Oud, also known as agarwood, is one of the most expensive and sought-after ingredients in the world of perfumery. This precious resinous wood, formed when Aquilaria trees become infected with a specific mold, has been treasured for thousands of years across Middle Eastern, South Asian, and East Asian cultures.
Ancient Origins
References to oud appear in some of the oldest written texts in human history. Ancient Sanskrit texts mention it as a sacred incense, while it features prominently in traditional Chinese medicine. In the Middle East, oud has been burned as incense in homes and mosques for centuries, its rich, complex aroma considered a symbol of hospitality and spiritual connection.
Oud in Western Perfumery
While oud has been central to Middle Eastern fragrance traditions for millennia, it only entered mainstream Western perfumery in the early 2000s. Pioneering perfumers began incorporating oud into compositions that blended Eastern richness with Western elegance, creating a new category of fragrances that captivated global audiences.
Why Oud Is So Expensive
Only about 2% of Aquilaria trees naturally produce the resin that becomes oud. The infection process takes years, and the resulting wood must be carefully harvested and distilled. High-quality oud oil can cost more than gold by weight, making it one of the most precious natural materials on earth.
Our Approach to Oud
At Daliah Secret, we use sustainably sourced oud from managed plantations in Southeast Asia. Our Oud Royale collection showcases the ingredient in its full glory — smoky, sweet, woody, and utterly captivating. Each bottle contains oud that has been aged for a minimum of five years to develop maximum complexity.