Why Is Oud So Expensive?

 

In the world of luxury perfumery, few ingredients are as legendary and treasured as oud. Known as “liquid gold,” oud has fascinated fragrance lovers for centuries. But many people wonder: Why is oud so expensive? The answer lies in its rarity, labor-intensive extraction, cultural significance, and unmatched olfactory qualities.

1. Rare and Scarce Source

Oud comes from the heartwood of the Aquilaria tree, found in Southeast Asia. However, not all Aquilaria trees produce oud. Only a small fraction develop the dark, resinous heartwood required — and this happens when the tree becomes infected with a specific type of mold. Because of this unique and unpredictable natural process, oud is incredibly rare.

2. Time-Intensive Formation

It can take decades for oud resin to fully form within the tree. The longer it matures, the richer and more complex the oil becomes. This lengthy natural process makes oud one of the most time-intensive fragrance ingredients in the world, contributing to its high cost.

3. Complex Extraction Process

Extracting pure oud oil, also known as dehn al oud, is labor-intensive. The resinous wood must be carefully harvested, distilled, and refined. It can take kilograms of agarwood just to produce a few milliliters of pure oud oil, making it one of the most precious natural materials in perfumery.

4. Cultural and Historical Value

Oud has deep cultural and spiritual importance in the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond. It has been used in religious rituals, traditional medicine, and royal courts for centuries. This cultural prestige further elevates its value in today’s global fragrance market.

5. Unique and Luxurious Scent

Perhaps the most important factor is the scent itself. Oud offers a rich, deep, woody, and animalic aroma that evolves beautifully on the skin. Its complexity and intensity make it a prized base note in luxury perfumes. No synthetic alternative can fully replicate its depth, which is why oud-based fragrances are often among the most expensive on the market.

Conclusion

So, Why is oud so expensive? It’s the combination of rarity, time, craftsmanship, cultural significance, and an unforgettable scent profile. Each drop of oud oil represents decades of nature’s work and human artistry, making it one of the most valuable ingredients in perfumery.
FAQs

1. What is oud made from?
 Oud comes from the resinous heartwood of the Aquilaria tree after it becomes infected with a special mold.

2. Why is oud called “liquid gold”?
 Because of its rarity, high demand, and extremely high price — sometimes more expensive than gold by weight.

3. How much does pure oud oil cost?
 Pure oud oil can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per tola (12ml), depending on quality and origin.

4. Can synthetic oud be used instead?
 Yes, many perfumes use synthetic oud for affordability, but it lacks the richness and depth of natural oud.