Fragrance
Oud
Definition
Also called agarwood. A dense, resinous heartwood produced by the Aquilaria tree in response to fungal infection. One of the most expensive raw materials in perfumery — genuine aged Cambodian oud sells for over $100,000/kg. The scent profile is complex: warm, medicinal, woody, animalic, and slightly sweet simultaneously.
Why it matters for dupe shopping
Most 'oud' fragrances under $150 use synthetic oud aroma chemicals (isoeugenol, guaiacol derivatives). Genuine oud oil costs $80–$300 per ml; any oud EDP under $80 for 50 ml contains negligible real oud. The distinction matters: synthetic oud is linear and static; real oud morphs significantly on skin over 6–12 hours.