Neroli Essential Oil, Uses, Health Benefits of Neroli Oil, DIY Recipes, Precautions, etc.

Overview

Neroli essential oil is extracted from the delicate blossoms of a bitter orange tree called Citrus aurantium (1). Neroli oil is one of the best essential oils that has immense benefits for your skin, hair, and overall health. This oil has been used for ages for its fragrance, as well as medicinal and therapeutic properties. Neroli oil is famous for promoting emotional stability and wellness (2). It has properties that help in releasing stress and anxiety. It is believed that neroli oil contains anti-depressant properties and also contains sedative properties that help in treating conditions like anxiety, insomnia, etc. (3).

Neroli oil has a very exotic scent which gives a hint of both floral and citrusy scents. And this makes sit possible for this oil to blend well with many different essential oils belonging to wood, citrus, spice, as well as herb families. Because of its unique scent, it is widely used in many perfumes and other scented products. Neroli oil is extracted through a process called steam distillation. 

NameNeroli Essential Oil
Botanical NameCitrus aurantium
Plant FamilyRutaceae
Method of ExtractionSteam Distillation
Part of plant usedBlossoms
Color Pale yellow to golden
ConsistencyMedium
Perfumery noteMiddle
Strength of Initial AromaStrong
Aromatic DescriptionFloral, citrusy, and sweet
Major ConstituentsLinalool, (+)-Limonene, Linalyl acetate, (E)-B-Ocimene, a-Terpineol, B-Pinene, Geranyl Acetate, (E)-Nerolidol, and Geraniol

This article is a comprehensive guide to neroli essential oil and discusses in detail neroli essential oil benefits and uses. It also suggests some DIY recipes to incorporate neroli oil into your day-to-day life. Continue to read to learn more about neroli oil

What Are Some Of The Benefits Of Neroli Essential Oil? | Neroli Essential Oil Benefits

There are many different health, skin, and hair benefits of neroli essential oil that have been discussed below in detail:

Health Benefits Of Neroli Essential Oil

Neroli essential oil offers a range of health benefits that can positively impact your overall well-being. Here are some of its remarkable effects on health:

1. Promotes Relaxation and Eases Stress

Neroli essential oil is known for its calming properties. It can help reduce anxiety levels, ease stress, and promote relaxation (4). Inhaling its delicate floral aroma can have a soothing effect on both the mind and body.

2. Alleviates Insomnia and Improves Sleep

If you struggle with insomnia or have difficulty falling asleep, neroli oil can be beneficial. Its sedative properties help calm the mind, promoting a restful night’s sleep (5).

3. Boosts Mood and Fights Depression

The aroma of neroli oil has mood-enhancing properties. It can uplift spirits, relieve mild depression, and promote a positive mindset. Neroli oil is rich in anti-depressant properties that help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

4. Relieves Headaches and Migraines

Neroli oil has been used for ages as a part of traditional medicine. Neroli oil has been used as a natural remedy for headaches and migraines. Applying a diluted form of the oil to the temples or inhaling its aroma may help alleviate headache symptoms.

5. Supports Digestive Health

Neroli oil aids in improving stomach issues. Neroli oil possesses carminative properties that aid in digestion. Using neroli essential oil can help reduce bloating, indigestion, and stomach discomfort by relaxing the muscles of the gastrointestinal trac (6).

6. Improves Overall Health

The chemical composition and in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of neroli oil help promote and improve overall health by treating many different skin conditions. 

Skin Benefits Of Neroli Essential Oil

Neroli essential oil is a beloved ingredient in skincare products due to its rejuvenating and nourishing effects on the skin. Here are some of its notable benefits for skin health:

1. Promotes Skin Regeneration

Neroli oil stimulates cell regeneration, helping to maintain skin elasticity. It contains anti-aging properties that help in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can contribute to a more youthful and radiant complexion as it helps even tone the skin and brings out your natural glow.  

2. Moisturizes and Hydrates

The hydrating properties of neroli oil make it suitable for all skin types. It helps balance oil production, making it beneficial for both dry and oily skin. Regular use can leave the skin soft, supple, and well-nourished.

3. Reduces Scars and Stretch Marks

Neroli oil has been found to diminish the appearance of scars, acne marks, and as one of the Top natural oils for stretch marks. Its regenerative properties help fade these imperfections, promoting smoother and more even-toned skin.

