We’ve smelled a lot of Oud in perfumery. Some were rich, deep, and unmistakably authentic, sourced from the Middle East with real Oud oils. Others were crafted with synthetic Oud, which, to be fair, can be well-done when blended right. And then there were those that claimed to contain Oud but smelled more like lab-created molecules trying to mimic it.
That being said, we have to be honest—we’ve never smelled raw agarwood chips or experienced them being burned. From what we’ve heard, that’s a whole different experience, and it’s not something we can compare to Oud in perfumes. Smoke and liquid are two separate things, after all.
So, if you’ve ever been confused by all the different types of Oud in perfumery, you’re not alone. Some Oud-based perfumes smell completely different from one another, which can leave you wondering—what exactly is Oud, and how do I know which kind I’m getting?
Let’s break it down in the simplest way possible.
Fall Into Stars is a perfume that has elements of the niche, Oriental and artisanal categories when it comes to Oud. StrangeLove NYC is a brand known by sourcing some of the best ingredients in niche perfumery.
The Different Types of Oud in Perfumery
1. Artisanal Oud
This is the real deal—pure Oud oil extracted from agarwood through traditional distillation methods. It’s unfiltered, raw, and complex, often changing on the skin over time. These oils can be smoky, leathery, sweet, or animalic, depending on the region they come from.
Best for: Collectors and connoisseurs who appreciate natural, evolving scents.
2. Commercial Oud
This is the Oudh you’ll find in designer perfumes and mass-market fragrances. It’s often blended with florals, woods, and spices to make it more wearable and appealing to a larger audience. The Oud in these fragrances is usually diluted or combined with synthetic notes.
Best for: Those who want an introduction to Oud without anything too challenging.
3. Oriental Oud
Inspired by Middle Eastern perfumery, this type of Oud is bold, warm, and rich, often mixed with rose, saffron, amber, and spices. These perfumes are heavy hitters, usually long-lasting, and have that signature luxurious depth.
Best for: People who love strong, opulent scents with a Middle Eastern touch.
Fumee Royale is an artisanal perfume from the house of Elixir Attar and the Oud used in it is sourced from the best oils available in perfumery. This perfume is complex and a beast!
“Oud comes in many forms—bold, smooth, smoky, or refined. The beauty lies in finding the one that speaks to you.”
To our noses, Fly Me to The Oud from the house of Musicology fits the category of synthetic and also commercial Oud. This is a mass appealing fragrance that is easy to wear.
4. Western Oud
This is Oud for those who don’t want their fragrance to be too smoky or animalic. Western brands use Oud in a smoother, cleaner way, often blending it with vanilla, woods, and citrus to make it more versatile.
Best for: Anyone who wants a wearable, everyday Oud scent without the intensity.
5. Synthetic Oud
Since natural Oud is expensive and rare, many fragrances use synthetic Oud molecules to recreate the scent. Some do it well, blending synthetic Oud with resins, woods, and musk to create a convincing alternative. Others, however, miss the mark and end up smelling more like generic woody notes than actual Oud.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers or those who prefer a softer version of Oud.
6. Niche or Artistic Oud
Niche perfumers love to push boundaries, and their Oud compositions are often unique and creative. These fragrances might combine Oud with unexpected ingredients like fruits, green notes, or marine accords, creating something entirely new.
Best for: People looking for an Oud fragrance that breaks away from tradition.
The house of Pana Dora Sweden is an artistic one when it comes to Oud. Swedish Wood has Oud listed but it is very undetectable.
7. Layering Oud
Some Oud oils are sold in pure form or as attars, meant to be layered with other fragrances. These are often lighter and simpler, designed to enhance other scents rather than stand alone.
Best for: Fragrance lovers who enjoy customizing their perfumes.
Now that we’ve covered the types of Oud, we’ll be sharing some of the Oud-based perfumes from our collection in another blog post. We have some authentic Middle Eastern Oud perfumes, a few Western-style Oud blends, and, of course, some that contain synthetic Oud. It’s always interesting to compare how different brands approach this legendary ingredient.
what kind of Oud do you prefer? Do you like it bold and smoky, or smooth and refined? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Until next time, enjoy exploring the world of Oud, however you like it. 😊
Disclaimer: This blog reflects our genuine love for perfumes and is written solely based on our personal experiences and opinions. We are not affiliated with or obligated to any brand, and no external influence impacts the content we share. All thoughts expressed are entirely our own. Please note that some links on this blog may direct you to products available in our own online boutique. If you choose to make a purchase through these links, you are directly supporting our small business. Thank you for your support!