Botanical Spotlight: Mandarin

Botanicals are important to us. They form the cornerstone of everything we do here at CRANBOURN^®. We are constantly seeking inspiration from the natural world, discovering new ingredients from all across the globe. In our Botanical Spotlight series, we will delve into the scientific, cultural and olfactory roots of the key botanicals from our fragrance collections.

Vibrant, sweet and small, mandarins are from the family Rutaceae, genus Citrus and species C. reticulate. 

The cousin of tangerines, clementines and satsumas, this well-loved fruit is a hybrid citrus. Sensitive to the cold, the trees flourish in tropical regions, and the fruit they produce is remarkably sweet.

This regal fruit is thought to be named after the vibrant robes worn by Mandarin officials and dignitaries. Gifting a mandarin at Chinese New Year is seen as a symbol of prosperity, fortune and wealth.

Sweet and sunny: a powerful essential oil

Mandarin essential oil is extracted from the peel, either via hydro-distillation or cold-pressing techniques. Like the fruit itself, the oil is beautifully citrus scented and notably sweet. The powerful oil is significantly used in ancient Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine for healing purposes.

Not only is it known for healing, but mandarin oil also has copious health properties. It contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and it is known to have anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties, too.

These impressive qualities make mandarin oil a popular choice in modern skin care, helping to renew the complexion, help with pigmentation and leave the skin feeling more radiant.

Mandarin brings a fragrant lift

As well as being prevalent in skincare, mandarin makes a beautiful addition to modern fragrance blends. The light, zesty warmth of the citrus fruit brings a vibrant pop, helping to lift a fragrance.

The bright scent blends well with other light fruity or floral scents, creating a delicate summer fragrance. It can also bring some sweetness to warm, oriental scents like spicy nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon and more.

We have incorporated the citrus scent into our Sunset in Ibiza™ fragrance, weaving it in amongst lemon, lime, neroli, ylang ylang and other beautiful warm summery notes.

To delve deeper into the history, biology and uses of the diverse botanicals in CRANBOURN^® fragrances, explore our extensive botanicals directory.