You can smell it in the air – spring is well and truly here and summer is just around the corner. Not only is this cause for celebration, but it’s also a reason to add a new citrus cologne to your collection for all those summertime vibes. Even if you’re on Australia’s east coast and bracing yourself for another La Niña these fragrances will no doubt transport you to a clear-skied, hot, sunny summer’s day lazing on a beach somewhere. Here are the best fresh citrus colognes and perfumes for men to help take you there.
If you need help choosing, check out our guide on finding your own signature scent. And once you’ve found a cologne that suits you, refer to our article on applying cologne correctly. Now, let’s check out the list of our favourites.
RELATED: Looking for a great fragrance? These are our favourites, as chosen by our editors.
Best Fresh Citrus Colognes at a Glance
Our list of the best citrus fragrances goes like this.
- Best overall fresh citrus cologne: Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford
- Best for everyday wear: Born in Roma Yellow Dream by Valentino
- Best for going out: Mister Marvelous by Byredo
- Best for value: Eau Sauvage by Dior
Now we’ve had a look at our favourites, let’s check out the complete list.
List of the Best Fresh Citrus Colognes for Men
- Best Fresh Citrus Colognes at a Glance
- 1. Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford
- 2. Colonia by Acqua Di Parma
- 3. Aqua Celestia by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
- 4. Eau Sauvage by Dior
- 5. Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani
- 6. Allure Homme Sport by Chanel
- 7. Viking Cologne by Creed
- 8. Born in Roma Yellow Dream by Valentino
- 9. Luna Rossa Ocean by Prada
- 10. Mister Marvelous by Byredo
- 11. L’Humaniste by Frapin
- 12. Every One by Calvin Klein
- 13. Uden Overdose by Xerjoff
- 14. Pomegranate Noir Cologne by Jo Malone London
- 15. Terre d’Hermes Parfum by Hermes
- How Man of Many Chose this List of Fresh Citrus Colognes
- Alternatives to Citrus Colognes and Perfumes for Men
- Fresh Colognes for Men FAQs
1. Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford
Kicking things off is this unbeatable unisex citrus cologne. Tom Ford accessories are all the rage, so why not add to your collection with this delicious fragrance? From the very first spray, you will be immersed in summery scents including bergamot, mandarin orange, lemon, and bitter orange, which are balanced by middle notes of neroli, jasmine and musky base notes.
Launched: 2011
Top notes: Bergamot, Mandarin Orange, Lemon, Bitter Orange, Lavender, Rosemary, Myrtle
Middle notes: African Orange flower, Neroli, Jasmine, Pittosporum
Base notes: Amber, Ambrette (Musk Mallow), Angelica
Price: from $329.99 AUD
2. Colonia by Acqua Di Parma
We love the way Colonia by Acqua Di Parma is timeless and elegant, thanks to its blend of golden fruits which are amplified by the warm and precious woody notes of vetiver, sandalwood, and patchouli. This blend makes this one of the most versatile citrus perfumes for him, and it smells just like a refreshing dip in the ocean accompanied by an Aperol spritz in hand, what more could you want?
Launched: 1916
Top notes: Calabrian bergamot, Italian Orange
Middle notes: Agarwood (Oud), Amyris, Coriander
Base notes: Leather, Sandalwood, Atlas Cedar, Musk, Indonesian Patchouli Leaf
Price: from $180 AUD
3. Aqua Celestia by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Another unisex fragrance to add to your collection, the citrus cologne by leaders in the world of luxury fragrances, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, is luxuriously summery and fresh. We love its seductive musky floral wake, which combines with a heavenly freshness thanks to notes of lime and cool mint, resulting in a sense of serenity that can easily be sprayed to elevate any day, no matter how dreary. This is the epitome of fruity freshness in a bottle.
Launched: 2017
Top notes: Lime, Mint, Black Currant, Neroli
Middle notes: Mimosa, Green Notes, Rose
Base notes: White Musk
Price: from $300 AUD
4. Eau Sauvage by Dior
The best fresh cologne by Dior, Eau Sauvage is a powerful scent invigorated with a unique freshness warmed by the Grasse sun. We love the summery scents in the top notes, bursting with citrus flavours like lemon and bergamot. They are contrasted beautifully with masculine woody middle notes to reveal a spicy, oriental base.
