
Oud, also known as agarwood, is one of the most expensive raw fragrance ingredients in the world, with a price of up to $100,000 per kg or $1,000 per gram. The high cost of oud wood perfume is due to the rarity of the ingredient, which comes from the resinous heartwood of the agar tree, primarily found in Southeast Asia, India, and Bangladesh. With the increasing demand for oud in Western markets, the question arises as to how much this precious ingredient is used in fragrances, including Tom Ford's Oud Wood, which retails for $445 + tax for a 50ml bottle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Tom Ford |
| Product Name | Oud Wood |
| Product Type | Eau de Parfum |
| Fragrance Notes | Exotic woods, cardamom, sandalwood, vetiver, tonka bean, amber, tobacco, vanilla, sweet wood sap, black orchid, spice, citrus |
| Fragrance Description | Woody, smoky, spicy, floral, musky, sensual, warm, sweet |
| Fragrance Longevity | Up to 6 hours |
| Target Audience | Women and Men |
| Year Launched | 2007 |
| Bottle Size | 50ml |
| Price | $445 + tax for 50ml |
| Availability | Online and in-store |
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What You'll Learn

Tom Ford's Oud Wood perfume costs $445+ tax for 50ml
Tom Ford's Oud Wood perfume is an exotic and luxurious fragrance that combines rare oud notes with exotic spices and cardamom, creating a dark, earthy, and sensual aroma. The 50ml bottle of this exquisite perfume is priced at a premium, costing $445 plus tax. This price point has been a topic of discussion among reviewers, with some deeming it excessively expensive, particularly when compared to other fragrances of similar quality and quantity.
Oud, also known as agarwood, is one of the most expensive raw fragrance ingredients globally. The high cost of Oud wood perfume can be attributed to the rarity and intricate process of obtaining this precious ingredient. Oud is derived from the resinous heartwood of the agar tree, primarily found in the dense forests of Southeast Asia, India, and Bangladesh. The formation of Oud occurs when the agar tree is infected by a specific fungus, resulting in the production of rich and aromatic resin.
The process of extracting Oud further contributes to its high value. Expert perfumers seek out older trees as they produce resin with a superior aroma. However, these trees are considered threatened species, making the extraction process more challenging and costly. The intricate steps involved in harvesting and processing Oud, along with the increasing demand for this exotic fragrance, drive up the price of Oud-based perfumes like Tom Ford's Oud Wood.
While the price of Tom Ford's Oud Wood perfume may be a point of contention for some, it is important to acknowledge the rarity and complexity of the Oud ingredient. The unique aroma of Oud, with its warm, smoky, and musky notes, has captivated perfumers and fragrance enthusiasts alike. For those who appreciate the exquisite and indulgent nature of this scent, the price may be justifiable. However, it is always advisable to sample the fragrance and consider one's budget before investing in a luxury perfume such as Tom Ford's Oud Wood.
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The high price is due to Oud being a rare, natural ingredient
Oud, also known as agarwood, is a rare and natural ingredient that has been used since ancient times. It is formed when the agar tree, primarily found in the dense forests of Southeast Asia, India, and Bangladesh, is infected by a specific type of fungus. This infection causes the tree to produce a resinous heartwood that is highly valued for its rich and complex aroma.
The process of forming oud is quite unique and rare, contributing to its high price. It is believed that only about 2% of agar trees produce this resin, making it a scarce and precious commodity. The formation of oud requires a specific type of fungal infection, and even among infected trees, the quality and richness of the resin can vary. Expert perfumers seek out older trees with superior resin, further increasing the rarity and cost of this ingredient.
The increasing demand for oud in the fragrance industry, especially in Western markets, has driven up its price. As oud has gained popularity and become a sought-after ingredient in niche fragrances, the demand has outpaced the natural supply. This has led to concerns about the sustainability of certain types of oud and a shift towards synthetic replacements. However, natural agarwood remains highly valued for its unique and exquisite scent.
The complex and intriguing fragrance of oud is often described as warm, smoky, musky, and sensual. When blended with other essential oils, it creates an opulent and luxurious olfactory experience. The rarity and natural origin of oud, combined with its intricate and captivating scent, make it a highly prized and expensive ingredient in the world of perfumery.
Tom Ford's Oud Wood perfume is a well-known example of a fragrance that features rare oud notes. It combines exotic woods, spices, and warm amber to create a dark, earthy, and sensual scent. The high price of this perfume can be attributed, in part, to the inclusion of rare and costly oud as a key ingredient.
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Oud is often used as a base note in perfumes
The price of oud wood perfume varies depending on the brand and the size of the bottle. For example, the price of Tom Ford's Oud Wood Eau de Parfum is $340 for 50ml and $485 for 100ml.
Oud, also known as agarwood, is a highly valued ingredient in perfumery. It is often used as a base note, which provides a strong foundation for the fragrance and tends to remain on the skin long after the other notes dissipate. Base notes are rich, heavy, and long-lasting, enhancing the scent of other ingredients or imparting a fragrance of their own. Oud provides a pleasant, sweet, and warm scent with earthy and woody notes. Its depth and rich aroma make it a popular ingredient in perfumery, adding a sensual touch to fragrances.
The use of oud in perfumes dates back to ancient times, with evidence of its use in various ancient cultures. It has been valued for its aromatic, medicinal, and spiritual properties, playing a significant role in Islamic culture and Buddhist traditions. The Prophet Muhammad is said to have fumigated his clothes with agarwood, and it is mentioned in the Bible and several Islamic Hadith.
