If there’s one type of scent which I love to have in my collection, it’s a good citrus fragrance.
They are work so well in spring and summer, but are versatile enough to be worn all year round, especially during the day.
Most citrus scents are inoffensive, which means that you can wear them and nobody is going to be put off by them. But make no mistake, some are really strong and attractive.
These are the best men’s citrus fragrances you can wear right now.
Key Takeaways
- Best All Rounder Citrus Fragrance – Armani Acqua Di Gio Parfum
- Best Smelling Citrus Fragrance – Creed Aventus
- Best Date Night Citrus Fragrance – Terre D’Hermes Pure Parfum
- Best Citrus Fragrance For Summer – Acqua Di Parma Fico Di Amalfi
- Longest Lasting Citrus Fragrance – Armani Acqua Di Gio Parfum
- Best Value For Money Citrus Fragrance – CK One Calvin Klein
The Best Citrus Fragrances For Men
Armani Acqua Di Gio Parfum
A super strong scent heavy on citrus which lasts a long time, I must be talking about Armani Acqua Di Gio Parfum. Usually citrus style scents don’t last too long, but Acqua Di Gio Parfum bucks the trend and lasts for ages.
I often get 9+ hours with this, meaning it will last morning until night.
Top Notes – Bergamot, Ginger
Heart Notes – Clary Sage, Rosemary
Base Notes – Patchouli, Incense
Acqua Di Parma Bergamotto Di Calabria
A super strong bergamot scent which I really like, Acqua Di Parma Bergamotto Di Calabria has a citrus smell like no other.
While some citrus fragrances are quite harsh, Bergamotto Di Calabria does it in a subtle and soft but noticeable way. It’s really attractive and combines freshness with citrus.
Top Notes – Bergamot
Heart Notes – Cedarwood, Red Ginger
Base Notes – Vetiver, Benzoin, Musk
Acqua Di Parma Fico Di Amalfi
A scent which I’ve had for years and I really like is Acqua Di Parma Fico Di Amalfi. It has bergamot, grapefruit, citrus and lemon, so it’s very much a citrus style smell. But The fig accord is where this shines.
Fig combined with the citrus and pink pepper really make this scent stand out.
Top Notes: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Citron, Lemon
Middle Notes: Pink Pepper, Fig Accord, Jasmine
Base Notes: Fig Tree, Cedar, Benzoin
Creed Aventus
Still one of the best fragrances in the world, it has a large number of notes Creed Aventus has stand out citrus.
It’s so well balanced, with fruity notes from blackcurrant and apples, musk and vanilla at the base, and don’t forget the ambergris which really makes it attractive.
There’s little wonder why so many people like Aventus.
Top Notes – Blackcurrant, Italian Bergamot, French apples, Pineapple
Middle Notes – Rose, Dry birch, Moroccan jasmine, Patchouli
Base Notes – Musk, Oak moss, Ambergris, Vanilla
CK One
I can’t talk about citrus fragrances without mentioning an all time great, the OG that is CK One. It’s definitely an oldie, but very much a goodie.
The stand out fragrance from the 90’s, it’s not only a killer scent for men, it works for women too. The bergamot, musk, amber and pineapple really pop and give you that familiar smell which has been around over 30 years.
Top Notes – Bergamot, Cardamom, Fresh Pineapple, Papaya
Heart Notes – Hedione High Cis, Violet, Rose, Nutmeg
Base notes – Musk, Amber
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue
One of the best citrus fragrances from D&G, Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue is getting on in age, but is still a good choice when it comes to citrus fragrances.
The mandarin and bergamot meet the grapefruit at the top to give it that zesty smell, with incense and oakmoss really complimenting it really well.
Top Notes – Sicilian mandarin, Frozen grapefruit peel, Bergamot, Juniper
Middle Notes – Rosemary, Szechuan pepper, Rosewood
Base Notes – Musk wood, Incense, Oakmoss
Hermes Terre D’Hermes Pure Parfum
When I first tried it I didn’t like it, years later I gave it another go and now I love it. That’s my relationship with Hermes Terre D’Hermes Pure Parfum.
This is the best version of Terre D’Hermes, and this is why.
A pungent dirty orange smell is what this is all about. It’s strong but really attractive, it’s earthy and orange zesty style is a winner.
It also has staying power. This is one of the strongest and longest lasting citrus fragrances you can wear.
Top Notes: Orange, Grapefruit, Shiso
Middle Notes: Flint
Base Notes: Woodsy Notes
Mont Blanc Explorer
It smells like a really expensive aftershave, and has that Aventus DNA as soon as you smell it. I am of course talking about Mont Blanc Explorer.
While it’s not a direct copy or dupe, it does smell a lot like Aventus, so you get that DNA without the pricetag. But as I always stay, Explorer is a scent that can stand on it’s own.
Since it closely resembles Creed I have to include it. You don’t get that woody/smokiness like you do from Aventus, but you do get a super strong hit of Grapefruit which gives it that citrus power.
Jean Paul Gaultier Scandal
One of the sweetest fragrances out there, I am talking about Jean Paul Gaultier Scandal Pour Homme. When I first smell it I get the sweetness of orange mixed with caramel, which gives a citrus and sweet smell that’s quite unique.
Top Notes – Orange, Clary Sage
Middle Notes – Caramel, Tonka Bean
Base Notes – Vetiver
Paco Rabanne One Million
One of the favourites of the 2010’s, I am talking about Paco Rabanne One Million. These days just going by Rabanne, but it still smells really good.
Orange, grapefruit and mint at the top give this a sweet and zesty style of smell, with the middle and base keeping it sweet. For the sweet-citrus lovers, this one is for you.
Top Notes: Grapefruit, Mint, Blood orange
Heart Notes: Rose, Cinnamon, Spice notes, Blond leather
Base Notes: White woods, Amber, Patchouli
Calvin Klein Escape
Another old classic and 90’s favourite, Calvin Klein Escape is definitely one for those looking for a bit of 90’s nostalgia.
Top Notes – Birch Leaf, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Juniper, Eucalyptus
Middle Notes – Clary Sage, Cypress, Fir Balsam, Rosemary
Base Notes – Patchouli, Vetiver, Sandalwood, Oakmoss
Yves Saint Laurent L’Homme Libre
A gem from YSL which has a great citrus DNA, this is Yves Saint Laurent L’Homme Libre. It’s a fragrance from the 2010’s era, and is now discontinued, but can be found in various places.
The violet leaf, bergamot, basil and star anise really come through in this one, giving it a truly unique type of scent that I have never smelled before.
One of the most unique from the L’Homme line from YSL, which was a fantastic smelling line.
Top Notes: Star Anise, Basil, Violet Leaf, Bergamot
Heart Notes: Pink Pepper, Nutmeg
Base Notes: Vetiver, Patchouli
And there you have it, the best citrus fragrances for men.
I’ve showcased a wide range of the best scents for this style, from affordable budget to niche expensive, luxury to designer and all of the citrus palette including lemon, orange, neroli and grapefruit.
Take a look through all my men’s aftershaves for reviews and to pick out your next signature scent that will leaving you smelling great.
About Michael
Michael Adams is the founder and editor of Michael 84, blogger from Newcastle, UK. Sharing men's fashion tips, style advice and lifestyle information for all guys.