4. Soothes Sensitive Skin

For those with sensitive or irritated skin, neroli oil can provide relief. Its gentle nature helps calm inflammation and redness, making it a suitable choice for individuals with sensitive skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea. It contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and other such properties that are good for sensitive skin types.

5. Offers Antimicrobial Benefits

Neroli oil contains natural antimicrobial properties that can help combat acne-causing bacteria (7). Regular use may assist in reducing breakouts and maintaining clear skin. It also contains an antifungal property that helps restrict fungal growth on the skin and gives you clear, glowing skin. Neroli oil can be used to cleanse your pores from within and gives you clear, dirt and dust-free clear skin. 

Hair Benefits Of Neroli Essential Oil

In addition to its effects on the skin, neroli essential oil also offers several benefits for hair health. Here’s how it can contribute to luscious locks:

1. Nourishes and Conditions

Neroli oil can nourish and hydrate the scalp and hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth. It helps strengthen the hair shaft, reducing breakage and improving overall hair texture (8).

2. Soothes an Irritated Scalp

If you experience scalp irritation or itchiness, neroli essential oil can provide relief. Its anti-inflammatory properties help calm inflammation and reduce discomfort, creating a healthier environment for your hair to thrive.

3. Adds Shine and Luster

Incorporating neroli oil into your hair care routine can impart a natural shine and luster to your locks. It helps smooth the hair cuticles, enhancing light reflection and leaving your hair looking vibrant and glossy.

4. Controls Frizz and Flyaways

Taming frizz and flyaways can be a challenge, but neroli oil can help. Its hydrating and smoothing properties help combat frizz, leaving your hair more manageable and polished.

5. Stimulates Hair Growth

Neroli essential oil has been linked to promoting hair growth. By improving blood circulation in the scalp and nourishing the hair follicles, it can encourage healthy hair growth and combat issues like thinning hair or hair loss.

6. Refreshes and Revitalizes

When your hair needs a pick-me-up between washes, neroli oil can come to the rescue. It acts as a natural refresher, rejuvenating your hair and leaving it smelling delightful.

Must read essential oils to promote hair growth.

Neroli Essential Oil And Women’s Health And Wellness

Neroli oil is considered one of the best essential oils to promote women’s overall health and wellness. There are many key advantages of neroli oil that can be specifically enjoyed by women like:

Hormonal Balance and Menstrual Support

Maintaining hormonal balance is vital for women’s overall health and well-being. Neroli essential oil can play a supportive role in this aspect by:

1. Easing Menstrual Discomfort

Neroli oil possesses antispasmodic properties that can help alleviate menstrual cramps and reduce discomfort. Diluted neroli oil can be massaged onto the lower abdomen to soothe muscle contractions and promote relaxation.

2. Balancing Hormones

The aroma of neroli oil has a harmonizing effect on the endocrine system, which regulates hormone production. By promoting balance in hormone levels, neroli oil may assist in managing symptoms related to hormonal fluctuations, such as mood swings and irritability.

3. Supporting Menopausal Transition

Neroli oil can relieve menopausal symptoms by reducing hot flashes, improving sleep quality, and supporting emotional well-being during this transitional phase. Therefore, it is known as one of the most popular essential oil for hot flashes. Study proves that neroli oil helps regulate estrogen in postmenopausal women and helps relieve anxiety and perceived pain in women (9).

Emotional Well-Being And Stress Relief

Emotional well-being is a vital aspect of women’s health. Neroli essential oil can help promote emotional balance and provide relief from stress-related issues through its unique properties:

1. Uplifting Mood

It is found that neroli oil can promote healthy hair and scalp. It helps nourish and hydrate the hair, adding shine, reducing frizz, and improving overall hair texture. Mixing a few drops of neroli oil with carrier oils or natural hair products can provide these benefits.

2. Stress Reduction

Neroli oil is renowned for its stress-relieving properties. It can be diffused or inhaled directly to create a tranquil atmosphere, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels. The essential oil of neroli has proven to reduce anxiety during labor (10).

