Oud, or agarwood, is among the most prized materials in perfumery. Famous for its smoky, woody depth and multifaceted nature, oud is commonly found in high-end perfumes and incense—but there's one nagging question that keeps arising time and again:

Is oud just for men?

Let's set the record straight once and for all: No, oud is not simply for men—and never was.

A Shared and Sacred History

Oud is blessed with a rich and sacred history that transcends culture and continent. Burned in temples in East Asia, used in traditional medicine and religious rituals in the Middle East and South Asia, oud wood has always been imbued with profound cultural meaning.

It's referred to in religious scriptures such as the Sanskrit Vedas, the Bible, and the Islamic Hadiths, citing its religious significance. In Islamic cultures, for instance, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a great admirer of the aroma of oud and recommended using it to scent mosques during prayers.

Traditionally, oud was never gendered. Men and women in most cultures have burned agarwood chips to fragrance their garments and homes, or used oud oil perfumes in order to have the fragrance follow them around all day. Particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, women have traditionally used oud perfumes as a part of their daily fragrance routine.

Actually, the notion that oud is a man's fragrance is quite a recent marketing phenomenon.

Oud's Scent Profile: Complex and Versatile

What makes oud perfume so captivating is its multifaceted scent. Oud wood might be characterized as warm, smoky, woody, and faintly sweet—with earthy or even animalic undertones depending on where it comes from and how it's harvested. This natural depth provides perfumers with a rich canvas to work with.

Combine oud with rose, saffron, sandalwood, citrus, or vanilla, and it can go from dark and mysterious to airy and romantic. This is why there are not only oud perfumes for women and oud perfumes for men but also unisex oud perfumes.

Oud for Every Personality

Oud belongs to everyone, both men and women. Here is a collection of carefully curated scents to showcase the full spectrum of oud’s potential—from floral and sweet to rich and woody.

Floral & Oud Fragrances - These are ideal for anyone who adores a light, feminine touch—but with depth and presence.

Oud Al Habayeb: A romantic bouquet of rose and oud that is ageless and elegant.

Oud Al Ibtisam: Dainty, powdery rose paired with a smoky oud base—refined and wearable.

Oud Al Qamar: Oud mellowed by floral and musky accords, leaving a courtly trail.

These fragrances are perfect oud perfumes for women, but they're also adored by anyone who enjoys floral nuances against a solid base.

Woody & Intense Oud Fragrances - For those who prefer a strong, classic oud experience.

Dehn Al Oud: Fresh, rich, and magnetic—a plunge into the essence of Arabian oud.

Ambar Oud: Oud in golden amber for a sensual, extravagant profile.

Oud Swisseri: Powerful and rich, recalling ancient souks and incense-filled evenings.

Oud Mukhalat: A classic oriental mix of oud and Eastern spice—classic and bold.

These are some fine choices if you are on the lookout for the best oud perfume for men or yearn for that intense, regal oud presence.

Balanced & Unisex Oud Fragrances - Versatile fragrances with wide appeal—neither too sweet nor too smoky.

Oud Faten: Blends classic Arabic oud with aquatic, modern notes for a fresh twist.

Oud Al Abyad: Fresh and woody, with complexity that's great for all skin types.

Oud Al Khaleeji: A strong statement fragrance with a unisex balance.

Oud Al Raghbah: Sweetly smoky, warmly fresh—it's oud with universal appeal.

If you’re unsure where to start, these unisex oud perfumes are a beautiful middle ground.

Oud Belongs to Everyone

Oud is not just for men. It never was.

Whether you’re drawn to its bold, smoky character or its romantic, floral pairings, oud offers a fragrance journey like no other. Its use across ancient civilizations and modern-day rituals proves that oud transcends gender—it's about expression, heritage, and identity.

Some brands like Dukhni, Kannauj Attar, Noorson and more, honor this ageless spirit with alcohol-free, halal, and vegan oud fragrances, designed to be worn by anyone who shares a love for the heart of Arabian oud.

So the next time you wonder, "Is oud for men alone?"

Remember: it’s for anyone bold enough to wear it.