Oud is one of the best-known scents of the Middle East – deep, woody and unmistakable. In Arab countries it has been burned, worn as an oil and used in perfumes for centuries. Today oud has also found its way into European perfumery. Here you'll learn what oud is, how it smells and how best to wear it.
What is oud?
Oud (also oudh or agarwood) is a dark, resinous wood from the heart of certain trees of the genus Aquilaria, which grow in South and Southeast Asia. The fragrant resin only forms when the tree reacts to an injury or infection. Because this process takes a long time and only some trees are affected, genuine oud is one of the most precious raw materials in perfumery.
How does oud smell?
Oud is a scent with many facets. Typical are:
- woody and resinous notes
- a smoky, sometimes slightly leathery depth
- depending on origin and processing, also sweet, spicy or animalic nuances
On its own, oud is very intense. That's why it is often combined with rose, saffron, amber, sandalwood or vanilla – which makes the scent rounder and easier to wear.
Oud in every form
- Oud wood for burning: the classic ritual, for example with Oud Al-Safwah 75 g. Our bakhoor guide explains how burning works.
- Bakhoor with oud: wood pieces with an oud fragrance blend, such as Mabsous Rose & Oud or Mabsous Oud Malaki.
- Oud oil and perfume elixir: concentrated and alcohol-free, for example the Dehn Al Oud Perfume Elixir or the Oud XY Perfume Oil.
- Eau de parfum with oud: for example Karamat Oudh, Karamat Oud Afgano or Maison Maïssa Oud Sultan.
- Oud for the home: as a room spray such as Oud Royal or as the Oud Royal scented candle.
What names like extrait, eau de parfum or perfume oil mean is explained in our guide Extrait, Eau de Parfum or Eau de Toilette?
How to wear oud
- Use sparingly: oud is strong. One drop of oil or one or two sprays are enough.
- Apply to pulse points: wrists, neck and behind the ears – don't rub.
- Layering: an oud oil as a base with an eau de parfum on top combines depth and projection. Traditionally, bakhoor smoke is also wafted through clothes.
- Match the season: oud shines in the cooler months and in the evening; in summer, fresher combinations with citrus or floral notes work well.
FAQ
Is oud a scent for men or women?
Both. Oud is traditionally unisex. With rose or vanilla it feels softer; with leather or spices, bolder.
Why doesn't oud smell the same in every perfume?
Oud wood differs by origin and processing. In addition, perfumes often use an oud accord, which every house composes differently.
How long does an oud scent last?
Oud is a base note and usually lasts a long time. Exactly how long depends on the concentration, your skin and the combination.