Launched: 1966
Top notes: Lemon, Bergamot, Basil, Rosemary, Caraway, Fruity Notes
Middle notes: Jasmine, Coriander, Carnation, Orris Root, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Rose
Base notes: Oakmoss, Vetiver, Musk, Amber
Price: from $175 AUD
5. Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani
Exuding a unique, nature-inspired scent reminiscent of a summer in Italy, Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani is the best fresh men’s fragrance for those who like to feel as if they’re in holiday mode, every day. Its fresh, aquatic notes are undeniably masculine, with splashes of Calabrian bergamot, neroli and green tangerine that balance one another out to create a men’s fragrance that is just as fresh anas it is summery and sensual.
Launched: 1996
Top notes: Bergamot, Tangerine, Neroli
Middle notes: Marine, Jasmine, Rosemary
Base notes: Cedar, Patchouli
Price: from $120 AUD
6. Allure Homme Sport by Chanel
We love everything Chanel does, especially its fragrances. Why do we love it? It’s not afraid to make a statement, with a fresh and woody fragrance that is sensual and bold. Designed for the man who loves a challenge, Italian mandarin heralds the clean and intense notes of cedar, balanced with a sensual and almondy Tonka bean, and enhanced by white musk. One of the best fresh men’s fragrances with a sensual touch, we love it for any season.
Launched: 2004
Top notes: Orange, Sea Notes, Aldehydes, Blood Mandarin
Middle notes: Pepper, Neroli, Cedar
Base notes: Tonka Bean, Vanilla, White Musk, Amber, Vetiver, Elemi resin
Price: from $175 AUD
7. Viking Cologne by Creed
While it’s only been around for a few years, Viking by Creed has become one of our favourite scents for the man who’s looking for the ultimate bold, fresh citrus perfume. Inspired by the scents of springtime in the Norwegian fjords, the perfume blends dry sandalwood, fresh bergamot, nutmeg and frankincense for the ultimate zesty vibe. Designed for the modern-day Viking, the fragrance is a contemporary scent for the modern-day adventurer.
Launched: 2021
Top notes: Mandarin Orange, Pink Pepper, Lemon, Bergamot
Middle notes: Lavender, Geranium, Rosemary, Sage, Nutmeg
Base notes: Vetiver, Sandalwood, Cedar, Olibanum, Patchouli
Price: from $359 AUD
8. Born in Roma Yellow Dream by Valentino
Perhaps the least-citrus-inspired scent on the list, we love the spicy and sweet tang of this luxurious fragrance. Valentino has created an exotic connotation of juicy Italian mandarin and zesty pineapple that not only awakens the senses but exudes a sensual feel thanks to the textured vanilla and cedarwood. We imagine this scent is what a bustling lane somewhere along the coast of Cinque Terre looks like, and we’re obsessed.
Launched: 2021
Top notes: Pineapple, Mandarin Orange
Middle notes: Ginger, Gingerbread, Spices
Base notes: Vanilla Absolute, Cedar Essence
Price: from $200 AUD
9. Luna Rossa Ocean by Prada
If you’re looking for a clean, masculine scent to keep you feeling fresh, Luna Rossa Ocean by Pradais is the best fresh men’s fragrance for the job. Featuring a cocktail of citrus combined with lavender and sage creates a sophisticated, elegant fragrance. Ideal for the summer months, it makes a wonderful addition to any man’s perfume collection.
Launched: 2021
Top notes: Bergamot, Pink Pepper, Artemisia
Middle notes: Lavender, Iris, Sage, Suede, Saffron
Base notes: Musk, Haitian Vetiver, Patchouli, Caramel
Price: from $126 AUD
10. Mister Marvelous by Byredo
Byredo’s Mister Marvelous fragrance is a limited-edition reissue of the original cult favourite citrus perfume for him. Even fresher than its predecessor, it encapsulates a modern citrus-led twist with notes of mandarin leaves and neroli flower and a fresh heart of bamboo and green lavender, and spicy notes of black amber and white cedarwood. Oh, la la.
Launched: 2014
Top notes: Petitgrain, Neroli
Middle notes: Bamboo, Lavender
Base notes: Cedar, Amber
Price: from $400 AUD
11. L’Humaniste by Frapin
One of the best fresh men’s fragrances with a strong aromatic profile, Frapin doesn’t disappoint with this long-time favourite. Found in many a man’s fragrance collections, it features a playful gin accord with plenty of spice thanks to a mix of cardamom, pink pepper and black pepper. This scent is sure to spice up any day.
