Collection: Oud Perfumes

Oud is the most valuable raw material in perfumery. It comes from agarwood — resin formed inside Aquilaria trees in response to infection — and by weight it has been worth more than gold. It is also the note that defines Arabian perfumery in most people's minds: dark, smoky, resinous and almost impossible to mistake for anything else.

What does oud actually smell like?

Natural oud is complex rather than simply woody. Depending on origin and age it can read as smoky, leathery, animalic, sweet or medicinal, often shifting between those registers over the course of a wear. Most modern oud perfumes blend it with rose, saffron, amber or vanilla, which softens the edges and makes it far more wearable than pure oud oil.

How to wear oud perfume

• Use less — one or two sprays. Oud compositions are the most concentrated fragrances in any catalogue.
• Cooler weather — heat amplifies oud considerably; autumn and winter suit it best.
• Evenings — the projection and depth make it a natural fit for dinners and occasions rather than the office.

Is oud good for beginners?

It is the most polarising note in perfumery, so if this is your first Arabic fragrance, an oud blended with rose or vanilla is a gentler starting point than a pure oud composition. Once you know how your skin handles it, the traditional houses become far more rewarding.

Buying oud perfume in the USA

Ezenzia stocks authentic oud fragrances from Arabian houses in Miami, Florida and ships across the United States, with free shipping on orders over $79.99. Every bottle is 100% original, and wholesale pricing is available for retailers and resellers.