Oud perfumes have become very popular and most brands have their own line of oud fragrances. Are you wondering what exactly oud is before you buy an oud perfume? Look no further!
With a long history deeply woven into human culture, the complex and rich woody scent of oud holds a significant place in the world of fragrances.
Continue reading to delve into the intricacies of oud, from its sourcing to its history, and explore its future implications. Uncover the distinct aroma of oud, understand its role as a fragrance base note, and gain insights into a selection of popular oud perfumes.
- What is Oud?
- A Brief History of Oud
- The Future of Oud: Sustainable Sources
- What Does Oud Smell Like?
- How is Oud Used in Fragrances?
- Popular Oud Perfumes
What is Oud?
Oud is an intensely fragrant oil extracted from tree resin. In perfumery, it is often used as a base note – its signature depth and rich animalic aroma provide a sensual, woody dry down. With its earthy notes and intriguing character, oud perfumes are synonymous with seduction.
Oud, also known as agarwood, comes from a certain species of tree, the Aquilaria tree, native to the rainforests of southeast Asia. Oud forms when the tree sustains damage and then becomes infected by the Phialophora parasitica mold. The tree responds to the damage and infection by producing a dark, fragrant resin, which is oud.
Natural oud ranks among the most expensive raw materials globally. Often dubbed “liquid gold,” its cost can reach up to $5,000 per pound, and the annual market value is in the billions.
Oud’s high value stems from its rarity, as the demand for the product far outweighs the supply. The most exquisite ouds are extracted from trees aged 30 to 60 years, and the pursuit of oud has pushed Aquilaria trees to the brink of extinction. Experts estimate an 80% decline in the global population over the last 150 years. [1]
In 2018, the ICUN reclassified the Aquilaria tree from vulnerable to critically endangered status. [2]
A Brief History of Oud
Historians trace the use of oud back to ancient times, finding mention of oud in scriptures from numerous ancient cultures.
Oud, a fragrance with a rich history and origins that dates it back to 1400 B.C.E is steeped in culture and tradition. It is used in the form of incense where the wood chips are burnt to welcome guests at home, it is also infused in perfumes or oil. Today notes of Oud can be found in commercial perfumes world over.[3]
Oud is mentioned in the Sanskrit Vedas, one of the world’s oldest written texts. It also appears in the Bible, the Torah, and Buddhist and Islamic scriptures.
Records in Vietnam exist dating back to the third century A.D. that describe the export of oud to China and Japan.
Oud has been an important part of Middle Eastern cultures for centuries, deeply woven into tradition. One example is the centuries-old practice of Bakhoor, where chips of oud wood are burned to release their fragrance. This act not only perfumes the air but also serves as a conduit for communal gatherings, celebrations, and significant life events. The aromatic trails of oud-infused Bakhoor have become synonymous with hospitality, enhancing the ambiance of homes and welcoming guests in a sensory embrace.
As Middle Eastern fragrances gain popularity across the world, oud has followed suit with oud perfumes increasingly sought after on the global stage.
The Future of Oud: Sustainable Sources
Oud is currently farmed on ethical and sustainable Aquilaria tree plantations in various locations, including Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand.
Since harvesting oud from the wild is now illegal, what remains of wild-sourced oud isn’t present on the market but rather resides within the collections of private collectors.
Synthetic oud is also widely used in oud perfumes. Large fragrance and ingredient manufacturing companies such as Givaudan have developed sustainable, synthetic sources of natural ingredients, including oud.
Large-scale manufacturers and producers of fragrances, including oud perfumes, often choose to use synthetics for both cost-effectiveness and the desire for a consistent scent profile across all products.
Synthetic oud delivers this desired uniformity, whereas natural oud can exhibit variations in scent due to factors such as region, soil, climate, and distillation method.
What Does Oud Smell Like?
Describing the subtleties of oud’s notes is a challenge, as it is complex and can vary from source to source.
Oud possesses a deep and rich woody scent profile. It features a woody aroma reminiscent of resins and incense. It is often described as smoky and bitter, though sometimes offering a subtle sweetness, along with a mild spiciness.
