Oud is one of the most famous ingredients in Arabic perfumery, and one of the most misunderstood. Some people love it from the first spray, others need time to warm up to it. If you've seen "oud" on a bottle and wondered what it means, this guide is for you.
What is oud?
Oud, also called agarwood, comes from the heartwood of Aquilaria trees, which grow in parts of Asia. When the tree is infected by a certain type of mould, it produces a dark, fragrant resin to protect itself. That resin-soaked wood is what gives oud its scent. It has been treasured in the Middle East for centuries, burned as incense and worn as oil.
Natural oud is rare and among the most expensive perfume materials in the world. That's why modern perfumes usually blend oud with other notes like rose, amber, vanilla or spices to create a balanced, wearable scent.
What does oud smell like?
Oud is deep, woody and rich. Depending on the perfume, it can come across as smoky, leathery, earthy or slightly sweet. On its own it's very bold, which is why perfumers often pair it with softer notes. You'll see it spelled several ways, including oud, oudh and aoud. They all mean the same thing.
How oud is used in perfumes
- Sweet oud: oud softened with vanilla, amber or sweet notes. The easiest place to start.
- Rose oud: a classic Middle Eastern pairing where rose brightens the wood.
- Dark, intense oud: smoky, woody and bold, for people who already love oud.
Best oud perfumes for beginners
- Lattafa Ameer Al Oudh Intense: one of our best-selling oud perfumes and a friendly first step.
- Arabiyat Oud Al Layl: warm and woody, a popular everyday oud.
- Motala White Oud: oud with white florals for a lighter, softer take.
Oud with rose and amber
- Fragrance World Oud Ispahan: a rose and oud pairing.
- Lattafa Badee Al Oud Amethyst: oud with amber from Lattafa's Badee Al Oud line.
- Lattafa Oud For Glory and Badee Al Oud Sublime: warm, woody picks from the same line.
Bold oud for experienced wearers
- Fragrance World Oud Madness: woody and intense. Our best-selling oud.
- Pendora Scents Oud Imperious: rich and opulent.
- Fragrance World Midnight Oud and Motala Black Oud Classic: darker oud scents made for the evening.
How to wear oud
- Less is more. Oud is strong. One or two sprays is often enough.
- Save it for cooler weather and evenings. Oud shines in winter and at night-time events.
- Is oud for men or women? Both. Oud is traditionally worn by everyone in the Middle East, and most oud perfumes are unisex.
- Give it time. Oud often opens strong and becomes smoother after a while on the skin.
Are your oud perfumes authentic?
Yes. Every perfume we sell is 100% genuine. We only source through authorised distributors and approved channels for each brand, so you can shop with confidence.
Shop oud perfumes in South Africa
Explore our unisex fragrances, men's fragrances and women's fragrances online with nationwide delivery and free shipping on orders over R1,500, or visit us at S-15, Clifton Mall, 53 Fountain Road, Fordsburg, Johannesburg. New to Arabic perfumes? Start with our guide, Arabic Perfumes for Men: Where to Start, or Best Lattafa Perfumes in South Africa. Need help choosing? WhatsApp us on 071 919 4154.
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Arabic Perfumes for Men: Where to Start
Arabic Perfumes for Men: Where to Start