Oud attar, often called as "liquid gold," is one of the most luxurious and sought-after fragrances in the world. It is made from the resin of agarwood trees, it has a unique and rich scent with deep cultural and historical meaning.
But today, many fake or diluted versions of oud attar are sold in the market, because of its high demand and expensive price. So, if you are new to oud or want to make sure you're buying a real oud attar one, it’s important to know how to spot authentic oud attar.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to identify real oud attar, so you can make smart purchases and enjoy the luxury and quality of this special fragrance.
1. Know the Source of Oud
Real oud attar is made from the resin of the Agarwood tree (Aquilaria), which is grown in Southeast Asia, mainly in countries like India, Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia. The resin forms when the tree gets infected by a fungus, making it rare and valuable.
The quality of oud depends on where the agarwood comes from, the region and the conditions in which the trees are grown. The best oud is made from the heartwood of old, mature agarwood trees.
The best oud usually comes from well-known regions like India or Cambodia, which are famous for producing high-quality agarwood.
2. Check the Price
Oud attar is an expensive product, and genuine oud can be quite costly due to the process involved in its extraction and the scarcity of the agarwood itself. If you find these oud attars being sold at very low prices, it's probably diluted, fake or mixed with cheaper oils.
True oud has a high price, so if it seems inexpensive, there’s a high chance you're not getting authentic oud.
3. Examine the Fragrance
Authentic oud attar has a deep, complex and layered scent profile. The fragrance of oud is often described as earthy, woody, smoky, leathery and even medicinal, with some differences depending on where the oud comes from.
If the oud smells too sweet or too simple, it might contain synthetic additives or be diluted. Real oud should have a rich and layered scent, with a clear change in fragrance from one note to another as it fades.
4. Check the Ingredient List
Pure oud attar contains only natural oud oil mixed with a carrier oil such as jojoba, sandalwood or other natural oils. It should not have alcohol or artificial fragrances.
While some perfumes might feature oud in their compositions, authentic oud attar is a natural product that doesn’t require synthetic chemicals or additives. When buying, make sure the ingredients list mentions "oud oil" or "agarwood oil."
Always look for clear labeling. If the product contains alcohol, synthetic fragrances or unclear ingredients, it’s a warning sign.
5. The Aging Process
Oud attar gets better with age, much like fine wine or whiskey. As it ages, the scent becomes smoother and more refined, which is why older oud attar is more valuable and expensive than newer ones.
Authentic oud attar undergoes a long aging process in which the essential oils are allowed to mature and develop a deeper, richer fragrance.
Good quality oud should be at least a few years old, with some rare types aged for decades to reach their best fragrance.
6. Do a Skin Test
When you apply real oud attar to your skin, the scent should change and develop beautifully over time. Unlike synthetic perfumes, which fade quickly, pure oud attar evolves as it warms up on your skin.
While testing oud, pay attention to how the fragrance changes over a few hours. A genuine oud attar will leave a soft, lasting scent that becomes deeper as it dries.
True oud should leave a gentle, sensual scent that lasts for hours.
Where to Buy Authentic Oud Attar?
When searching for authentic oud attar, it’s essential to choose a reputable seller who guarantees the quality and purity of the products. One such trusted source is Al Naqi Fragrance, an online store that specializes in high-quality attar perfumes, including pure oud attar.
Al Naqi offers high-quality oud attar, made from the best and most authentic ingredients. Each attar is carefully chosen to make sure it is pure and of great quality, giving you a luxurious experience.
Final Thoughts
Buying real oud attar can be tricky, especially with so many options out there. By understanding where it comes from, how much it costs, how it smells, and how it’s packaged you can confidently choose high-quality oud attar and avoid fake ones.
Whether you’ve used oud before or this is your first time, learning how to spot real oud will make sure you get good value for your money.