Oud
Aquilaria species · Agarwood
Oud, also known as agarwood, is the world's most expensive perfume ingredient—a dark, resinous heartwood that forms when Aquilaria trees become infected with Phialophora parasitica. This "liquid gold" can cost up to $50,000 per kilogram, making it more valuable than gold itself.
Origin
Southeast Asia, India
Price Range
$1,000-50,000/kg
Scent Profile
Common Name
Agarwood
Origin
Southeast Asia
Characteristics
Classic oud profile, highly prized
Common Name
Indian Agarwood
Origin
India, Bangladesh
Characteristics
Dark, resinous, complex
Common Name
Cambodian Agarwood
Origin
Cambodia, Vietnam
Characteristics
Sweet, honeyed, barnyard notes
Common Name
Chinese Agarwood
Origin
China, Hong Kong
Characteristics
Medicinal, cooling properties
Common Name
Borneo Agarwood
Origin
Borneo
Characteristics
Green, medicinal, distinctive
Growth Characteristics
- • Evergreen trees reaching 15-40 meters in height
- • Native to tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia
- • Require specific humidity and temperature conditions
- • Maturity reached at 7-20 years depending on species
- • Natural infection rate is only 2-7% in wild populations
Ecological Requirements
- • Altitude: 0-1,000 meters above sea level
- • Temperature: 22-28°C year-round
- • Humidity: 80-90% relative humidity
- • Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic
- • Rainfall: 1,800-2,000mm annually
Understanding Oud Perfume Quality and Pricing
Oud perfume represents the pinnacle of luxury fragrance, with authentic agarwood oil commanding prices that can reach $50,000 per kilogram—making it literally worth more than gold. This extraordinary value reflects the rarity, complexity, and cultural significance of this precious ingredient.
The quality of oud varies dramatically based on the Aquilaria species, geographic origin, age of the tree, and infection grade. Hindi oud from India represents the highest quality, while plantation-grown varieties offer more sustainable but different aromatic profiles.
When shopping for oud perfumes, understanding these distinctions helps you make informed choices. High-quality oud fragrances will specify the type and origin of oud used, and may include sustainability certifications or traceability information.
The Sustainability Challenge in Oud Production
The oud industry faces an unprecedented sustainability crisis. Wild Aquilaria populations have declined by 80-90% due to overharvesting, making all species critically endangered. This has created an urgent need for sustainable alternatives and conservation efforts.
Modern solutions include plantation cultivation, synthetic alternatives, and biotechnology approaches. While these don't perfectly replicate wild oud, they offer more ethical options that don't contribute to species extinction.
Consumers can support sustainability by choosing certified plantation oud, synthetic alternatives, or supporting brands that contribute to conservation efforts. The future of oud depends on balancing cultural heritage with environmental responsibility.
Related Luxury Ingredients
Another precious wood with creamy, milky character that pairs beautifully with oud in Middle Eastern compositions.
The legendary whale-derived ingredient that adds marine depth and was historically as valuable as oud.
The world's most expensive spice by weight, often paired with oud in luxury Middle Eastern fragrances.