FAQs

What is oud?

Oud, also known as agarwood, is a fragrant resinous wood that forms in the heartwood of Aquilaria and Gyrinops trees when they become infected with a specific type of mold. This infection leads to a natural defense response in the tree, resulting in the formation of a dark, aromatic resin. The resin-infused wood, often referred to as agarwood or oud, is highly prized for its distinctive and complex fragrance.

Oud has been used for centuries in traditional perfumery, incense, and cultural practices across various regions, particularly in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. The fragrance of oud is rich, deep, and often described as woody, sweet, and complex. It is considered one of the most luxurious and sought-after ingredients in the world of perfumery. Oud is used to create premium perfumes, attars, and essential oils, valued for its unique and captivating scent.

Wondering which oud is perfect for beginners?

For beginners, it's advisable to start with milder and more approachable oud fragrances before exploring the more intense and complex varieties. Here are a few oud types that are often considered suitable for beginners:

  • Cambodian Oud: Known for its sweet and slightly floral notes, Cambodian oud is generally smoother and less overpowering than some other varieties.
  • Laos Oud: Laos oud often has a sweet and creamy aroma with hints of fruitiness. It tends to be more understated compared to some other oud types.
  • Malaysian Oud: Malaysian oud is often described as sweet and woodsy, with a smoother profile. It can be a good introduction for those new to oud.
  • Indian Oud: Depending on the region and processing, Indian oud can vary widely. Some Indian ouds have a sweet, spicy, or even floral character, making them accessible for beginners.

When exploring oud, it's helpful to try small samples or starter kits that offer a variety of oud types. Our Ultimate Oud Sampler is an excellent starting point. It provides a diverse range of oud scent profiles from various regions. This allows you to experience different profiles and discover your preferences. Additionally, consider diluted oud oils or oud-based perfumes that blend oud with other complementary notes, making them more wearable for beginners.

Wondering about the application of oud oil and attars?

It's a breeze – just a simple dab will do. The compact bottle size also ensures easy portability for application whenever needed throughout the day. For a more detailed guide on applying oud oils, you can find it on our blog.

How does oud oil differ from attar?

Oud oil and attar, while related, have distinct characteristics. Oud oil is a pure, concentrated aromatic extracted from agarwood. It offers a rich and complex fragrance with over 150 aromatic compounds. On the other hand, attar is a traditional perfume oil crafted by blending natural essential oils, including oud, with a base such as sandalwood or carrier oil. While both provide luxurious scents, oud oil is 100% aromatic concentration, offering a more intense experience, while attar combines various fragrances for a unique and layered perfume.

Are your ouds all organic?

Absolutely, none of our oud oils have been exposed to pesticides or chemical fertilizers – they are all organic.

Part of our Organic Oud oils are derived from agarwood cultivated in plantations where organic materials are used for soil fertilization and tree growth enhancement.

However, most of our ouds, they are distilled from fully matured agarwood trees harvested in the wild. These trees remain untouched and untreated, relying solely on rainwater and the forces of nature.

Are oud fragrances gender-specific?

Oud emits a rich, woody, and powerful fragrance that is not tied to a specific gender. Initially, individuals may have preferences for certain types of oud scents – women might lean towards sweeter varieties, while men may prefer deeper, muskier aromas.

However, it's essential to note that while Indian oud is occasionally considered more masculine initially due to its intensity, some of the most passionate Indian oud enthusiasts we know are women. In fact, many women appreciate the robust Indian ouds, finding them empowering and instilling a sense of confidence. Similarly, there are men who adore the softer, sweeter ouds, disregarding the perceived strength of other varieties.

How does oud differ from regular perfume?

Oud, also known as agarwood or aloeswood, differs from regular perfume in several ways:

  • Origin and Raw Material:     

      • Oud: It is derived from the resinous heartwood of agarwood trees, which are infected by a specific type of mold. The natural process of infection and the subsequent resin formation contribute to the unique and complex aroma of oud.
     • Regular Perfume: Traditional perfumes often use a combination of synthetic chemicals and natural ingredients like essential oils, floral extracts, and aromatic compounds.

  • Aroma Complexity:

     • Oud: Possesses a rich, woody, and often resinous fragrance with deep and complex notes. The scent can vary based on the species of agarwood, the region it comes from, and the extraction process.

