Photo Oud :: fragrance ingredients

Oud, also known as Agarwood or Aloeswood, is a highly prized and aromatic resinous wood derived from the Aquilaria tree. The history of Oud dates back centuries, with its roots deeply embedded in ancient cultures and traditions. Historically, Oud has been revered in various civilizations for its sacred and spiritual significance. Its fragrant resin has been used in religious ceremonies, meditation practices, and traditional healing rituals. The distinctive scent of Oud is believed to have a calming and grounding effect on the mind and spirit. Oud's journey in the world of perfumery is equally rich. The resinous wood has been a coveted ingredient for creating unique and luxurious fragrances. It adds a deep and complex aroma, often described as woody, balsamic, and sweet, with hints of earthiness and spice. Oud is commonly used as a base note in perfumes, contributing to their longevity and providing a distinctive character. The formation of Oud is a fascinating process. It occurs when the Aquilaria tree undergoes a natural defense mechanism in response to specific environmental conditions or fungal infections. The tree produces a resin, which saturates the heartwood, transforming it into the sought-after Oud. Extracting Oud oil is a meticulous process due to the rarity and value of the wood. The oil is highly concentrated and is considered one of the most expensive and luxurious ingredients in the palette of perfumers. Embodying a harmonious blend of history, spirituality, and olfactory allure, Oud stands as a testament to nature's ability to create something truly extraordinary.

Natural or Synthetic?
Oud is naturally obtained from the heartwood of the Aquilaria tree, where the wood undergoes a transformation due to a fungal infection, resulting in the production of a fragrant resin. The extraction process is typically done through steam distillation. Due to the rarity and high cost of natural Oud, synthetic alternatives have been developed. These synthetics aim to replicate the characteristic woody and oriental fragrance of natural Oud and are often used in combination with natural Oud or as a substitute to make the fragrance more accessible and sustainable.



Fragrance Families Oud Most Commonly Found In



Show fragrances that contain Oud as a note





Some Statistics on Oud



Note distribution of oud across all fragrances

Percentage of fragrances in our database (1651 Fragrances) that contain oud