Orange blossom distillate scent lowered anxiety during labor vs saline
Namazi 2014, Iran Red Crescent Med J · Source
Orange Blossom Water
Citrus aurantium flower water · certified organic
Also called neroli water, it's distilled from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree. Its delicate scent has been studied for calm during labor and comfort after menopause.
126first-time mothers in a scent trial on labor anxiety
63postmenopausal women in a neroli scent trial
Mediterraneana classic skin freshener
Why we love it
Orange blossom water has a delicate, uplifting scent and a long tradition of use on skin in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern households.
What does the research show?
Calm during labor
In a randomized trial of 126 first-time mothers, those who breathed in orange blossom distillate had lower anxiety scores during labor than those given saline.
Menopause
In a five-day randomized trial of 63 postmenopausal women, breathing in neroli oil improved menopause quality-of-life scores and sexual desire compared with plain almond oil.
Quality varies
A lab analysis of 10 store-bought orange blossom waters found big differences in their natural compounds, which is why we buy certified organic.
Studies
Human study tested in people Lab study a starting point, not proof
Neroli scent improved menopause scores and sexual desire over 5 days
Choi 2014, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med · Source
10 commercial orange blossom waters varied widely in composition
Farboodniay Jahromi 2024, Trends Pharm Sci · Source
Bitter orange flower oil and extract were active against five foodborne bacteria, and the flower water was rich in calming linalool with antioxidant activity
Degirmenci 2020, J Infect Public Health · Source
Flower waters (hydrosols), including orange blossom, carry antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds suited to skin care
Shafie 2022, Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod · Source
How has it been used traditionally?
Orange flower water has long been used in cooking and as a skin freshener around the Mediterranean and Middle East.
Is orange blossom water safe on my skin?
Orange blossom water is gentle, and unlike bitter orange peel oil it is not known to cause sun sensitivity. Its main scent compound, linalool, can cause skin allergy once it has been exposed to air, so keep the bottle closed, and patch test first if you're sensitive to fragrance.
Last reviewed: November 2026.
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Reviewed by the Momotaro Apotheca medical team, including OB-GYNs and naturopathic doctors. Educational information, not medical advice. All ingredient research