     • Regular Perfume: Offers a wide range of fragrances, from floral and fruity to spicy and oriental. The complexity of scents in regular perfumes is achieved through a blend of various synthetic and natural components.

  • Concentration:

    • Oud: Oud is often available as pure oil or in high concentrations, making it a potent and long-lasting fragrance.

    • Regular Perfume: Comes in various concentrations such as Eau de Toilette (EDT) and Eau de Parfum (EDP), each with different levels of fragrance intensity and longevity.

 • Cultural Significance:

    • Oud: Holds cultural significance in many Eastern traditions and is often associated with luxury, spirituality, and special occasions.

    • Regular Perfume: Represents a diverse range of fragrances catering to different preferences and occasions, with no specific cultural connotations.

 • Sustainability:

   •Oud: The production of natural oud can be challenging and is often associated with sustainability concerns due to the depletion of wild agarwood resources.

   •Regular Perfume: Can be produced using a mix of synthetic ingredients, which may be more sustainable, depending on the sourcing and manufacturing practices of the brand.

In summary, oud stands out for its unique sourcing, intricate scent profile, and cultural significance, while regular perfumes offer a broader spectrum of fragrances using a combination of synthetic and natural elements.

Our Dehn al oud is authentically 100% pure, derived from natural aromatics, whereas mainstream perfumes typically consist of 95% synthetic materials. While these are factual distinctions, the real divergence lies in the experiential realm. The application of oud, particularly from the upper echelons of the Reeh al Madinah Oud collection, offers a profound and soul-stirring satisfaction unmatched by even the finest niche perfumes.

Additionally, perfumes commonly incorporate carriers as diluents for aromatic elements, whereas oud and attars boast a 100% aromatic concentration, delivering a truly lavish olfactory experience.

These are the fundamentals, but for a more comprehensive understanding, you can delve into further details on articles on our blog.

How can I be sure my oud is genuine?

A discerning nose can instantly distinguish between authentic oud and its synthetically manufactured counterpart. Synthetic or diluted oud typically emits a blunt, dull, uncomplicated, and leathery aroma. Furthermore, if you're accustomed to pure oud, synthetic varieties can induce headaches within seconds. A true, 100% pure oud oil boasts a powerful yet subtle and spiritual fragrance.

How long does a 3ml bottle typically last?

Each application of our oud, amounting to approximately one hundredth of a gram, serves as a guideline. If you use one swipe daily, the 3ml oud bottle should logically last you at least 6 to 8 months.

While some oud enthusiasts indulge in a daily application, many reserve their ouds for special occasions. In such cases, a single bottle can extend well beyond that. Moreover, if left untouched in the bottle, oud tends to appreciate in value. The oldest oud is highly valued for its mature aroma, commanding a premium price.

This stands in contrast to synthetic ouds, where even a minimal percentage of real oud is often accompanied by synthetic elements. Many additives in such 'ouds' have a limited shelf life, causing the fragrance to degrade over time.

Discovering a forgotten bottle of pure oud oil in your closet a decade later reveals that the oil has only improved with time. The same cannot be said for most other perfumes.

Do you measure by weight or volume when pouring the oud?

We meticulously hand-pour each bottle, strictly adhering to weight measurements. When you purchase 3ml, you receive precisely that amount—perhaps a tad more, but never less.

To ensure accuracy, we discount or "tare out" the weight of the bottle, utilising laboratory-grade measuring equipment. This eliminates any guesswork involved in the process. If, upon arrival, your bottle appears less than full, it may be attributed to variations in the actual capacity of bottles, just as oils can differ in density. You might have received a bottle with a larger capacity than the weight of the oil you purchased, or your oil could be exceptionally dense.

In any case, you can trust that you receive exactly what you paid for, down to the last ml.

I've come across individuals who choose to invest in oud instead of traditional assets like artwork or real estate. Why? What is the potential future value of oud?

Rather than opting for stocks, bonds, or gold, some are turning to oud as an investment. The value of oud oil is expected to skyrocket in the coming years, primarily due to the rapidly increasing scarcity of raw materials. Oud oils derived from wild-harvested agarwood trees are anticipated to command prices that are currently unimaginable, reaching into the thousands of dollars for a single 3ml bottle.

Consider the recent market dynamics for raw agarwood, where Chinese oud tycoons are now acquiring oud at costs amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars. In contrast, just a few years ago, the same raw materials were selling for less than $10,000.

Unlike many collector's items, the emergence of artisanal oud oil distillation is a relatively recent phenomenon.

