Oud perfumes

Ember Enigma is an independent UK fragrance guide. We do the legwork on the top ranked fragrances, checking notes and prices, so you don't have to.

Smoky, resinous and deep.

Oud comes from agarwood, a resin-soaked wood prized across the Middle East for centuries. In fragrance it reads as smoky, leathery and warm, with a dark sweetness underneath.

You can wear it soft and woody or rich and rosy. Our picks run from easy high street ouds to the deep, long lasting bottles collectors save up for.

Bottles on Ember Enigma: Arabesque Wood by & Other Stories; Oud Eau de Parfum by Acqua di Parma; Interlude Black Iris by Amouage; Siberian Musk by Areej Le Doré; Miyako by Auphorie; Dasman by Boadicea The Victorious; NoMad by Bond No. 9; Oud Monarch by Bortnikoff; Sayat Nova by Bortnikoff; Onekh by Bvlgari; Accord Oud by Byredo; Oud Immortel by Byredo; Oud & Ambre by Cartier; Oud & Santal by Cartier; Oud Ispahan by Christian Dior; C Woody Leather by Clive Christian; Royal Oud by Creed; Velvet Desert Oud by Dolce & Gabbana; Octavian by Electimuss; Spice D'Arno by Electimuss; Thirty Three by Ex Idolo; Outcast Blue Extrait de Parfum by Ex Nihilo; Oud Essence by Ferrari; New York Intense by Fragrance Du Bois; Oud Jaune Intense by Fragrance Du Bois; Oud Noir Intense by Fragrance Du Bois; Oud Orange Intense by Fragrance Du Bois; Parisian by Fragrance du Bois; Sirène by Fragrance Du Bois; Oud Touch by Franck Olivier; Victoria by Frassaï; Hope by Frederic Malle; The Moon by Frederic Malle; Tierra del Fuego by Fueguia 1833; Fantasque by Givenchy; Silky Woods by Goldfield & Banks; A Reason to Love by Gucci; Santal Royal by Guerlain; Tobacco Honey by Guerlain; Bottled Oud by Hugo Boss.

What does oud smell like? Smoky, woody and slightly leathery, sometimes a little medicinal. Most Western fragrances use a softer oud accord, which is easier to wear.

Is oud good for beginners? Yes, if you start with oud blended with vanilla, amber or rose. These feel warm and smooth rather than intense.

Why are some oud fragrances so expensive? Natural oud oil is rare and costly. Many affordable bottles use an accord instead, which can still smell rich and last well.