What is Oud (Oudh) — More Than Just a Perfume Note

Every time someone mentions “oud” or “oudh,” they refer to one of the rarest, most prized raw materials in perfumery — but there’s more to it than meets the nose.

1. Origins — From Tree to “Liquid Gold.”

Oud (also spelled “oudh”) comes from the heartwood of trees of the Aquilaria genus (commonly known as the agarwood tree), native to Southeast Asia and some parts of South Asia.

But here’s the twist: under normal conditions, the heartwood of Aquilaria trees is fairly ordinary — light, pale, and unscented. It is only when the tree becomes infected by a specific fungus (or undergoes other stress) that it begins producing a dense, dark, aromatic resin as a defense mechanism. 

This resin slowly saturates the heartwood, transforming it into what we call agarwood (or “oud wood”). Because only a small fraction of Aquilaria trees undergo this process naturally, true oud is extremely rare — estimates often say less than 2% produce usable resin. 

Given this rarity and the labor‑intensive extraction process (cutting, resin selection, distillation), oud has earned nicknames like “liquid gold.” 

2. What Oud Smells Like — Complex, Deep, Evolving

Describing oud is tough because it’s many things at once. At its core, oud yields a deep, woody, resinous scent — but depending on the quality, age, origin, and even where on the tree the resin came from, its aroma can shift dramatically over time. Many experiences:

• Rich woodiness, earthiness, smokiness.

• Slight sweetness, balsamic warmth.

• Sometimes, even animalic or incense‑like undertones — a signature that gives oud its mystery.

Because oud evolves on the skin and blends with your natural body chemistry, no two people smell identical — the same scent may smell deep and smoky on one person, warm and sweet on another.

3. Natural Oud vs. Synthetic / Blended Oud — Know the Difference

Given oud’s rarity and cost, many modern fragrances use synthetic versions or heavily diluted blends instead of pure oud oil. However, there are notable differences:

• Complexity and depth: Pure oud oils tend to evolve, revealing layers — wood, resin, spice, smoke. Synthetic oud often smells more one‑dimensional, flat, or merely woody. 

• Longevity and wear: Natural oud perfumes or oils — especially oil‑based ones — often last longer, cling to pulse points, and can even double as a kind of personal signature scent.

• Skin reaction & authenticity: Some synthetic oud perfumes may rely on chemical fixatives or alcohols, which may irritate sensitive skin or lack purity. Natural oud, being plant‑derived, tends to be gentler (though allergies are always individual).

If you’re investing in oud, knowing what you’re getting is crucial — the real thing offers a more layered, authentic, and often more luxurious experience.

4. Beyond Perfume: Oud’s Cultural, Spiritual, and Therapeutic Significance

Oud is not just about fragrance. Its use spans centuries and cultures, giving it a legacy far beyond “smelling good.”

• Cultural & spiritual use: In many parts of the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, agarwood and oud have been used in religious ceremonies, meditation, and rituals. Its smoky, resinous aroma is believed to aid contemplation, bring calmness, and create a sacred atmosphere.

• Traditional medicine & wellness: In various traditional medicine systems, oud (or agarwood extracts) have been used for their purported therapeutic properties: calming the mind, reducing stress and anxiety, aiding digestion, supporting skin health, and more.

• Personal scent & identity: Because oud interacts with one’s skin chemistry, many wearers view it as a personal signature scent — unique and deeply individual.

So, when someone wears oud, they’re tapping into not just a perfume note — but a centuries‑old heritage, a sense of identity, and a sensory tradition that spans continents.

5. How to Choose, Wear, and Appreciate Oud — A Practical Guide

If you’re new to oud (the “oud‑curious”), here are some tips to get the best experience:

• Choose wisely: Look for perfumes or oils that clearly declare “natural oud” or “pure oud oil.” Be cautious of vague “oud-inspired” labels. Authenticity often comes at a premium — but quality shows.

• Start small: Since oud is potent and evolves on skin, begin with a small amount (pulse points like wrists, behind ears, neck). A little goes a long way.

• Layer or pair thoughtfully: Oud pairs beautifully with florals, amber, musk, spices, or soft notes — this can soften its intensity while preserving its depth. For first‑time users, lighter oud blends or floral‑oud combinations often feel more wearable.

• Understand its evolving nature: Give it time. Oud often reveals its true character only after some minutes/hours, as it warms on your skin and interacts with your body chemistry.

• Respect the origin: Because some agarwood species are endangered (due to overharvesting and demand), ethical sourcing matters. Opt for ethically‑harvested or sustainably certified oud when possible.

Why Oud Matters — Not Just for Perfume Lovers

Oud stands at the crossroads of nature, culture, history, spirituality, and luxury, which makes it far more than a fragrance note. It carries centuries of tradition, connects wearers to a lineage of artisans and ancient forests, and offers a deeply personal sensory experience. At Londonmusk, we believe fragrances are more than surface-level aromas — they’re stories. Oud gives you one of the richest, most meaningful stories in perfumery.

If you’re ready to explore, wear, or even gift oud — know that you aren’t just spraying perfume. You’re embracing history, aroma, identity, and a legacy centuries in the making.