True Oud

True Oud, inspired by Carolina Herrera True Oud (2022)

True Oud starts with saffron and freesia, a pairing that is spiced and airy at once. Agarwood, the resinous heartwood also sold as oud, comes forward in the heart, but jasmine and osmanthus sit right beside it and draw out its floral, slightly fruity facets. Myrrh, a bitter balsamic resin, gives the base a churchy depth, with sandalwood and patchouli holding it together. The effect is closer to perfumed wood than to animalic oud.

About the original

Jordi Fernández composed True Oud, which Carolina Herrera added to the Eastern Treasures line of Herrera Confidential in February 2022. The brand ties it to the Middle Eastern ritual of burning oud, and the perfumer chose to emphasise the material's floral side. Launch press reported that a sustainably produced oud was used and listed Thai oud, akigalawood, musk and Ambrofix alongside the official pyramid.

Our version

Ours is an independent eau de parfum made to evoke the same character. It is not Carolina Herrera stock, not an official relaunch and not the original formula.

Who it suits

Oud newcomers often find the material medicinal or animalic; this version leans instead on the material's floral side, with flowers and sandalwood. Seasoned fans of leathery ouds may find it too tame. Late on, myrrh adds a dry, resinous bitterness that keeps the sweetness in check.

Related scents

• Carolina Herrera Saffron Lazuli
• Carolina Herrera Stallion Leather
• Tom Ford Oud Wood

Notes of the original fragrance, as published by the brand.

Top notes: Freesia, Saffron

Heart notes: Osmanthus, Jasmine, Agarwood

Base notes: Sandalwood, Patchouli, Myrrh

Saffron leads with a dry spice, while freesia lifts it with a peppery, airy floral note.

Agarwood shows its resinous, woody character in the heart, tempered by osmanthus and jasmine.

Sandalwood and patchouli settle the base, and myrrh lends it a balsamic, faintly bitter edge.

Does True Oud smell animalic?

Not in the way many traditional ouds do. Jordi Fernández focused on oud's floral side, so jasmine and osmanthus are as noticeable as the wood.

How is True Oud different from Saffron Lazuli?

Both open with saffron. Saffron Lazuli moves to iris and rose over guaiac wood and tonka, whereas True Oud centres on agarwood with osmanthus, jasmine and myrrh.

Inside the EU, delivery is free on orders of €49 or more. Below that it is a flat €4.99. Outside the EU, delivery is a flat €4.99 on every order. We send every order in 1 to 2 working days. It arrives in 3 to 7 days across the EU and in 7 to 14 days outside the EU. You have 14 days to return an unopened bottle.

Carolina Herrera and True Oud are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Carolina Herrera in any way, and no business relationship of any kind is implied. Our product is an original interpretation created to evoke a similar scent profile, and the trademark names are used purely for honest, descriptive comparison, so that you can quickly identify the style and fragrance family you are looking for. We make no claim to sell the original product, and we do not use the same ingredients or formula. Any similarity lies in the overall impression of the scent as interpreted by our own perfumers, not in the source materials.