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While Oud is naturally extracted from the molding process of Agarwood, only 2% of Agarwood trees produce the fungi needed to extract the ingredient. Therefore, it is difficult for manufacturers to find quality Oud, as it is such a rare and precious wood resin, and when they do, it’s very labor-intensive.
Oud, also known as liquid gold, has captivated fragrance connoisseurs for centuries with its distinct, aromatic profile.
With the oldest Agarwood trees being the most valuable, quality Oud is usually extracted from a 10 to 50 years old infected tree bark.
In this guide, we’ve tested lots of fragrances to be able to present to you the ultimate list of the best Oud perfumes for women.
What are the Best Oud Perfumes?
How I Tested and Selected The Best Oud Perfumes
Finding the perfect Oud perfume can be quite a challenge, especially when it comes to identifying a scent that resonates well with women.
Personally, I’ve delved into the world of fragrances, recognizing that many Oud options tend to lean towards being too bitter, smoky, or woody for the feminine palette.
Taking into account various factors like weather, complementary ingredients, and overall potency, I’ve observed that the intense woody notes of Oud can be off-putting for some. It’s clear that not everyone appreciates the dark, woody, or spicy richness that characterizes many Oud fragrances.
For those who share my preference for fragrances on the lighter side, this list might not be your go-to. I’d recommend exploring other curated lists focusing on feminine scents, such as “The 8 Best Gardenia Perfumes” or the “9 Best Burberry Perfumes for Women.” These alternatives may offer a more suitable olfactory experience that aligns with your personal taste.
Oud Perfume Reviews
Oud Ispahan by Dior
Oud Ispahan by Dior Review
In this fragrance, Oud Ispahan combines the smoky aroma of firewood with a sweet, floral essence to create a velvety woody fragrance.
This unisex perfume reminds me somewhat of Frank Oliver Oud Touch a fragrance reviewed later on in this blog post. Except Oud Ispahan enjoys a higher concentration of florals and not as intense of an Oud oil potency.
I must emphasize that a little goes a long way with this fragrance. One or two sprays are more than enough, as it lingers on clothes and skin for an extended period.
The scent is complex, a mix of smokiness and freshness, making it perfect for special occasions or date nights. However, it might be a bit overwhelming for everyday wear. The only drawback, in my opinion, is its persistence – it takes some effort to wash off completely.
Top Notes: Labdanum, Leather
Middle Notes: Rose, Patchouli, Saffron
Base Notes: Agarwood (Oud), Sandalwood, Cedar
What we liked
- Balanced wood, rose, and smokiness.
- Addictive Vanilla notes in a woody fragrance
- A perfect cold season go-to
Oud Essentiel by Guerlain
Oud Essentiel by Guerlain Review
The opening of Oud Essential is surprisingly not dominated by oud. Instead, saffron, rose, and leather take center stage.
The leather is more on the suede side, not too smoky or rugged. The rose is soft and pillowy, with saffron providing a spicy kick. As it dries down, cedar wood and a westernized oud start peeking through, adding complexity to the scent.
In terms of seasons, I’d say it’s ideal for fall, possibly winter and spring nights. It leans more towards nighttime wear, and while it has good performance with longevity around 7-9 hours and heavy projection, it might not outshine some stronger contenders in this genre.
Top Notes: Olibanum, Saffron
Middle Notes: Rose, Pink Pepper, Leather
Base Notes: Agarwood (Oud), Cedar
What we liked
- Perfectly potent and bol
- Spicy take on rosey wood
- Uniquely formulated oud wood
Arabian Oud Kalemat Spray
Arabian Oud Kalemat Spray Review
Kalemat by Arabian Oud is an oriental fragrance for women and men under the niche category.
With top notes of blackberry pear and grapefruit, the middle notes are rosemary, cashmere wood, and floral notes are supported by the base of musk, amber and honey.
The box itself is gorgeous, and when you open it up, there’s another box inside, and within that is the actual bottle. The bottle is an orange ombre style, giving off some serious luxury vibes. The top has a nice weight to it, not plastic, and the overall feel is just high-end.
I pick up particularly on honey, amber, musk, rose, and oud. It’s like a symphony of these rich, exotic notes that create a scent that’s not only intoxicating but also sophisticated.
This unisex fragrance is designed for the prestigious and elegant, it’s almost disrespectful to wear this perfume regularly.
Top Notes: Blackberry, Pear, Grapefruit
Middle Notes: Wisteria, Litchi, Jasmine
Base Notes: Musk, Coconut, White Wood
What we liked
- Balance of bitter and sweet
- Sweetly addictive notes
- Luxurious Arabian heritage
Oud Touch by Frank Oliver
Oud Touch by Frank Oliver Review
This smokey woody scent is one of my favorite unisex Oud fragrances, as it is an extremely affordable top-quality intoxicating Oud wood scent.
Oud Touch is essentially a blend of oud and rose. The opening is a bit harsh, with a powdery rose that transitions into a woody, synthetic oud note.
There are similarities to Dior Ispahan, but Oud Touch is more synthetic. The boldness of this fragrance makes it decisive – if someone appreciates it, they’ll really appreciate it, but it might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Being so bold, it’s a statement fragrance, and considering its budget-friendly price, it could even be a signature scent. It’s quite unique, so people will recognize it as your signature fragrance. I’ve gotten mixed reactions, but it’s all about personal taste.
