Oud perfumes

Oud is one of the most sought-after notes in perfumery, and also one of the most misunderstood. Some imagine it to be always heavy and dark, while others love it precisely for this reason. In reality, there are fresh, sweet, floral, and smoky ouds: you just need to know where to start.

What is oud?

Oud (also called agarwood, agar wood, or "aoud") is a dark resin that forms in the wood of certain Asian trees of the Aquilaria genus when the plant reacts to an infection. The resin-soaked wood is rare and precious, and has been at the heart of Middle Eastern perfumery for centuries.

Its scent is woody, balsamic, and smoky, with nuances reminiscent of leather and, sometimes, an animalic note. Since natural oud is very expensive, almost all perfumes use accords that recreate it, often combined with small amounts of natural essence. This is not a flaw: it allows for cleaner, more wearable ouds.

The different faces of oud

Oud and rose. The classic pairing in Arabic perfumery: rose softens and brightens the wood. Try Montale Aoud Purple Rose (rose, saffron, oud, leather) and Creed Oud Zarian (centifolia rose, incense, aged oud).

Oud and vanilla. The softer, more enveloping version, perfect for getting started: Mancera Aoud Vanille, with sandalwood and intense vanilla.

Fresh oud. Yes, it exists: Mancera Aoud Lemon Mint opens with Sicilian lemon and coriander and leaves a subtle oud in the background.

Oud and tobacco. Warm, spicy, and perfect for evening: Montale Oud Tobacco, with tobacco, incense, black pepper, and Cambodian oud.

Citrusy and elegant oud. Creed Royal Oud makes it luminous with citrus, pink pepper, sandalwood, and cedar.

Fruity oud. For those who love gourmand fragrances: Montale Oudmazing (fig, pear, saffron) and Fugazzi Pomegranoudh (pomegranate, red fruits, vanilla).

Opulent oud. For those who want the best of tradition: The Spirit of Dubai Dubai Oud, incredibly rich in incense, myrrh, and Damask rose, and Nishane Hacivat Oud.

Where to start

If you have never worn an oud, start with a soft pairing (vanilla or rose) or a fresh oud. If you already love woody and spicy fragrances, you can go straight to tobacco and incense. The easiest way to find out which oud is right for you is the Oud Obsession Discovery Kit, which brings together artistic oud fragrances selected by us and lets you experience their different nuances.

You can find all our oud fragrances on the oud note page; if you love woody fragrances in general, also check out the woody fragrances.

How to wear oud

Oud is intense and long-lasting: one or two sprays are enough. It shines best in the spring, autumn, and winter, but citrusy and fresh ouds also work well on summer evenings.

Frequently asked questions

What is oud in a perfume?

It is a woody, balsamic, and smoky resin that forms in the wood of certain Asian trees of the Aquilaria genus. In perfumery, it is used naturally or, more often, recreated with accords that reproduce its scent.

What does oud smell like?

Woody, smoky, and balsamic, with nuances of leather and sometimes animalic notes. It changes a lot depending on what it is paired with: rose, vanilla, tobacco, or citrus.

What is the best oud fragrance for beginners?

A soft oud like Mancera Aoud Vanille or a fresh one like Mancera Aoud Lemon Mint. To try several together, there is the Oud Obsession Discovery Kit.

Is oud a fragrance for men or women?

It is unisex. In Arabic tradition, everyone wears it; pairings with rose or fruit are often chosen by women, while those with tobacco and leather are chosen by men, but it is simply a matter of taste.

Why do oud fragrances cost so much?

Natural oud is one of the rarest and most expensive raw materials in perfumery. Even when recreated, quality ouds often use a portion of natural essence and high concentrations.