Oud

What Does It Smell Like?

Oud is profoundly complex—imagine walking into a centuries-old wooden temple where incense has smouldered for generations. There's dark, animalic warmth reminiscent of leather and tobacco, threaded through with something almost medicinal and slightly funky, like aged wood that's been touched by earth and time. Some describe it as smoky-sweet, with whispers of honey and spice lurking beneath. It's neither floral nor fresh; it's introspective and dense, filling your senses with contemplative richness.

Origin & History

Oud comes from agarwood, a rare Southeast Asian tree (primarily found in Cambodia, Laos, and Bangladesh). When the Aquilaria tree becomes infected with a specific mould, it produces a dark, fragrant resin as a defence mechanism—this resin is oud. Harvesting is labour-intensive and unsustainable; wild trees are nearly extinct. Consequently, most modern fragrances use synthetic oud, created through chemical synthesis to replicate the precious natural ingredient's characteristic scent profile.

In Perfumery

Oud serves as a potent base note and fixative, anchoring fragrances with depth and longevity. Perfumers use it sparingly—a little goes far—to add exotic gravitas, sensuality, and mystery. It's the note that makes a fragrance linger on skin for hours, whilst lending an opulent, almost spiritual quality to compositions.

Pairs Beautifully With

Featured In 351 Fragrances