This week we’re turning the spotlight on one fragrance note to learn all about oud and its origins.
What is oud?
Oud, also known as oudh or agarwood, is an essential oil distilled from the wood of lign-aloe trees. Oud has one of the more unusual origin stories in perfumery, as typically the lign-aloe tree’s wood is odourless. However, if it becomes infected with a particular type of mould, the tree secretes a resin to combat the infection that infuses the wood with desirable fragrance.
Oud oil is extracted via steam distillation; the wood is heated, causing the fragrant compounds contained within to evaporate, these are then collected through condensation of the distilled vapour.
Where does oud come from?
Lign-aloe trees are rare but can be found growing in India and several countries across southern Asia. Unfortunately, the desirability of oud has led to dwindling numbers of wild trees and lign-aloe trees are now listed as an endangered species under The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). To help meet the demand for oud oil, plantations where the trees are deliberately infected with fungus to obtain the oil have been created.
Despite producers' best efforts, each tree still produces only a little over 30ml of oud oil meaning the oil is still extremely expensive and resource-intensive to create. Due to the rarity and environmental issues affecting the lign-aloe tree, synthetic or diluted oud oils are often used as an alternative by fragrance producers who want to avoid the high-cost and environmental impact of using pure oud.
What does oud smell like?
Oud is part of the woody family of fragrances, but its scent is a unique one. It has an intriguingly complex fragrance, full of warmth and luxury, with nuances of amber and floral to the scent. The fragrance of oud oil can vary by region and age, with some varieties having smoky, leathery or animalic undertones.
Like many woody ingredients, oud is typically used as a base note in fragrances, adding warmth and depth to a scent.
Our favourite oud fragrances
To try the scent of oud in your home, choose one of our fragrances featuring this note!
Rose & White Oud blends oud’s unique scent with white amber and beautiful rose. Midnight Oud creates a rich combination of classic oud with earthy patchouli and warm vanilla and musk. While Bergamot & Oud adds zesty citrus notes of bergamot to a rich base of luxurious oud, spiced with hints of clove.
Midnight Oud Lamp Fragrance
Out of stock
£9.50 – £16.00
