In short: grapefruit smells juicy, tart and a little bitter, with a sparkling, almost fizzy freshness. It is the brightest and most energetic of the citrus notes.
What grapefruit smells like
Grapefruit is sharper than orange and juicier than lemon, with a bitter pith note that keeps it from smelling sugary. Pink grapefruit leans a little sweeter. In a candle, grapefruit wakes up a room and makes a blend feel modern and clean.
Where it comes from
The grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi) is a fairly young fruit. It appeared in Barbados in the 1700s as an accidental cross between a pomelo and a sweet orange, and it got its name from the way the fruit hangs in grape-like clusters. The oil is cold-pressed from the peel.
Much of grapefruit's distinctive smell comes from a molecule called nootkatone, which is also found in Alaska yellow cedar, where it was first identified. Our candles use fragrance oils with a grapefruit note.
How it is used
Grapefruit is a top note. It gives a fragrance a bright, energizing opening, and it fades sooner than heavier notes, so it is usually paired with woods or florals that last.
What it pairs with
- Cedarwood and vetiver, for a crisp, modern woody scent
- Peach, mango and other fruit, for something sunny
- Rose and cherry blossom, for a bright floral
- Mint, for a refreshing spa blend
Our candles with grapefruit
- Ares: grapefruit and blood orange over cedar.
- Aphrodite: grapefruit with peach, hydrangea and cherry blossom.
- Blithe Mister Bingley: grapefruit, orange and peach, as cheerful as Mr. Bingley.
- Leo Zodiac Candle: grapefruit and mangosteen with orange peel and cedar.
Common questions
Does grapefruit last in a candle? It is one of the first notes to fade, so the best grapefruit candles pair it with longer-lasting woods.
Is grapefruit a summer scent? It is especially popular in summer, but its clean brightness also works well in kitchens and bathrooms year-round.
Explore more notes in our Fragrance Notes A to Z, or browse our Fruity candles.