Chenpi Essential Oil (Citrus reticulata)

Steam distilled from the dried peel of Citrus reticulata, Chenpi Essential Oil captures the rich aroma of aged tangerine peel, a botanical treasured for centuries throughout China. Unlike fresh citrus oils, Chenpi develops remarkable depth through the drying and ageing of the peel, producing a fragrance that is warm, sophisticated and beautifully rounded.

Its aroma opens with sweet mandarin before revealing notes of dried citrus peel, aromatic herbs and gentle spice. Bright enough to lift a fragrance while possessing far more depth than fresh citrus oils, Chenpi bridges sparkling top notes with warm woods, florals and resins, making it an exceptionally versatile ingredient in artisan perfumery.

Whether used in perfumes, candles or botanical formulations, Chenpi brings a distinctive citrus warmth that is both comforting and refined.

Why you’ll love it:

• Steam distilled from aged tangerine peel
• Rich citrus aroma with warm herbal and spicy nuances
• More complex and rounded than fresh mandarin or sweet orange
• Excellent for perfumes, candles, soaps and aromatherapy

• Opening: sweet ripe mandarin
• Heart: dried citrus peel with aromatic herbs
• Base: warm spice with gentle woody sweetness
• Strength: Medium
• Perfume note: Top / Heart

A beautifully matured citrus that combines freshness with warmth, offering remarkable complexity and elegance.

• Perfumery: A sophisticated citrus note that blends beautifully with bergamot, sweet orange, frankincense, sandalwood, cedarwood, benzoin, ginger and florals.
• Aromatherapy: Add 1–2 drops to 10 ml carrier oil for bright yet comforting botanical blends.
• Diffuser: Use 3–6 drops to create a warm, uplifting citrus atmosphere.
• Soap & candles: Excellent for artisan soaps and botanical candles, where its rich citrus character develops beautifully with warmth.

Blends beautifully with

Bergamot, Sweet Orange, Yuzu, Ginger CO₂, Frankincense, Benzoin, Tonka Bean, Sandalwood Australian, Cedarwood Atlas, Lavender, Jasmine Sambac and Ylang Ylang Complete.

Botanical

Citrus reticulata

Common name

Chenpi

Plant part

Aged dried peel

Extraction

Steam distilled

Appearance

Pale yellow to golden liquid

Perfume note

Top / Heart

Solubility

Oil-soluble

Gabriella Oils Evaluation

A wonderfully distinctive citrus with far greater depth than fresh mandarin. The ageing of the peel creates a beautifully balanced aroma that moves effortlessly between bright citrus freshness and warm botanical richness, making it an exceptional ingredient for natural perfumery.

Safety

For external use only. Dilute before skin application. Avoid contact with eyes and keep out of reach of children. If pregnant, breastfeeding or under medical supervision, consult a qualified professional before use.

Chenpi, meaning "aged citrus peel" in Chinese, has been treasured for centuries as one of China's most distinctive aromatic botanicals. Traditionally prepared by carefully drying and ageing the peel of Citrus reticulata, the material gradually develops a deeper, richer fragrance as it matures, transforming bright fresh citrus into a warm and complex aromatic ingredient.

Highly valued throughout Chinese culture, aged tangerine peel has long been appreciated not only for its fragrance but also for its role in teas, incense and traditional botanical preparations. The finest Chenpi is often aged for many years, with older peels becoming increasingly prized for their depth of aroma.

Today, Chenpi Essential Oil offers perfumers a unique citrus unlike any other. Its combination of sweet mandarin, dried peel, herbs and gentle spice bridges fresh citrus and warm woody notes with remarkable elegance, making it one of the most distinctive natural citrus ingredients available.

Quality & Documentation

We provide documentation as it becomes available, including IFRA, COA, and SDS files where supplied for the oil.

Available documents

• Documentation is being prepared for this oil.

Shipping & Delivery

United Kingdom

Free shipping to the United Kingdom, Guernsey, Isle of Man, and Jersey. Orders are dispatched using Royal Mail Tracked 24, with delivery typically within 1-2 working days after dispatch.

European Union

Flat-rate shipping of £12.00 to all 27 EU member states. Orders are sent using a fully tracked service with duties and taxes paid in advance (DDP), so there are no unexpected customs charges on delivery.

Typical transit time is 3–5 business days.

United States

Flat-rate shipping of £14.00. Orders are sent using a fully tracked service with duties and taxes paid in advance (DDP).

Typical transit time is 5–8 business days.

Dispatch times

Orders are usually dispatched within 1 working day. During busy periods this may extend slightly, but we always aim to ship as quickly as possible.