What Is Oud? The Luxury Fragrance Note Everyone's Talking About

If you've shopped for fragrance lately, you've seen the word oud everywhere. But what is it, and why is it in some of the most luxurious scents in the world?

Where oud comes from

Oud (also called agarwood) is a rich, warm, woody resin. Genuine oud is one of the most expensive natural materials in perfumery — which is why oud-based designer fragrances often carry premium price tags.

What oud smells like

Deep, smoky, slightly sweet and intensely long-lasting. Oud adds depth and a sense of luxury to a fragrance, and a little goes a long way. It's popular across the Middle East and increasingly loved in South Africa.

Oud without the luxury price tag

At Desire Perfume, you can experience beautifully composed oud scents inspired by the designer originals for just R199. A few favourites:

  • DP M740 Intense Oud — our best-selling oud.
  • DP M770 White Oud — smooth and refined.
  • DP M721 Amber Oud — smoky amber-oud, inspired by Ombre Nomade.
  • DP M715 Oud Ispahan — a woody oud classic.

New to oud? Start with one — then buy 3 and save 20% with free Bob Go & Pargo shipping.

Shop oud fragrances →

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