Frankincense, oud, cypriol and patchouli all have one thing in common (apart from the fact that they happen to be the fragrances we simply can’t get enough of): They all belong to the incense family. Incense perfumes possess an air of mystery that’s often imitated, never duplicated, and they’re praised for their smoky, resinous, and earthy profiles. While they’re on shelves everywhere from apothecaries and markets to malls and shoebox city apartments, there will always be more incense-infused perfumes to spark some renewed interest.
They’re also widely described as one of the more sensual notes, and in our opinion, can give any outfit a romantic touch. So why limit yourself to just one or two? Below, take a deep dive into the history of these fragrances, which types of scents count as incense scents, and how to amplify their notes by layering them with your favourite floral perfumes and spicy scents. Then, discover the best 14 incense-based perfumes from trendy and timeless brands like Jo Malone London, Fugazzi, D.S. & Durga, Parfums de Marly, and Santa Maria Novella.
What Are Incense Fragrances?
You may have a general idea of what incense smells like when it’s burned in its purest form (i.e., incense sticks), but sometimes, it can be challenging to identify in fragrances when the note is masked by luminous ambers, soft florals and dry woods. Incense has been present in fragrance compositions for centuries, with its deep roots spanning continents, religions and cultures. In perfumery, it refers to a blend that emulates the scent of burning incense. Typically blended with spice, herbal, and floral notes to add depth and complexity, incense can be crafted with natural and synthetic materials.
Common ingredients used to create incense blends are frankincense, oud, myrrh, and patchouli, as well as oils derived from woods (such as cedar and sandalwood) and from synthetic aroma chemicals. When derived from natural materials, it can come in the form of oil distilled from resin, woods and spices. Frequently used as a base note, incense adds a warm, rich and mysterious touch to any olfactory blend. The specific fragrance profile of incense in perfumes is dependent on the type of incense oil used. For instance, patchouli has a rich, woody aroma, whereas frankincense tends to be sweet and slightly spicy.
Oud is present in a number of our favourite incense perfumes, as it’s undeniably opulent. Notoriously a rare and expensive ingredient, it’s been dubbed as “liquid gold.” According to DSM-Firmenich perfumers Alexandra Monet and Frank Voelkl, oud is derived from the Aquilaria (agar) tree, primarily found in Southeast Asia, and harvested by stripping and distilling the tree’s bark. “It’s famous for its strong, sensual, woody smell. Think rich, bold, and unforgettable,” Monet and Voelkl say. “If you love a perfume that’s noticeable and complex, you might fall in love with oud.”
Are Incense Fragrances Ideal for Layering?
Not only are incense scents ideal for layering, but they can completely transform any perfume you use as a base if your goal is to add a resinous, warm or slightly smoky finish to an olfactory blend. There is no one “right” way to layer your chosen fragrances, but certain scent combinations will help amplify or subdue the notes in these unique blends. When selecting an incense perfume to layer with, it’s helpful to take note of its wear time and sillage. Generally, the best notes to combine with incense-based fragrances are perennials, spices, citrus and wood.
The Best Incense Fragrances, Listed
Serge Lutens
L’Orpheline Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Amber musk
Notes: Black pepper, dry woods, incense
Amber pairs beautifully with the intense dryness and warmth of an enchanting incense note. Perhaps the most recognisable of the fragrances in this edit, Serge Luten’s L’Orpheline Eau de Parfum manages to perfectly echo the magic of a traditional incense with a sharp (almost metallic) edge by combining spicy black pepper and dry woods against a base of glowing incense.
Customer Review: “L’Orpheline seems like a more austere version of Gris Clair. There are hints of cool aromatic lavender against amber. There’s salty ambergris and cashmeran, too, but it is primarily an incense scent: anguished Catholic Frankincense in shades of almost metallic to smoky peppery. There’s a lot of cool-warm contrast as ambergris and cashmeran fade in and out.”
Fugazzi
Passionfroudh Extrait de Parfum
Scent Type: Citrus woods
Notes: Ginger, taget, black tea, passionfruit, mango, black pepper, rose, olibanum, gurjun, balsam, cypriol, oud assafi
There are very few incense-based perfumes that can balance a warm, woody base with bright citrus touches as well as this Fugazi fragrance does, so of course I have to sing its praises. Passionfroudh offers an elevated twist on your classic incense scents with a mouthwatering blend of tropical passionfruit accented by mango and spicy ginger. Its heart of black pepper brings depth, while the presence of oud assafi and cypriol adds a smoky touch.
Customer Review: “Absolutely obsessed with Fugazzi Passionfroudh, it’s one of those scents that just stands out. The first spray hits with juicy passionfruit and mango, then settles into this warm, rich woody base that feels so luxurious. It’s bold but still elegant, and lasts for hours. Definitely one of those perfumes that makes you feel put-together and confident every time you wear it.”