3. Enhancing Sleep Quality

Adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining optimal health. Neroli oil’s sedative properties can help calm the mind, promote deep relaxation, and improve the quality of sleep, allowing women to wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Self-Care And Beauty Rituals

Neroli essential oil can also be incorporated into self-care and beauty rituals, allowing women to indulge in moments of pampering and enhance their natural beauty:

1. Skincare

Neroli oil’s rejuvenating and nourishing properties make it an excellent addition to skincare routines. It can help improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote a radiant complexion. A few drops of Neroli essential oil help regulate the oil balance in the skin. Diluted neroli oil can be added to facial cleansers, toners, or moisturizers.

2. Aromatherapy Baths

Creating a luxurious bath experience with neroli oil can be incredibly beneficial for both the body and mind. Adding a few drops to warm bathwater can help relax muscles, relieve tension, and provide a soothing escape from daily stressors.

3. Hair Care

It is found that neroli oil can promote healthy hair and scalp. It helps nourish and hydrate the hair, adding shine, reducing frizz, and improving overall hair texture. Mixing a few drops of neroli oil with carrier oils or natural hair products can provide these benefits.

How To Use Neroli Essential Oil?

There are many different ways to use bitter orange blossom oil, that as neroli oil, also known as orange blossom oil. Following are some of the most commonly used ways to use neroli oil:

Skin Care

Essential oils are gaining wide relevance these days, especially in the field of skincare. Neroli oil is an essential oil that is rich in antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidants, antiseptic properties, etc. which is great for the skin. It promotes skin elasticity and helps you get radiant and youthful skin. It regulates collagen production and thus balances oil on the skin. It is a great oil for dry, oily, and sensitive skin types. Neroli oil can be used to treat acne and acne scars.

It also helps in reducing blemishes and dark spots.  It has anti-aging properties that help in reducing fine lines, wrinkles, dull and damaged skin, etc. Though always remember never to apply essential oils directly to the skin as they can irritate your skin and can also have a certain allergic reaction due to their high potency and concentration. In order to enjoy the effectiveness of Neroli essential oil, mix it with a carrier oil like sweet almond oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, etc., and then apply it on the skin. 

Aromatherapy 

This is one of the most common ways to use essential oils. Neroli oil has a very unique and exotic scent which makes it appropriate for use in aromatherapy. You can enjoy the therapeutic effects of neroli oil through aromatherapy. Add a few drops of neroli oil to a diffuser or inhale its aroma directly to enjoy its calming and mood-enhancing effects. Inhaling neroli oil can help offer you mental clarity and can also help you calm down instantly.

You can add a few drops of Neroli oil to a cotton ball and sniff it for inhalation. It can create a peaceful and serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxation or meditation. You can diffuse a few drops of neroli oil before bedtime as it has sedative properties that help in improving sleep issues. You can also diffuse this essential oil in your office space to feel all day energized, refreshed, and motivated. Inhalation of neroli oil helps clear mental fog and promotes mental awareness and clarity. Adding neroli oil to aromatherapy will increase the effectiveness of aromatherapy sessions and experiences. 

Perfumery 

Due to its exquisite fragrance, neroli oil is a popular ingredient in perfumes and fragrances. Its floral and citrus notes add a touch of elegance and allure to various scented products. You can add a few drops of neroli oil to water-based solutions and make your own neroli oil perfume and use it. Neroli essential oil smells sweet and citrusy and will make you feel refreshed all day long. It has a very long-lasting scent that you can enjoy all day long. Neroli blends well with many different flowers essential oils as well as citrus essential oils, and you can experiment with different fragrances. 

Bath and Body Care 

Enhance your bathing experience by adding a few drops of neroli oil to your bathwater. Its aroma can help you unwind, while its nourishing properties benefit your skin. You can also mix neroli oil with carrier oils or lotions for a fragrant and moisturizing body care routine.

Massage Therapy 

This is one of the most effective ways to use neroli essential oil and its benefits. Neroli essential oil extracted from the flowers of the bitter orange tree has anti-inflammatory property that helps reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. Massaging with this oil can help alleviate joint pains. There are many studies that reported that neroli oil reduces joint pains, muscle tension, aches, and spasms and helps relax muscles.