Oud is extracted from the resinous heartwood of agarwood trees, primarily found in the forests of Southeast Asia, India, and Bangladesh. The formation of resin is triggered by a fungal infection in the tree, making it a rare and precious commodity. Due to its high demand and limited availability, oud is one of the most expensive fragrance ingredients in the world, with a price tag of up to $5,000 per pound.
In modern perfumery, oud has gained popularity, with famous designers such as Giorgio Armani and Tom Ford incorporating it into their fragrances. The unique and luxurious scent of oud, with its warm and earthy notes, makes it a sought-after ingredient in the creation of exquisite and opulent fragrances.
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The scent is described as woody, musky, and sensual
Oud, also known as agarwood, is a highly prized fragrance ingredient. It is an essential oil extracted from the resinous heartwood of the Aquilaria tree, which is native to Southeast Asia, India, Bangladesh, and some East Asian countries. The process of forming oud is unique: it occurs when the heartwood of the Aquilaria tree becomes infected with a particular type of fungus, resulting in a rare and exquisite scent.
Oud has a long and fascinating history, with references to its use found in ancient scriptures of various cultures. It has been valued for centuries in the Islamic world and was traditionally used for fumigation. In Buddhist tradition, agarwood is considered precious, with the most valued string of prayer beads made from this material. As oud spread to Europe, it became a favourite of royalty, with King Louis XIV of France known for his love of the fragrance.
The scent of oud is complex and distinctive, offering earthy and woody notes that are often likened to damp soil or dry hay. It is described as musky and sensual, with a unique, animalic aroma that is deeply rooted in nature. The scent can vary depending on the species and location of the Aquilaria tree, as well as the methods used to extract and refine the oud oil. When combined with other fragrances, oud adds depth and intensity, enhancing the overall aroma.
Tom Ford's Oud Wood perfume is a popular fragrance that showcases the unique qualities of oud. It combines rare oud notes with exotic woods, spices, and warm amber. While some reviewers find the oud notes subtle, others describe it as a woody and masculine scent with a sophisticated and smooth character. The perfume is designed to be applied directly to the skin, where it warms and evolves, creating a lasting impression.
Oud is considered a luxurious and expensive ingredient, often referred to as "liquid gold". Its high value is due to the rarity of the infected Aquilaria trees and the complex process of extracting the oil. Synthetic alternatives have been developed, but they cannot fully replicate the unique aroma of natural oud.
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$11.95

It has a medium projection and longevity
Oud, also known as agarwood, is a highly sought-after ingredient in the world of perfumery. It is known for its exquisite fragrance, which is described as warm, smoky, woody, and musky. Due to its high demand and limited supply, oud has become one of the most expensive fragrance ingredients globally, often referred to as the "five-thousand-dollar-per-pound scent." With such a high price tag, it's no surprise that oud fragrances are associated with luxury and opulence.
One of the most well-known oud fragrances is Tom Ford's Oud Wood. This perfume is designed for both women and men and has gained a reputation for its unique and captivating scent. The use of rare oud notes, exotic woods, and warm amber creates a dark, earthy, and sensual fragrance that has become iconic. However, despite its allure, some reviewers have expressed disappointment with the projection and longevity of the original Oud Wood fragrance.
While the scent itself has received many positive reviews, some users have noted that it does not project well and has mediocre longevity. The fragrance is said to become a skin scent within 30 minutes, and some reviewers claim that it does not last long on the body, needing to be reapplied frequently. This has led to criticisms of the perfume being overpriced for its performance. However, it is important to note that fragrances interact differently with each individual's skin chemistry, and some reviewers have disputed these claims, stating that the perfume does last long for them.
In 2024, Tom Ford released a new version of Oud Wood, simply named Oud Wood Parfum. This updated fragrance addresses some of the concerns regarding the longevity and projection of the original. Reviewers have noted that the parfum version lasts longer and has improved projection, providing a stronger and more lasting olfactory experience. However, some still consider it overpriced for the amount of product offered.
Overall, while the Tom Ford Oud Wood fragrances may be considered a tad overpriced by some, they have gained a reputation for their sophisticated and captivating scents. The use of rare oud notes adds an air of luxury and exoticism to the perfumes. For those who are curious about oud or looking for an introductory fragrance, the original Oud Wood could be a good option, especially if purchased at a discounted price. Meanwhile, the Oud Wood Parfum offers improved performance and a richer, fuller scent for those willing to invest in a higher-concentration fragrance.
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Frequently asked questions
The 50ml bottle of Tom Ford's Oud Wood Parfum costs $445 + tax.
Tom Ford's Oud Wood Parfum is a blend of rich wood notes, exotic spices, cardamom, sandalwood, vetiver, tonka bean, and warm amber.
The longevity of Tom Ford's Oud Wood Parfum is better than the Eau de Parfum, with some users reporting up to 12 hours of strong performance. However, the projection is not as good as the Eau de Parfum, with some users finding that the scent doesn't last long on their skin.
Yes, there are several popular Oud fragrances on the market, including Initio Parfum's Oud for Greatness, YSL's M7 Oud Absolu, Nishane Kredo, Thameen Carved Oud, and Versace Oud Noir.










































