Testing and trying the best perfumes for a living means that it becomes easy to jump to conclusions based on a fragrance's name, notes and even its packaging. Spot vetiver and you know the scent is going to be woody, whereas if vanilla features, then it's likely to be sweet. Likewise, it's possible to tell if a fragrance will veer fresh or floral based on its balance of citrus and flower notes. So what I really love is when a perfume unexpectedly and pleasantly surprises me. There are certain notes in fragrance that I tend to avoid—and so until recently, I had written oud perfumes totally off.
What is Oud?
Oud is a fragrance oil typically featured as a base note because it's rich and woody, and it tends to be used in perfumes that are strong and decadent—the type that are best worn at nighttime. Since I gravitate towards fresh, lightweight fragrances, oud isn't a note that features in a lot of my favourite scents.
The thing about the fragrance industry, however, is that it's full of innovation, and perfumers love a challenge. Attempting to modernise a classic or reinvent an underrated fragrance note is a big trend in perfume right now, which means that oud is seeing a bit of a renaissance. I recently had a fragrance consultation with the perfume experts at Guerlain, and was passed a tester of Guerlain Oud Nude (£300) to try. Of course, I wasn't expecting to like it, which made it all the more interesting when I found that, for the first time, I wasn't put off at first sniff. With notes of almond, raspberry, vanilla and sandalwood—and just a touch of smoky, leathery oud—it's sweet, soft and surprisingly subtle. On skin, it smells even better, and the oud really does take a backseat while still giving the fragrance the rich warmth for which the note is so famous. It's undoubtedly one of the best oud perfumes I've ever smelled, and it immediately inspired me to find more.
If, like me, you've previously written off oud, here are the best oud perfumes that aren't at all overpowering, I promise.
The Best Oud Perfumes
- The Best Soft Oud Perfume: Guerlain Oud Nude, £300
- The Best Evening Oud Perfume: Kilian Paris Musk Oud, £325
- The Best Daytime Oud Perfume: Juliette Has A Gun Another Oud, £155
1. Maison Crivelli Oud Maracuja
Key notes: Passion fruit accord, vanilla, saffron, oud
I love how the juicy top note of passionfruit takes centre stage in this perfume. It's balanced by an oud base note that keeps it on the right side of fruity; it's the ideal summer oud, which feels relaxed enough to wear on casual days, too. And like any scent of this family, it has serious lasting power.
2. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Velvet Mood
Key notes: Saffron, peach accord, jasmine, oud
Smooth and radiant, this perfume has a perfect balance of spicy notes from the saffron and fruit from the peach accord. It's surprisingly wearable and a total compliment magnet. If you like the brand's iconic Baccarat Rouge, you'll likely love this.
3. Byredo Mumbai Noise
Key notes: Davana, coffee, tonka beans, sandalwood
Woody and spicy, this fragrance features notes that are just as loud as oud—coffee, sandalwood and tonka bean—which prevents the oud from overpowering. I actually love how cosy this wears on the skin; it's a softer, gentler take for the autumnal months.
4. Penhaligon's Halfeti
Key notes: Leather, oud, amber, resins, tonka bean, vanilla, sandalwood
Spicy and aromatic, this iconic perfume is packed with spicy and woody notes like cypress, bergamot and grapefruit. It features oud, but without being too powerful. In fact, in this unique scent, it reads as more mysterious and sensual. It's ideal for date night.
5. Guerlain Oud Nude
Key notes: White almond, oud, raspberry accord, atlas cedar
This is a soft, sensual oud which subtly enhances the skin's natural scent. If you love skin-scent perfumes like Glossier's You, this is more of a grown-up take, thanks to the addition of smoky oud, which lends a more sophisticated kick.
6. Juliette Has A Gun Another Oud
Key notes: Raspberry, bergamot, norlimbanol, oud, musk
This is a brand known for its fresh and modern interpretations of classic scent families, and this is no different. Here, the oud note is balanced beautifully with grounding notes of musk, as well as more invigorating herbal and fruity notes of bergamot and raspberry. It's so moreish.
7. Initio Parfums Oud for Greatness
Key notes: Lavender, saffron, nutmeg, natural oud wood, agarwood oil, patchouli muscs
A bold and striking oud scent, this is a real power perfume from the bottle to the juice inside. However, the unexpected addition of lavender and nutmeg adds a fresh spiciness that prevents it from feeling too heavy.
8. Jo Malone London Oud & Bergamot
Key notes: Bergamot, cedarwood, oud
This scent really surprises—it's sparkling and woody, perfect if you're after a delicate interpretation of oud. In fact, I find it incredibly wearable, on a night out or even in the office. I'm often stopped when I wear it, which is no bad thing.
9. Killian Paris Musk Oud
Key notes: Davana, geranium, oud
This is a really elegant, sensual scent, with notes of lemon, cardamom, coriander and geranium. The oud gives it longevity and a richness which makes it ideal for evening wear. I can often smell this on my skin hours after I first sprayed it in the morning, and the uplifting notes of lemon and coriander keep it feeling fresh into the evening.
10. Dior Oud Ispahan
Key notes: Oud wood, Damascus rose
This is an undeniably sexy date night perfume that perfectly couples the woody opulence of oud with a more sensual rose bouquet. It's an excellent blend of contrasts, and I love how it elevates any vibe (or outfit).
11. Lancôme Ôud Bouquet
Key notes: Oud, guaïac wood, copahu wood, praline, rose
This is a fun interpretation of oud, which pairs the note with the floral sweetness of praline and rose. It's unexpected, but that's what makes it so interesting. If you love complex scents that veer on the heavier side, you need to give this a sniff.
12. Tom Ford Oud Wood
Key notes: Rare oud wood, sandalwood, Chinese pepper
This rather spicy fragrance reminds me of exploring the souks of Marrakech, where cardamom and amber fill the air. This fragrance really is a peppery, smoky, woody delight.
How We Tested
As beauty editors, we've tested hundreds of affordable perfumes and luxury fragrances between us. We put each oud perfume to the test by wearing the scent and noting how the fragrance performed, as well as how long it lasted.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.