Extracted from the peel of the most ripe fruits from the Citrus reticulata, or Mandarin, tree through cold expression, red mandarin essential oil has a bright, sweet, and refreshing citrus aroma with floral undertones. It is so-called because of the vibrant red-orange colour of the ripe fruit peel, which is harvested in winter between November and January.

Mandarin trees thrive in a hot climate in full sun, and are common across the Mediterranean, particularly in Italy, as well as in the USA.