Grapefruit oil, which smells wonderful to almost all people, is – superficially viewed – composed almost exactly like orange oil, yet the "background" of grapefruit oil smells completely different. Two components that occur only in traces are decisive for this special fragrance: nootkatone, a well-tolerated rare sesquiterpene ketone, and 1-p-menthen-8-thiol, the so-called grapefruit mercaptan, a sulfur-containing molecule [correctly 1-p-menthen-8-thiol, a thioterpineol].
Sulfur-containing molecules can be perceived by the human nose in extremely small traces. As soon as too much of it reaches the nose, the sensation changes from fragrance to stench and internal alarm bells start ringing, because "it smells like gas." However, this and other aromatic compounds with high olfactory intensity also trigger distinctly positive psychological effects in many people – when the dilution is right.
The American fragrance researcher Alan Hirsch reported with a wink after his behavioral study from 2006 that women who smell like the essential oil of pink grapefruit are always rated by men as about six years younger than they actually are. Professor Dr. Hanns Hatt additionally speaks of the "olfactory equivalent" to (slimming) vertical stripes in clothing!
An important note: There is repeatedly false information regarding the interaction of medications with consumed grapefruit JUICE. Please note that the effects of externally applied grapefruit OIL do not harbor this problem, since both products are not identically composed, and moreover one is aqueous, the other lipophilic! Diluted grapefruit oil applied to the skin does not "interfere" with any medication in the liver.
Grapefruit oil can stimulate creative processes, and together with another fragrance that pairs wonderfully with it, this effect can be further enhanced. In the Scentarium we will reveal the recipe. Until then, enjoy this special fragrance and discover the many facets with which it can enrich your everyday life!
