Oud (Agarwood) (Aquilaria malaccensis) is a specialty essential oil with a deep, animalic, woody aroma and a heart note. Steam distillation from heartwood, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Sandalwood (Australian), Rose, Frankincense (Carterii). For topical use, keep dilution at or below 2%.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Heart |
| Aroma family | Specialty |
| Chemical family | Sesquiterpenol |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | heartwood |
| Origin | India, Cambodia, Indonesia |
| Blending factor | 1 |
| Volatility index | 3 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 6.0 |
Safety & dilution
| Max topical dilution | 2% |
| Max facial dilution | 1% |
| Pregnancy | Not recommended |
| Nursing | Not recommended |
| Children | Not recommended for young children |
| Cats | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Dogs | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
Safety flags
Evidence: Traditional — EODB: 2 GC-MS analyses (Aquilaria malaccensis).
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.
Scale amounts to any container with the dilution calculator.
Blends well with
Frequently asked questions
What does Oud (Agarwood) essential oil smell like?
Oud (Agarwood) has a deep, animalic, woody aroma, classed as a specialty oil with a heart note.
What is the safe dilution for Oud (Agarwood)?
For topical use, keep Oud (Agarwood) at or below 2%, and 1% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Oud (Agarwood) safe to use during pregnancy?
Oud (Agarwood) is not recommended during pregnancy. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before any use.
Is Oud (Agarwood) safe to use around children?
Oud (Agarwood) is not recommended for young children. Consult a professional before use.
Is Oud (Agarwood) safe around pets?
For cats — generally lower-risk when well diluted and diffused sparingly; dogs — generally lower-risk when well diluted. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does Oud (Agarwood) blend well with?
Oud (Agarwood) pairs well with Sandalwood (Australian), Rose, Frankincense (Carterii), Vetiver, Patchouli.