Launched: 2009
Top notes: Amalfi Lemon, Bergamot, Cardamom, Pink Pepper, Pepper
Middle notes: Juniper Berries, Nutmeg, Thyme, Peony
Base notes: Gin, Oakmoss, Tonka Bean
Price: from $259 AUD
12. Every One by Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein knows what the people want, and their clean, citrus fragrance is just that. The multifaceted scent is fresh and aromatic, with organic orange oil layers over a heart of blue tea accord and a musky base of cedarwood. It is also vegan, made from naturally-derived alcohol and infused with ingredients derived from natural origins and comes in a recyclable glass bottle. The best bit? This citrus cologne is also extremely affordable.
Launched: 2020
Top notes: Orange Oil, Ginger
Middle notes: Watery Notes, Tea
Base notes: Musk, Cedar, Amber, Patchouli
Price: from $60 AUD
13. Uden Overdose by Xerjoff
This is the best fresh cologne for those who can handle a lot of citrus, and we mean, a lot. The perfume is inspired by the summer and the sea, with enticing top notes of lemon and bergamot, a heart of spicy ginger, tobacco flowers and coffee with amber and musk to finish. Encased in a crystal flacon and enthroned in a leather box, you can get much more luxurious than this.
Launched: 2018
Top notes: Lemon, Bergamot
Middle notes: Ginger, Tobacco blossom
Base notes: Amber, Musk
Price: from $400 AUD
14. Pomegranate Noir Cologne by Jo Malone London
An aromatic fruity fragrance, Pomegranate Noir Cologne is fresh without the citrus, and with more exotic fruit flavours bringing that delicious fresh quality we all love. We love how it combines everyone’s favourite summer fruits to create a rich, sensual and enigmatic scent that is perfect for any occasion.
Launched: 2014
Top notes: Pomegranate, Raspberry, Plum, Rhubarb, Watermelon
Middle notes: Rose, Pink Pepper, Cardamon, Opoponax, Casablanca Lily, Jasmine, Lily-of-the-Valley, Guaiac Wood, Olibanum
Base notes: Patchouli, Amber, Cedar, Musk
Price: from $229 AUD
15. Terre d’Hermes Parfum by Hermes
If this doesn’t scream fresh, citrusy goodness, we don’t what does. The perfect fragrance for those looking for the freshness of orange and grapefruit with the warmth of wood. We love how simple it is, even down to the minimalistic bottle.
Launched: 2009
Top notes: Orange, Grapefruit
Middle notes: Flint
Base notes: Woodsy Notes, oak moss, Benzoin
Price: from $200 AUD
How Man of Many Chose this List of Fresh Citrus Colognes
With more than 10 years of experience covering the latest in mens colognes, Man of Many has curated a list of the best fresh citrus colognes for men. Here, it goes without saying, that having a good nose is key. And while Man of Many has had the chance to test every fragrance on this list (often thanks to their friends in the industry), they’ve also turned to the wider public for their overall ratings. Their list of fresh citrus fragrances takes into account three major perspectives to determine the overall rating. In addition to their own opinions, they take into account reviews via the perfume forum Fragrantica and the Australian retailers Myer and Chemist Warehouse. They then collate the information together and measure the best fresh citrus perfumes for men via overall scent profile, reader ratings and value for money.
Interested in more cologne and perfume stories? Here are a few stories to get you started:
Alternatives to Citrus Colognes and Perfumes for Men
Colognes & Fragrances Using Different Notes
- Best Woody Fragrances for Men
- Best Spicy Colognes and Fragrances for Men
- Tom Ford Beau de Jour is Smoky and Minty
Seasonal Colognes & Fragrances
- Best Summer Fragrances for Men
- Best Autumn and Fall Fragrances for Men
- Best Winter Perfumes and Fragrances for Men
- Best Spring Fragrances for Men
Fresh Colognes for Men FAQs
The best luxury citrus perfume for men is Aqua Celestia by Maison Francis Kurkdjian.
The summer and spring months are ideal for wearing a citrus perfume.
Yes, fresh cologne for men is ok to wear out!
