What’s the Difference between Agarwood and Oud ?

You’ve likely heard the terms agarwood and oud used interchangeably, often in the context of luxurious perfumes and incense. While they are closely related, they are not the same thing.

What is Agarwood?

Agarwood is the aromatic resinous wood produced by trees in the Aquilaria genus. These trees are native to Southeast Asia. When the trees face injury or infection, they produce a dark resin as a defense mechanism. This resin-infused wood is what we know as agarwood.

What is Oud?

People extract the fragrant resin called oud from agarwood. It’s the heart of the matter, so to speak. The resin is responsible for agarwood’s distinct, deep, and complex aroma. People highly prize oud in perfumery, often considering it one of the world’s most expensive natural ingredients.

The Connection

To summarize, agarwood is the tree and the resin-infected wood, while oud is the resin itself. It’s like the difference between an apple tree and apple juice. The apple tree produces apples, and the juice is extracted from those apples.

In essence, oud is a component of agarwood.

The fact that people often sell agarwood in its raw form, containing both wood and resin, causes confusion between the two terms. However, when it comes to the world of perfumes and essential oils, it’s the oud, the resin, that takes center stage.

Understanding this distinction helps you appreciate the complexity and value of these precious natural resources.

Al Mutalib curates the finest agarwood and oud. We meticulously select the purest and most exquisite materials. Our expertise in recognizing the nuances of these precious substances ensures that every product we offer exudes luxury and authenticity. Walk through a world of opulence with Al Mutalib.
Would you like to know more about the history or uses of agarwood and oud? Click here Read our other blogs related to agarwood.