Personally, I think it’s worth the risk. It’s not a fragrance I reach for every day, but it has a place in my collection for those times when I want to make a statement.
Top Notes: Raspberry, Carmel, Orange blossoms
Middle Notes: Rose, Olibanum, Patchouli, Violet, Jasmine
Base Notes: Amber, Vanilla, Musk
What we liked
- Affordable price tag
- Sweet long-lasting notes
- Perfect for winter and fall seasons
Oud Palao by Diptyque
Oud Palao by Diptyque Review
With its lighthearted characteristics, I’d assume that instead of using pure agarwood oil Diptyque used chunks of lightly infected bark to infuse the mix.
The scent has a bold dark opening influencing a synthetic Oud scent that aligns with a solid smokey base working together to form an incense-like experience.
Oud, being a challenging raw material, benefits from the softening effect of vanilla and the lift from rose. The combination is popular because it just works.
The floral notes are amazing in this fragrance, making it a great casual fragrance. If you’re not an Oud fanatic or are looking for an introductory fragrance to the world of Oud Palao by Diptyque might be the one for you.
Top Notes: Tobacco, Light Pink Pepper, Rum
Middle Notes: Camphor, Bulgarian Rose
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Patchouli
What we liked
- Bold and bitter
- Easy to wear Oud fragrance
- Spicy and Sensual
Cartier Oud & Musc
Cartier Oud & Musc Review
From a collection of three Oud-inspired eau de Parfum scents, this fragrance is the single best fragrance from Cartier’s Arabian-inspired fragrances.
I was won over by the smooth and sensual notes of Oud & Musc during a sample test. Despite my fatigue with the oud and rose combination, I found this one to be a standout.
The packaging is top-notch, and the bottle, though a bit tall for its base, exudes luxury. The scent itself is a masterpiece – smoky, resinous oud with a hint of patchouli for added depth.
Although this scent made my list of the best Oud perfumes, I’d still recommend something purer. The notes in Cartier are obviously synthetic and overpolished, leaving users in a stage between spicy green notes and Agarwood.
Top Notes: Blackberry, Pear, Grapefruit
Middle Notes:
Base Notes: Musk, , Coconut, White Wood
What we liked
- Bold and spicy notes
- Soft and calming essences
Versace Oud Oriental
Versace Oud Oriental Review
Oud gives life to Versace Oud Oriental Eau de Parfum with warm spices and fruity notes to create a distinctive scent with moderate sillage.
Upon the first spray, I was impressed by its smoky, sweet, and intriguing aroma. The saffron might be the game-changer, giving it a unique twist.
A luxurious floral mix of rose and freesia aromas, the fragrance slowly unravels deeper notes of patchouli and intriguing heliotrope.
Overall the spicy complexion of Middle Eastern essences is perfectly balanced in this lovely oriental rich fragrance by the house of Versace.
Top Notes: Blackberry, Pear, Grapefruit
Middle Notes: Wisteria, Litchi, Jasmine
Base Notes: Musk , Coconut, White Wood
What we liked
- The perfect luxurious blend
- Hints of Eastern incense
- Sensual and vibrant
Le Labo Oud 27
Le Labo Oud 27 Review
Oud 27 Eau de parfum is an amber fragrance in the purest form, overwhelming and disturbing in its signature and power.
The unusual combination initially struck me as unpleasant, but as time passed, the scent evolved. The animalic oud, which can be off-putting, seemed to be masking the synthetic nature of the fragrance.
Eventually, the oud became more balanced, accompanied by cedar, sweetness, and smokiness. The bitterness and medicinal aspects faded, and rose notes began to emerge, contributing a delicate touch to the composition.
The fragrance transitions into a softer, smokier, and woodier scent in the dry down. While the projection remains somewhat soft, the longevity exceeds 10 hours.
Top Notes: Civet, Natural Oud, Mandarin Orange
Middle Notes: Ambergris, Virginia Cedar, Oudy Musk
Base Notes: Amber, Leather, Vetiver, Patchouli
What we liked
- The pure natural essences
- Its unique complexion of ingredients
- Vibrant and attention-demanding
Dolce & Gabanna Velvet Tender Oud Eau De Parfum
Dolce & Gabanna Velvet Tender Oud Eau De Parfum Review
I wrap up my list of best Oud colognes for her with a soft white floral-infused Eau de Parfum fragrance from the Italian luxury brand D&G.
The rose takes the spotlight right from the opening and continues to be the main player throughout the fragrance’s lifespan. I appreciate the quality of the rose used here – it’s jammy, slightly sweet, and has a dewy rose petal feel.
The almond note, mentioned in the breakdown, is subtle and doesn’t contribute significantly to the overall scent. Instead, it adds a faint layer to the composition.
The longevity of five to seven hours is decent, but I would have preferred a longer duration for a fragrance in this price range.
In terms of versatility, Velvet Tender Oud is more suitable for individuals aged 25 and above. It’s ideal for fall and spring, with a slightly more mature vibe.
Top Notes: Amond, Tonka Bean
Middle Notes: Rose oil, Oud
Base Notes: Musk, Coconut, Cedarwood
What we liked
- Perfection in its softness
- Long-lasting and potent
- Balanced with nutty essences