Some liken it to an earthy essence evoking dried leaves or soil.
Synthetic oud often displays notes reminiscent of cedarwood and leather. [4]
How is Oud Used in Fragrances?
Oud is commonly used as a base note in perfumes. Base notes remain on the skin long after the initial top and middle notes have faded.
Serving as the foundation of a fragrance, base notes possess a remarkable richness, weight, and longevity, often lingering for up to six hours or more.
Oud, in particular, boasts substantial staying power.
When utilized as a base note, oud contributes a robust and lasting scent, while also enhancing the aromas of other components within the fragrance. It infuses fragrances with a warm, sweet, and earthy aroma.
Oud perfumes are complex and varied, offering a diverse range of fragrances.[5]
Popular Oud Perfumes
1: Tom Ford Oud Wood
"A signature creation known for its sophisticated blend of oud and spices, offering a warm and luxurious fragrance experience."
- Customer Reviews:
About Product:
- Brand Tom Ford
- Item Form Liquid
- Item Volume 50 Milliliters
- Scent Oud Wood
- Special Feature Not Tested On Animals
Reviews:
Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2024
My husband loves this scent. I bought this smaller bottle because I wasnot sure if he would like it....he loves the smell and stated he is going to buy a lager size so he never runs out :)
Thank you
Thank you
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2024
- Customer Reviews:
Reviews:
50 mil not 150 mil
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 13, 2019Not very impressed at all, product was sold to me as 150 ml I even asked a Amazon representative if this is right. It came as 50 ml.
About Product:
Brand YVES SAINT LAURENT
Item Form Liquid
Item Volume 80 Milliliters
Fragrance Concentration Eau de Toilette
Age Range (Description) Adult
- Customer Reviews:
Reviews:
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2015
I love this cologne. I have Creeds Oud and it is very floral with little woodsy scents, also have Versaces Oud and it too is very flowery. YSL hit it on the head with the M7 absolute.
Great combination of spicy/woodsy scents. M7 drives my wife crazy, her favorite on me by far, Second in my line up is Creed's Aventus. I love the way M7 blends in with my natual body odor, get many compliments.
Great combination of spicy/woodsy scents. M7 drives my wife crazy, her favorite on me by far, Second in my line up is Creed's Aventus. I love the way M7 blends in with my natual body odor, get many compliments.
A combination of fresh citrus, oud, and leather creates a unique and classy fragrance.
About Product:
Brand Acqua Di Parma
Item Form Liquid
Item Volume 100 Milliliters
Scent Cedar,Coriander,Orange,Sandalwood
Special Feature travel_size
- Customer Reviews:
Reviews:
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2023
Smells wonderful and sophisticated. Really one of my favorite fragrances. I wish it lasted longer on my skin, but it seems to fade.
About Product:
Building your beloved fragrances
Each perfume, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Cologne or Eau de Solid is made with fragrance oils and alcohol. The oils serve as a carrier of the fragrance, whereas the alcohol forms a bridge between oil and skin. The individual categories reflect the ratio between oil and alcohol. Perfume has the highest oil content with 15%-30% and eau de solid with 1%-3% the lowest.
Despite the differences in the quantity ratio, each fragrance component traditionally unfolds gradually according to the so-called fragrance pyramid. This consists of head, heart and base notes.
- Customer Reviews:
Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2022
Remember that fragrance preferences are highly individual and can vary significantly from person to person. Exploring and discovering new fragrances is an enriching experience that allows you to curate a collection of scents that truly reflect your individuality.
What Next?
If you are ready to search for your next new oud perfume, check out our guide on buying perfumes.
Sable Yong
FORMER DIGITAL BEAUTY EDITOR
Sable Yong is an award-winning beauty writer and the former digital beauty editor of Allure. She currently hosts the podcast Smell Ya Later (along with fellow Allure contributor Tynan Sinks) and is the author of Hard Feelings on Substack. Her work has been published in The New York Times, Vogue, GQ, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, New York Magazine, and more.
2: Creed Royal Oud