Citrus

Melissa

Note Profile

Natural 9 perfumes

About

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) - a gentle, citrusy, herbal note with lemony-minty sweetness. Distinct from lemon verbena.

Scent Profile

Melissa, or lemon balm, presents a gentle, citrusy aroma with soft lemon and mint facets, accompanied by a subtle green-herbal undertone. Its scent is less sharp than pure citrus, offering a sweet, airy freshness that can evoke both lemon zest and delicate mint leaves. The note evolves to reveal a mild, slightly honeyed warmth as it dries down.

ScentWheel

Breadthfocused

EnvelopeTop · ~1h lasting

Origin

Melissa officinalis is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region. The essential oil is typically obtained through steam distillation of the fresh or partially dried leaves and flowering tops.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use melissa primarily as a top note to impart a natural, uplifting citrus-herbal brightness. It blends well with other citrus, green, and floral notes, and can soften sharper citruses or add freshness to aromatic and fougère compositions.

A variety of