Home › Glossary › Shiikuwasha

Shiikuwasha

CITRUS SMELLS / citrus · fresh · fruity

Shiikuwasha

Category	CITRUS SMELLS
Subcategory	citrus · fresh · fruity
Origin
Volatility	Top Note
Botanical	Citrus depressa
Appearance	Yellow to golden mobile liquid
Odor Strength	High
Producing Countries	Japan, Taiwan
Pyramid	Top

A tiny Okinawan citrus — intensely sour with a particular nobilet in-rich peel.

Scent
Terroir & Origins
The Full Story
Fun Fact
Extraction & Chemistry
In Perfumery

Scent

Shiikuwasha has a bright, zesty aroma. The scent combines lime and grapefruit, with a slightly sweet undertone and a sharp, tangy quality.

Scent Evolution

The scent shows a subtle green freshness with herbal, foliage-like nuances.

Signature Accords

As the fragrance evolves, the initial brightness softens, creating a layered profile that stays dynamic through the wear.

Evolution over time

Immediately

Bright and zesty with sharp citrus notes, reminiscent of lime and grapefruit.

After a few hours

The initial brightness softens, revealing sweeter undertones while maintaining a citrus zing.

After a few days

On a blotter after 24 hours, the scent remains fresh with subtle green and herbal nuances.

Terroir & Expressions

Indicative 2025 wholesale prices.

The Full Story

Shiikuwasha, also known as shikwasa or Okinawan lime, is a citrus fruit native to the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, traditionally used in cooking and in folk medicine. The fruit is small, about 4 to 6 centimeters in diameter, with a glossy green skin that turns yellow when fully ripe. Shiikuwasha is used in regional dishes and beverages.

Origin and Production

In perfumery, shiikuwasha has a bright, fresh scent. Its essential oil is extracted from the peel and is rich in limonene, giving a zesty character.

Chemistry and Scent Profile

Perfumers use shiikuwasha in both fresh and floral compositions. It can brighten a fragrance and add an exotic note to traditional citrus accords.

Role in Perfumery

Shiikuwasha is a regional citrus increasingly used in perfumery as an alternative to more common citrus notes.

Did You Know?

Shiikuwasha is traditionally used in Okinawa for its flavor and for reputed health benefits, including supporting digestion and immunity.

This note in Première Peau. Gravitas Capitale · Nuit Elastique · Rose Monotone. Sample all seven extraits in the Discovery Set.

Related notes: Bergamot · Bigarade · Bitter Orange · Blood Orange · Buddhas Hand · Calamansi · Candied Lemon · Chen Pi

Did You Know?

Did you know?

Shiikuwasha is traditionally used in Okinawa for its flavor and for its health benefits, believed to support digestion and boost immunity.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method: Cold pressing

↑ See Terroir & Origins for origin-specific methods.

Molecular Formula	Complex mixture — key: nobiletin (C₂₁H₂₂O₈), limonene (C₁₀H₁₆)
CAS Number	N/A — no standard CAS for essential oil
Botanical Name	Citrus depressa
IFRA Status	No known restrictions
Synonyms	Shikwasa, Shekwasha, Okinawan lime
Physical Properties
Odor Strength	High
Lasting Power	24 hours
Appearance	Yellow to golden mobile liquid

In Perfumery

Shiikuwash a is a top note in perfumery, adding a burst of citrus freshness that captures attention immediately. Shiikuwash a can complement green notes, enhancing their natural and organic qualities. Because of its lively character, Shiikuwash a is often utilized in summer fragrances and unisex blends, where its refreshing qualities can shine. Perfumers appreciate its ability to bridge the gap between sweetness and acidity, allowing for a balanced fragrance structure.