The Best Oud Perfumes for Women 2025

In the fragrance world, oud perfumes are a bit like marmite; you either can’t get enough or you’re not a fan at all.

For the lovers out there, the rich, decadent aroma gets the senses tingling. As well as oozing luxury with every spritz, oud perfumes fill the air with an allure that cannot go unnoticed. That being said, it's not uncommon for some to find oud's intensity a little overpowering.

At Cosmetify, we’re always in the mood for oud. And here’s the thing – we think everyone should be able to enjoy the oud experience. That’s why we’ve gone ahead and hand-picked the absolute best oud perfumes for women, covering all blends and all budgets.

So, what exactly is oud?

Historically, oud fragrances have been the number one choice in Middle Eastern, Japanese and Indian cultures. Taken from the wood of agar trees, its intricate extraction process helps rank it as one of the most prestigious and expensive perfume ingredients around. It's renowned for its warm, woodsy, incense-like scent, and with a single millilitre of pure oud oil priced in the thousands, it makes sense why these perfumes often boast a hefty price tag.

Whether you're an OG oud worshipper or simply here to see what oud can do for you, our round-up promises to delight all types of senses. Keep scrolling to explore the best oud perfumes.

What's the difference between men's and women's oud fragrances?

Men’s and women’s oud fragrances share the same core ingredient — the rich, resinous depth of oud — but they’re styled very differently to create distinct moods and wear profiles.

Women’s oud perfumes often soften the smokiness with bright or romantic notes such as rose, jasmine, orange blossom, vanilla or amber. These blends feel smoother, sweeter and more radiant on the skin, giving oud a more feminine character that’s luxurious without being heavy.

Men’s oud fragrances usually lean into the darker, woodier facets of oud. They’re often paired with spices, leather, incense or smoky woods, resulting in a bolder, more intense composition with sharper edges.

In short: women’s oud scents tend to be floral, warm and refined, while men’s oud fragrances are typically darker, stronger and more rugged in tone — all while celebrating the same iconic ingredient.

How to pick your signature oud scent

1. Decide how intense you want your oud to be
   If you prefer something soft and elegant, look for florals (rose, jasmine, orange blossom) or lighter citrus notes paired with oud. For something richer and more dramatic, opt for blends with amber, leather or spices.
2. Think about when you’ll wear it
   Daytime calls for airy, brighter oud compositions, while evenings suit deeper, more polished versions that leave a lasting trail.
3. Explore your preferred fragrance families
   Love sweet scents? Try vanilla or praline-enhanced oud. Lean towards fresh fragrances? Citrus-oud combinations feel modern and uplifting. Fans of bold woods will enjoy oud paired with sandalwood or cedar.
4. Test how it behaves on your skin
   Oud can shift depending on body chemistry. Try a spray, let it settle and see how the dry-down feels — this is where your true signature emerges.
5. Trust the emotion it gives you
   The right oud scent should feel empowering, comforting or beautifully “you”. If it sparks a connection from the first wear, you’ve likely found your signature.

Still stuck on what to wear? Here are some more suggestions from #perfumetok...

Not only will these perfumes make you smell like a million bucks, but they'll make you feel like it too. We don't know about you, but we're all about our signature scent exuding those expensive, 'old money' vibes. However, if we can't tempt you with a good oud, then be sure to check out 15 of the Best Vanilla Perfumes for Women that are sure to have you smelling just as yummy.