For an ingredient as ubiquitous as bergamot, choosing just a few fragrances to feature is close to impossible.
However, in these fragrances bergamot takes the mainstage and is not just a supporting role.
Bergamot (and citrus in general) is usually considered a unisex scent appropriate for both men and women and is best worn in warm weather.
Our Shortlist For Best Bergamot Perfumes
Best Overall
From the name already, it's clear Acqua di Parma’s Blu Mediterraneo Bergamotto di Calabria EDT is an ode to the heart of bergamot growing in Italy.
The landscape of Calabria is described through a mix of bergamot, Amalfi lemon, neroli, and cedar notes. The scent feels light and fresh, like a walk on a sunny Mediterranean beach, and is a perfect introduction to bergamot.
Most Versatile
If you're looking for something that doesn't scream fruit but is still inspired by bergamot, try Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis.
It's a versatile crisp, clean, musky scent that could be worn for casual, work, or evening wear. It feels elegant and uplifting.
Best for Evening Wear
Floris Bergamotto di Positano attempts to summon the Mediterranean with bright bergamot, fresh mandarin, and shimmering marine notes.
With warm base notes of amber, ambrette, wood, and ginger it's the perfect fragrance for a summer evening.
Best Fruity Floral
Byredo Pulp is a study in contrasts. Sweet but not cloying. Green but not sharp. Dry but also mouthwatering.
It's a fresh and strong fragrance and the bergamot is layered with fig, black currant and red apple notes for an overload of fruit that never overwhelms.
Best Pure Citrus Blast
Annick Goutal’s Eau d’Hadrien came out in 1981, entered the FiFi Award Hall of Fame in 2008 and is still one of the brand's best-selling fragrances.
Inspired by the Tuscan landscape, it's a fresh, clean perfume with nearly all citrus notes including bergamot, grapefruit, Sicilian lemon, citron, mandarin orange, and ylang-ylang with only cypress to and aldehydes to break out for the pure citrus blast. It works though, and beautifully so.
Best Asian-Inspired
Unlike most Italian focused bergamot fragrances, Le Jardin de Monsieur Li explores bergamot's Asian roots.
The garden is a purely imagined garden of awakening and harmony created by Hermes in-house perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena who traveled around China for inspiration.
It includes Asian standbys such as jasmine and bamboo along with plum, kumquat, and mint — all entwined and lifted with bergamot.
Best Sexy Bergamot
Tom Ford’s Venetian Bergamot is a spicier, richer take on bergamot. Gardenia and bergamot dominate this floral citrus scent.
Sharp black and pink peppercorn along with ginger notes open the fragrance while sandalwood balances it with a warmer, richer scent. A smooth and luxurious scent.
Best Pure Bergamot
Guerlain’s Aqua Allegoria Bergamote Calabria is an uncomplicated tribute to bergamot.
With only six fragrance notes it consists of top notes of bergamot and petitgrain, heart notes of cardamom and ginger, and base notes of white musk and woody.
It's light and delicate, similar to the beautiful bottle it comes in. If you want a simple fragrance with character, give this one a try.
Best Musky Floral
If you are looking for a floral, unisex bergamot perfume, we highly recommend Jo Malone Oud & Bergamot. This Jo Malone bergamot perfume is primarily a lemon blossom scent that both men and women will appreciate.
The floral does not come off as too strong since there are hints of cedar and black musk to offset the lemon blossom. The scent is not overwhelming but strong enough that those around you will notice.
Best Citrus Bergamot
If you want to stay away from the florals and prefer something more citrusy, we love the Bergamot Bloom EDT By Carolina Herrera. While it is marketed as a bergamot perfume for ladies, both men and women will find the scent of this perfume appealing.
It is a citrus-based scent with initial notes of lemon, bergamot, and ginger, which you will notice upon your first inhale. And there are also touches of pink pepper and jasmine.
Best Simple Bergamot
Another one of the best bergamot perfumes is the Le Labo Bergamote 22 EDP. This Le Labo scent combines petit grain floral, grapefruit, amber, and musk.
You can also customize the label on this bottle with up to 23 characters. You will love this scent if you want something unique and simple.
TOP PICKS AT A GLANCE | ||
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Best Overall
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Most Versatile
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Best for Evening Wear
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Final Thoughts
The Bergamot scent is a popular option for men and women. Today, there is a great variety of bergamot-infused scents for all types of seasons and occasions.
Selena Marc is a fragrance enthusiast, freelance writer, and dog mom living in Houston, Texas. When she's not writing about her favorite new perfumes, you can find her enjoying yoga or a morning hike.