Are your oil and perfume suitable for vegans and vegetarians?

Absolutely, all our musk and oil are vegetarian and vegans-friendly.

Are all your musk and oils being Halal?

Yes, all our musk and oils are halal.

Are your perfumes vegan and cruelty-free?

We combine synthetic compounds with natural ingredients to craft exquisite, enduring some of our perfume oils, ensuring they are both vegan and cruelty-free.

Are your oil and perfume products free from animal cruelty?

Yes, our oil and perfume products are cruelty-free.

Is Attar suitable for individuals with allergies or tolerance concerns?

Allergies can vary greatly from person to person, and individuals may have different sensitivities to various substances, including attar or natural perfumes. Attar is typically made from natural ingredients, such as essential oils derived from flowers, herbs, or other botanical sources, which may be less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to synthetic fragrances.

However, it's essential to consider that some people may still be allergic or sensitive to specific natural components present in attars. Common allergens in perfumes include certain essential oils, plant extracts, or compounds found in fragrance blends.

If you're concerned about potential allergies, consider the following:

     • Patch Test: Before applying attar to a larger area of your skin, perform a patch test. Apply a small amount of the attar on a small area of skin (e.g., the inner wrist) and wait for 24-48 hours to see if there's any adverse reaction.

    • Choose Hypoallergenic Options: Some attars are labeled as hypoallergenic or free from common allergens. Choosing such options may reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

    • Consultation with a Dermatologist: If you have a history of skin allergies or sensitivities, it's advisable to consult with a dermatologist. They can help identify potential allergens and recommend suitable products.

    • Ingredients Check: Review the ingredients list of the attar to identify any components that you may be allergic to. If you have known allergies to specific botanical extracts, essential oils, or fragrances, exercise caution.

It's important to note that individuals with fragrance allergies or sensitivities may prefer unscented or hypoallergenic products to minimize the risk of adverse reactions. Always prioritize your skin health and comfort when choosing and using personal care products.

What is denatured alcohol, also known as "alcohol denat"?

Alcohol denat, short for denatured alcohol, is ethanol (alcohol) that has been rendered unfit for human consumption by adding chemical substances known as denaturants. This type of alcohol is frequently employed as an ingredient in various hygiene products, including toothpaste, window cleaner, deodorant, and more. It is important to note that alcohol denat is not produced for illicit purposes; instead, its versatile applications offer numerous benefits to individuals.

In the context of perfumery and cosmetics, alcohol denat is commonly used as a solvent to dissolve and deliver fragrances. It evaporates quickly, leaving behind the scent of the fragrance.

After placing my order, when will my purchase be shipped?

Orders are dispatched within 24 hours, except on Fridays, in the case of pre-orders or special requests, and during rare high-volume occasions. They are typically delivered to most locations within 72 hours of dispatch.

You can access your tracking information directly through your order history on your My Account page. Additionally, our courier will send SMS updates to the number you provided in your order.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Is it necessary to register for an account?

No, you can opt for our guest checkout if you prefer.

However, by checking out as a guest, you won't enjoy the following benefits:

   • Expedited checkout – we won't securely retain your delivery details for future purchases.

   • Conveniently track the status of your orders.

   • Access your order history with ease.

How can I register an account?

The process is straightforward. Creating an account enables you to check out effortlessly, receive timely updates, and monitor your order status.

To create your account, click here.

Should you encounter any difficulties during the account creation process, please reach out to our Customer Care Team via email at admin@reehalmadinah.com

Is it possible to cancel my order?

Once the order has been dispatched, cancellation is not feasible. However, if you have received the items and wish to return them in their original condition, please contact our Customer Care Team. Upon receipt of the returned items, we will proceed to refund your purchase.

For assistance, please reach out to our Customer Care Team via email at admin@reehalmadinah.com

What should I do if my items arrive damaged?

While we take utmost care to securely package your items to prevent damage during transit, there may be instances where they sustain damage on their way to you.

In such cases, kindly reach out to our Customer Care Team via email at admin@reehalmadinah.com. It's important not to dispose of any packaging, as you may be required to return it or provide photographic evidence.

Do you provide international shipping?

Certainly, we do. Please note that additional charges for import and customs duties may apply, and customers are responsible for covering these costs.

Do you employ child labour?

No, in accordance with our manufacturing procedures, our items are produced without the involvement of child labour.

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