The 17 Best Citrus Perfumes to Try This Summer

While summertime might call floral scents to mind, we love a citrus fragrance's clean and crisp appeal. "In perfumery, the term citrus refers to a subfamily of fragrances that are characterized by fresh, bright, tangy and uplifting aromas, such as lemon, limes, orange, grapefruit, and bergamot," says Chriselle Lim, founder and creative director of Phlur. "Citrus fragrances are often described as refreshing and invigorating, and can help to “wake up” the senses and provide a boost of energy in the morning."

If you've smelled a citrus fragrance in the past, then you know citrus instantly brings a fresh feeling to all other fragrance profiles—from delicate florals and peppery spices to earthy musks or sugary gourmands. We think there's a case to be made that everyone could use sparkling citrus notes of lemon, grapefruit, and orange in their fragrance wardrobe. Keep reading for the best citrus perfumes to add to your summer beauty collection.

Do People Like Citrus Scents?

Whether you like citrus scents or not simply comes down to personal preference. If you like the smell that fills the air after you've just peeled an orange, then you'll probably love citrus perfumes.

"Usually, citrus ingredients are the opening act of a perfume — bright, effervescent, and fleeting. There's almost no perfume ingredient they can't support, like an aperitif whetting your appetite before the main course," says Barbara Herman founder of New York City-based luxury niche brand Eris Parfums.

As the weather warms up, citrus scents are ideal to reach for because they offer a fresh, fruity profile without being cloying. "When temperatures soar, ingredients like bergamot, lemon, mandarin, and grapefruit can play the starring role in fragrances because people are looking to be refreshed and revitalized," Herman adds.

Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia Eau de Toilette

Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia Eau de Toilette $125.00

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Be instantly transported to the shores of the Amalfi Coast by spritzing on this fresh scent—notes of brown sugar, peonies, and water jasmine temper bright Primofiore lemon for the perfect summer mixture.

By Rosie Jane Lake Eau de Parfum

By Rosie Jane Lake Eau de Parfum $75.00

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Inspired by Lake Tahoe, Lake is a dreamy combo of woods like pine and sandalwood and effervescent citrus like bergamot and lime. "Bergamot is known for its bright, slightly sweet, and floral aroma," says Founder Rosie Johnston. "It adds a sophisticated and uplifting element to fragrances, while lime, with its zesty and sharp scent, brings a burst of energy and freshness that's perfect for summer."

Oakcha Gypsy Beats

Oakcha Gypsy Beats $30.00

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This citrus-forward scent combines notes of bergamot, mandarin and orange blossom with an earthy ambergris base. It smells like cocktail hour on a tropical island with warm sun, luxe floral print maxi dresses, and worries that just melt away.

Chantecaille Vetyver Parfums Pour Femme

Chantecaille Vetyver Parfums Pour Femme $185.00

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Vetiver is an earthy, citrusy scent commonly used in unisex fragrances. Here, the intensity is tempered by the spiciness of pink pepper and the freshness of grapefruit.

Fresh Citron de Vigne

Fresh Citron de Vigne $73.00

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This sparkling perfume was inspired by the Champagne region of France so it’s no surprise that it manages to be both playful and sophisticated. Citrusy top notes of neroli, bitter orange and grapefruit are balanced by earthy bergamot, dark almond, and white sandalwood.

Eris Parfums Delta of Venus Eau de Parfum

Eris Parfums Delta of Venus Eau de Parfum $165.00

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Fruity fragrance lovers, let me put you on: Delta of Venus is the most gorgeous, head-turner of a scent with notes of tart grapefruit, sparkly bergamot, and juicy guava. It's a foolproof summer perfume.

Jo Malone London Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne

Jo Malone London Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne $85.00

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Jo Malone’s signature unisex scent starts off with zesty, tropical lime and mandarin. The addition of basil and white thyme is unexpected but invigorating.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh $153.00

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The crispness of grapefruit and woodiness of musk keep the floral tones of this bubbly iteration of Marc Jacobs’ original Daisy fragrance from being too cloying. It's perfect for a summertime pick-me-up.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis Forte Eau de Parfum

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis Forte Eau de Parfum $275.00

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MFK is highly regarded for Baccarat Rouge 540 (and rightfully so), but they do beautiful citrus scents. Infused with the tangy essence of bergamot and Amalfi lemon, floral notes of jasmine and rose, and a base of wood and musk, this citrus perfume strikes the perfect balance of fruity, floral, and earthy scents.

Future Society Solar Canopy

Future Society Solar Canopy Perfume $98.00

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Gourmand lovers will gravitate towards this infectious fragrance with notes of bergamot, Turkish rose, pistachio, and pink sugar. "This fragrance is for those inspired by the playful, kinetic energy of life," says Jasmina Aganovic CEO of Future Society. It's the perfect balance of sweetness with brightness from citrus and florals.

Clinique Happy Eau de Parfum Spray

Clinique Happy Eau de Parfum Spray $60.00

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As the name suggests, this fresh and summery perfume will lift your spirits after a cold winter season. Mandarin orange and pink grapefruit blend with crisp floral notes for an airy, feminine fragrance.

Phlur Tangerine Boy Eau de Parfum

Phlur Tangerine Boy Eau de Parfum $99.00

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Tangerine Boy is a bright, zesty elixir with notes of lemon, ginger, apple and tangerine. It gives the same boost of energy you'd get from your favorite midday green juice.

Calvin Klein CK One Eau de Toilette

Calvin Klein CK One Eau de Toilette $48.00

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One of the first successful unisex fragrances, CK One awakens the senses with notes of papaya, pineapple, lemon, and florals, over a base accord of green tea. A refreshing, clean scent that’s light enough to wear to breakfast but invigorating enough to give you a burst of energy when you need it.

Byredo Sundazed

Byredo Sundazed $225.00

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Orange, lemon, and neroli blossom are intertwined with musk and sugary cotton candy to create this quintessential summer carnival scent. It's an intoxicating, nostalgic mix, plus it lasts forever on the skin.

Nest New York Citrine Eau de Parfum

Nest New York Citrine Eau de Parfum $92.00

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This fragrance (inspired by a dress once worn by the Duchess of Windsor) is cheerful with a citrus-floral blend of lemon blossom, lotus flower, and freesia, plus morning dew and hints of precious woods.

World of Chris Collins Citrus Grandis Eau de Parfum

World of Chris Collins Citrus Grandis Eau de Parfum $175.00

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Sparkling and sunny, this scent offers bright notes of radiant pomelo, plus a sharp punch of verbena and earthy woods. In other words, it's seriously seductive with a hint of whimsy.

Nest New York Seville Orange Body Mist

Nest New York Seville Orange Body Mist $39.00

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So 2024 is definitely showing itself to be the year of body mists. They're great, especially for summer because they offer light, wearable fragrance without being heavy. This body mist is a new launch from Nest New York; it has notes of orange zest, neroli blossom, and pink grapefruit. Pair it with their Seville Orange Perfume Oil for mega long-wear.