Woods · Ingredient
Oud
WoodsBoth
What does oud smell like?
Rich, woody, and complex with layers of smoky sweetness, damp earth, and aged leather. Depending on the origin, it can range from medicinal and sharp to honeyed and smooth.
About Oud
Oud (also spelled oudh, or called agarwood) is one of the rarest and most expensive raw materials in all of perfumery. It comes from the heartwood of Aquilaria trees, but here is the fascinating part: the wood only develops that signature dark, resinous quality after the tree gets infected by a specific mold called Phialophora parasitica. The tree produces the resin as a defense mechanism, and that resin is what gives oud its incredible depth. Less than 2% of wild Aquilaria trees actually produce oud, which is why genuine oud oil can cost more per ounce than gold.
Origin and Extraction
Origin
Southeast Asia (Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, India, Bangladesh)
Extraction Method
Steam distillation of infected Aquilaria heartwood. The process can take days, and yields are extremely low.
Common Pairings
Oud works especially well alongside these ingredients:
Interesting Facts
- Oud has been used in Middle Eastern and Asian cultures for thousands of years, both as incense and medicine.
- A single kilogram of high-quality oud oil can sell for over $50,000.
- The oud trade is now regulated by CITES due to overharvesting of Aquilaria trees in the wild.
- Most modern perfumes use synthetic oud replacements like Javanol and Georgywood for cost and sustainability reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Oud smell like?+
Rich, woody, and complex with layers of smoky sweetness, damp earth, and aged leather. Depending on the origin, it can range from medicinal and sharp to honeyed and smooth.
Is Oud natural or synthetic?+
Oud used in modern perfumery is both. Oud (also spelled oudh, or called agarwood) is one of the rarest and most expensive raw materials in all of perfumery.
What fragrances have Oud?+
Many luxury fragrances use Oud to add woods characteristics.
Try before you commit to the bottle
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References
- Arctander, Steffen. "Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin." 1969.
- "The Global Trade of Oud." TRAFFIC International Report, 2020.
- IFRA. "Agarwood and Oud Standards." International Fragrance Association, 2022.
Last updated: 2026-04-18