Oud
Oud, also known as agarwood or oudh, is a rich, woody aromatic ingredient prized in luxury British beauty for its deep, smoky scent and soothing properties. It adds a sophisticated, long-lasting fragrance to perfumes, candles and skincare, evoking warmth and opulence. Increasingly used in modern formulations, it brings an exotic, calming note without overpowering delicate skin.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, oud essential oil or extract is valued for its complex aromatic profile that blends seamlessly with other notes in fine fragrances and body care. Its resinous compounds lend a creamy, balsamic quality that helps anchor scents, while its gentle, warming character makes it a popular addition to moisturisers, serums and bath oils, imparting a sense of luxury and calm to the sensory experience.
Key benefits
- Delivers a deep, sophisticated woody fragrance
- Helps create long-lasting scent in perfumes and body products
- Imparts a warm, comforting sensory experience
- Blends beautifully with floral and citrus notes
- Adds a luxurious, exotic feel to skincare rituals
- Suitable for use in calming evening formulations
Best for
normal skin, dry skin, mature skin, sensitive skin
Where it comes from
Oud is a dark, fragrant resin produced naturally by the Aquilaria tree when its wood becomes infected with a specific type of mould. The resin-rich heartwood is then sustainably harvested, distilled into essential oil or extracted for use in perfumery and cosmetic formulations.
Products with Oud
Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Oud than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.