Oud essential oil is one of the most expensive essential oils in the world and is more valuable than gold. So let’s take a look at why it is so popular and why this exotic scent has been exciting and thrilling perfume fanatics around the world for years.

What is Oud?

Oud Oil or Agar Oil has been used for centuries in the Middle East as a personal care fragrance. It can also be found in a special form of incense called Bakhoor, which is created when the wood chips are burned.  It is as a result of its distinctive scent and pure nature that it is very highly popular in Dubai and other Middle Eastern countries. The fragrance is very popular with followers of Islam as the purity of Oud (agarwood) is attributed to a gift given by God. It is suggested that the Last Prophet, Muhammed, used Oud in rituals. Due to this purity, Oud is often used before performing prayers or attending Islamic events.

The fragrance has since become very popular in the Western world yet it is probably the oldest fragrance in the world, going back centuries in history.

The oil is derived from the resinous heartwood (often known as agarwood), produced by trees belonging to the species of the Aquilaria genus of Thymelaeaceae family. Oud is distilled from the heartwood of the Aquilaria Tree which has been infected with a parasite. The infected trees secrete a resin that, when distilled, produces an oil with a distinct rich, smoky, animalic odour. Oud is the most expensive essential oil in the world.

Most essential oils can be synthesised and reproduced synthetically to mimic the natural aroma and lower costs. With Oud, this is not possible. This makes the actual oud oil prohibitive in fragrances with the exception of bespoke blends for the extremely rich who can afford to pay thousands of pounds for their own small bottles of the signature scent.

What does Oud smell like?

Oud has a warm and woody aroma.  Being sourced from timber, you may also detect a hint of dampness in its scent. It also has a delightful smokiness to it.

Our perfumers have created a range of fragrances, ready for your evaluation using a blend of oud and other speciality chemicals to create the characteristic odour and blended them with waxy English rose, Sicilian citrus’, musk and Moroccan spices.

Oud fragrance

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What is Oud used in?

Oud is often found in expensive fine fragrances. Many top fragrance houses create products featuring this scent, such as Giorgio Armani and Tom Ford.

Oud is often used as a base note, which tends to remain on the skin long after the others dissipate. The base notes are very rich, heavy and long-lasting and enhance the scent of other ingredients. Oud provides a pleasant sweet scent.

What next?

Creating the right fragrance for your product can be complex. Our dedicated team of fragrance experts can help support and advise you on the latest fragrance trends. We provide a bespoke and tailored service that supports your needs. We work in partnership with big and small product manufacturers to find the right scent for your product.

About Carvansons

Carvansons is a world-leading creator and compounder of bulk fragrance oil. Our fragrances are used globally in the cosmetic, personal care, household and industrial manufacturing sectors. As a global fragrance manufacturer, we create high-quality fragrance oil compounds, aromas and perfumes with a worldwide presence.

We work with many different companies throughout the world, which include both household names and smaller, niche industries. Whether your product is highly functional or beautifully indulgent, we can create a fragrance that benefits and complements your product. We work with you to understand the need of your brand and target audience.

For more information about whether Oud could be a good fragrance to include in your next product, talk to our knowledgeable creation and technical team. Contact us now