Bergamot
A bright, aromatic citrus prized for its complexity. Bergamot balances sharp freshness with a floral, slightly bitter edge that distinguishes it from other citrus oils.
Fragrance Pyramid
Olfactive Character
Bright, complex citrus with a distinctive floral and slightly bitter quality. More nuanced than lemon or orange. Opens fresh and evolves into an aromatic, tea-like drydown.
Origin & Harvest
Cold-pressed from the rind of Citrus bergamia, grown almost exclusively in Calabria, southern Italy. The fruit is too bitter to eat but produces one of perfumery's most valued essential oils. Harvested between November and March.
Key Molecules
Linalyl acetate provides the floral-fresh character. Limonene adds citrus brightness. Bergapten, a furanocoumarin, is removed in bergaptene-free grades used in skin-safe formulations.
Safety & Regulation
Bergaptene-free (FCF) grade is standard in fine fragrance to avoid phototoxicity. Compliant with IFRA guidelines when used in the FCF form. Natural bergamot oil requires careful dosing.
In Perfumery
The most widely used citrus in fine fragrance. Found in Earl Grey tea and in nearly every classic cologne. Essential to Eau Sauvage by Dior and Shalimar by Guerlain. In KIDA KYO, bergamot opens several compositions with clarity.
History
Named after the Italian city of Bergamo. First cultivated in Calabria in the 17th century. Became the defining note of Eau de Cologne in the 18th century and has remained essential to perfumery ever since.
