stripping the skin, making it a popular choice in toners, cleansers and mattifying moisturisers.
Key benefits
- Balances oily and combination skin
- Helps refine the appearance of enlarged pores
- Provides a fresh, uplifting natural fragrance
- Calms the look of redness and irritation
- Supports a healthy-looking complexion
- Adds a clean scent to haircare and body products
Best for
oily skin, combination skin, acne-prone skin, normal skin
Where it comes from
Petitgrain oil is steam-distilled from the leaves, twigs and unripe fruit of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium). It is a member of the citrus family and is produced in several countries including France, Italy and Paraguay.