Regularly massaging using neroli oil may help alleviate chronic pain like arthritis in the long run. It is found that neroli oil has the ability to reduce peripheral sensitivity to pain. Avoid using neroli oil on the skin without diluting it. Combine neroli oil with carrier oil, such as sweet almond or jojoba oil, for a luxurious and aromatic massage experience. Its relaxing properties can ease muscle tension, soothe the senses, and promote overall well-being.

DIY Recipes 

Get creative and explore the world of DIY beauty and homecare recipes with neroli essential oil. From homemade facial serums and body scrubs to natural room sprays and linen refreshers, neroli oil can be a versatile and delightful addition to your DIY projects.

Neroli Essential Oil Blends | DIY Recipes 

Rejuvenating Facial Serum

Give your skin a rejuvenating boost with this nourishing facial serum that incorporates the skin-loving properties of neroli oil:

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
  • 1 tablespoon rosehip oil
  • 5 drops of Neroli essential oil
  • 3 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

  1. In a small glass bottle, combine jojoba oil and rosehip oil.
  2. Add neroli oil and lavender oil to the blend and gently mix well.
  3. After cleansing your face, apply a few drops of the serum to your fingertips and massage it onto your face and neck in gentle, upward motions.
  4. Allow the serum to absorb into the skin for a few minutes before following it with your regular moisturizer.

Relaxing Bath Salt Blend

Create a soothing and aromatic bath experience with this simple recipe that combines the calming properties of neroli oil with the relaxation benefits of Epsom salts:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Epsom salts
  • 10 drops neroli essential oil
  • 5 drops ylang-ylang essential oil
  • Dried rose petals (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine Epsom salts, neroli oil, and ylang-ylang oil.
  2. Mix well to ensure the oils are evenly distributed throughout the salts.
  3. If desired, add a handful of dried rose petals to the blend and mix gently.
  4. Store the bath salt blend in a sealed jar or container.
  5. When ready to use, add a generous scoop of the blend to warm bathwater and allow it to dissolve. Relax and enjoy the fragrant, soothing bath.

Calming Pillow Mist

Create a calming atmosphere and promote restful sleep with this DIY pillow mist that combines the soothing scents of neroli and lavender:

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces of distilled water
  • 10 drops neroli essential oil
  • 10 drops of lavender essential oil

Instructions:

  1. In a spray bottle, combine distilled water, neroli oil, and lavender oil.
  2. Close the bottle and shake well to ensure the oils are evenly dispersed in the water.
  3. Before bedtime, mist your pillow and bedding lightly with the calming blend.
  4. Breathe in the soothing aroma as you prepare for a restful night’s sleep.

Nourishing Body Butter

Indulge your skin with this luxurious and hydrating body butter recipe that combines the moisturizing properties of shea butter with the delightful scent of neroli:

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup shea butter
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 10 drops neroli essential oil
  • 5 drops of geranium essential oil

Instructions:

  1. In a heat-safe bowl, combine shea butter and coconut oil.
  2. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water, creating a double boiler.
  3. Stir the mixture gently until the shea butter and coconut oil melt and blend together.
  4. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes.
  5. Add neroli oil and geranium oil to the mixture and stir well.
  6. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and let it solidify for about an hour.
  7. Once solid, keep it at room temperature for 24 hours and let it settle.
  8. Your body butter is ready to use. 

Nourishing Hair Mask

Revitalize and nourish your hair with this DIY hair mask that combines the hydrating properties of neroli oil with the strengthening effects of honey and avocado:

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 5 drops of Neroli essential oil
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mash the ripe avocado until smooth.
  2. Add honey, neroli oil, and coconut oil to the mashed avocado.
  3. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
  4. Apply the hair mask to clean, damp hair, focusing on the ends and damaged areas.
  5. Gently massage the mask into your scalp and hair.
  6. Leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes to allow the nourishing ingredients to penetrate the hair.
  7. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and follow with your regular shampoo and conditioner routine. Enjoy soft, nourished, and lustrous hair.

