In the perfume industry, they refer to it as “liquid Gold”. Its usage was first mentioned in the Arab world and in recent years, it has gained popularity with the European fragrance houses too. Oud (also known as Agarwood), is a Middle Eastern ingredient that has taken the scent world by storm, as every other luxurious brand is now using it to create exotic perfumes due to its high desirability among the perfume lovers in both the East and West. Powerful and rich along with a sweet woody scent, Oud is instantly recognizable by its heady and intoxicating charm. From Spanish Loewe to Italian Gucci you will notice Oud as an essential ingredient somewhere in every famous fragrance brand.
At up to 400 US dollars for a millilitre (around 1/33 of an ounce), there is no doubt that oud is one of the world’s most expensive raw fragrance ingredients. Oud is an essential oil which is extracted from the resinous heartwood of the tree “Agar”. This can only be found in Southeast Asia, Bangladesh, and the dense forests of India. It is either extracted by melting resin or distillation from the wood and It is believed that out of 10 only 1 will have a fungus-infected heartwood required to achieve the unique aroma. The rarity of Agarwood has meant that its value has increased as the ancient trees which contain the most prized oud become harder to find. Only 2% of the tree can produce it because the resin can only be triggered by the unique mold formulation.
Some famous designers and perfumers have appraised the uniqueness of Oud recently and have launched their versions of Oud. Versace Oud, Gucci Oud and Tom Ford are just a few utilizing this tempting essential oil. Some common examples are Tom Ford’s Oud Wood, Giorgio Armani’s Oud Royale, Versace – Oud Noir, Hugo Boss – Boss Bottled Oud, Amouage, and Amouroud.
Oud acts as a base note when used in the composition of the perfume, it tends to remain on the skin for a maximum time. Oud as an ingredient forms the foundation and base notes of perfume which makes a heavy, rich, and very long-lasting effect. While other wood base notes are known for their unique earthly qualities but Oud provides the feeling of royalty and sweet pleasant scent.
In the United Arab Emirates both women and men burn the Oud wood chips to give scent to their clothes and houses. It is considered of great importance for Arabs because they believe that their prayers will rise with the Agarwood scented smoke and it will carry straight towards the Creator. Oud is also believed to have health and mood-enhancing benefits as it calms the nervous system, cultivates alertness and focus, eases obsessive behavior, and enhances mental clarity.
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