Immune-Boosting Inhalation Blend

Support your overall health and well-being with this inhalation blend that combines the immune-boosting properties of neroli oil with the refreshing scents of citrus and eucalyptus:

Ingredients:

  • 3 drops neroli essential oil
  • 2 drops of lemon essential oil
  • 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
  • A bowl of hot water

Instructions:

  1. Boil water and transfer it to a heat-safe bowl.
  2. Allow the water to cool slightly for a minute or two.
  3. Add the neroli oil, lemon oil, and eucalyptus oil to the bowl of hot water.
  4. Lean over the bowl, cover your head with a towel, and create a tent to trap the steam.
  5. Close your eyes and inhale deeply, breathing in the aromatic steam for several minutes.
  6. Enjoy the refreshing and immune-boosting benefits of the inhalation blend.
  7. Remember to exercise caution to prevent any burns from the hot water.

Incorporating these DIY recipes into your skin, hair, and health care routines allows you to harness the incredible benefits of neroli oil in a natural and personalized way. Whether you’re nourishing your hair or supporting your overall well-being, these recipes provide an opportunity to indulge in self-care and embrace the power of natural ingredients.

Precautions And Safety Measures

Essential oils being natural plant extracts are safe to use, but there are a few things that need to be considered before using essential oils. These points are as follows:

  • Avoid applying undiluted essential oils directly to the skin. Always dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil to reduce its concentration and then apply it to the skin. Undiluted essential oils can cause skin irritation, itching, inflammation, etc. 
  • Always undertake a patch test before applying essential oils to the skin to make sure that you do not have any allergic reactions to certain essential oils. 
  • Avoid using essential oils if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you want to use it, then you should consult your doctor before doing so. 
  • Keep essential oils out of the reach of children as it can be dangerous for them.
  • Avoid using essential oils around your pet, as it can irritate them.
  • Always purchase pure essential oil from a reputed brand to ensure the quality of the oil. 

Conclusion

The above article discusses in detail Neroli essential oil uses and benefits. Neroli oil works great for your skin and hair. You can use Neroli oil to treat skin and hair, and scalp conditions. It also helps maintain your overall health and wellness. It is rich in properties like anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic, etc., that help in promoting overall wellness. The article has also suggested a few DIY recipes that you can use to incorporate this blossoms essential oil into your day-to-day life. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is neroli essential oil good for?

Neroli essential oil is good for your skin, hair, and overall health. It helps treat many different skin conditions, health conditions, and also treats hair and scalp related issues. 

Is neroli oil good for your face?

Yes, neroli oil has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiseptic and other such properties that helps treat different skin conditions like acne, dark spots, blemishes, dull and damaged skin, fine lines, wrinkles, etc. and gives you a clear, glowing, and youthful looking skin. 

What does the essential oil neroli smell like?

Neroli oil smells like fresh floral and citrus scent.

Does neroli brighten skin?

Yes, neroli oil helps reduce dark spots and blemishes, and helps even tone the skin, and thus brightens the skin. 

Does neroli lighten skin?

Yes, citrus based oils like neroli oil helps in lightening pigmentation of the skin and thus lightens the skin. 

Source:
  • Yield, Phytochemical Constituents, and Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils from the Leaves/Twigs, Branches, Branch Wood, and Branch Bark of Sour Orange (Citrus aurantium L.) https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9717/7/6/363
  • Chapter 23 – Aromatherapy, music, and acupuncture for optimizing emotional wellbeing in pregnancy https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128183090000216
  • The Impact of Aromatherapy in Psychiatry – An Investigation on Natural Neroli Oil as Depressant Towards Senior Citizen https://jase.a2zjournals.com/index.php/ase/article/view/1
  • The Effectiveness of Neroli Essential Oil in Relieving Anxiety and Perceived Pain in Women during Labor: A Randomized Controlled Trial https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/10/2/366
  • Medicinal Plants for Insomnia Related to Anxiety: An Updated Review https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/a-1510-9826
  • An overview of Citrus aurantium used in treatment of various diseases https://italisvital.info/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Citrus-aurantium.pdf
  • Chemical Composition and in vitro Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Citrus aurantium L. Flowers Essential Oil (Neroli Oil) https://oatao.univ-toulouse.fr/9969/
  • Bioactive-Based Cosmeceuticals: An Update on Emerging Trends https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/3/828
  • Effects of Inhalation of Essential Oil of Citrus aurantium L. var. amara on Menopausal Symptoms, Stress, and Estrogen in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4082953/
  • Aromatherapy With Citrus Aurantium Oil and Anxiety During the First Stage of Labor https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4102991/