Jo Malone London
Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne Intense
Scent Type: Amber floral
Notes: Damask rose, oud, clove, praline
There are a few magnetic floral fragrances I gravitate toward for the latter half of the year, but this Jo Malone London favorite is as stunning as it gets. Inspired by dark Damask rose, it combines the velvety florals with smoky oud wood, clove, and praline. It’s rich and intense (which is something I don’t always get from Damask rose perfumes), so I credit the addition of oud and clove for adding the depth I’m always eager to achieve.
Customer Review: “What I love most about this fragrance is its smoothness—while it’s undeniably bold, it never feels overpowering. The touch of praline adds a subtle sweetness that blends perfectly with the warmth of the oud, creating a fragrance that feels both rich and inviting. It’s seductive without being too intense, making it perfect for evenings or cooler weather when you want something that feels warm yet sophisticated. “
D.S. & Durga
Sweet Do Nothing Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Woody floral
Notes: Neroli, green coyote chola, desert pepper, Texas overbearing fig, orange flower, incense, Texas cedar, water musk, creosote
According to D.S. & Durga, the phrase “Sweet Do Nothing” is used at El Cosmico (a 21-acre collection of nomadic accommodations) to describe “the timeless coming together of nomadic friends in the high plains of the desert of West Texas.” Inspired by the rugged and arid landscape of that same desert, the scent combines notes of neroli, cactus flowers, and fig before revealing layers of orange flower, incense, and creosote.
Customer Review: “Creosote and cactus flowers, airy and open. A cool sweetness. White floral high notes on a wide desert expanse. Neroli and cedar in complex harmony. Morning dew on orange blossoms with a hint of pepperiness. This is the brightness of the desert in fall, a high wintery light, the cool air of sunrise, a bare scent carried on the wind. A backbone of creosote, earthy and grounding, sage green and intensely alive.”
D.S. & Durga
Bowmakers Eau de Parfum
Scent: Aromatic woods
Notes: Violin varnish, mahogany, outdoors accord, amber pine resin, maplewood, cypress, spiced tree resin, cedar, moss
I was introduced to this fragrance as a body wash at a Thompson Hotel in New York City, but fell even more in love with it once I got my hands on a perfume bottle a year later. It starts with a resinous violin varnish note that transitions into a smooth mahogany enhanced by woody accords (amber pine, maplewood, and cypress). It’s finished with a captivating spiced resin enhanced by cosy cedar and moss.
Customer Review: “This is a highly resinous woody fragrance; wood shop lacquer effect of tree woods and resins: smooth and elegant. Bowmakers opens with a whiff of mineral spirits. It is then fairly linear with a rich resinous feel. Woody with Mahogany, pine, cypress and maple. I sense some vetiver even though this is not listed. Dry down is cedar and moss. Not smoky or sweet. Beautifully blended.”
Artisan Parfumeur
Passage d’Enfer Eau de Toilette
Scent Type: Amber woods
Notes: Lily, incense, white musk
An homage to the Parisian origins of L’Artisan Parfumeur, this nostalgic and fresh perfume by Olivia Giacobetti balances delicate green lily with incense and a soft white musk. There’s something about the perfume that’s hauntingly romantic that evokes imagery of cathedral walls, Chantilly lace, and well-worn choral books, brown with age. Smoky and floral, Passage d’Enfer lingers close to the skin for hours on end.
Customer Review: “There’s something shy and sensitive about this fragrance. It doesn’t announce its entrance—it meanders in, looking down at its shoes, and settles at a seat in the corner to furtively write poetry. The incense is soapy and the lily is ethereal. It doesn’t project, but rather lives within its own secret world.”
Matiere Premiere
Crystal Saffron Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Warm spices
Notes: Incense, habanolide musk, saffron oil, ambroxan
Matiere Premiere’s Crystal Saffron Eau de Parfum is a bright, crystalline perfume that puts saffron at its heart, plucked from the dried stigmas of crocus flower in Greece. The classic note is amplified by habanolide musk, while ambroxan adds a cosy, addictive facet. Of course, the perfume also features incense oil (this time from Somalia) for what the brand describes as “texture.”
Customer Review: “Absolutely love this perfume! The scent is so elegant, clean, and long-lasting. It feels luxurious but not overpowering—just the right balance of freshness and warmth. Every time I wear it, people ask what perfume I’m using. Matière Première really knows how to make fragrances that stand out. So nice, so classy… my new favourite!”
Parfums de Marly
Sedley Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Citrus woods
Notes: Bergamot, spearmint, watery accord, geranium, lavender, solar note, sandalwood, incense, white musk, cedarwood
Light and fresh, Parfum de Marly’s Sedley Eau de Parfum is the perfect incense-based fragrance for anyone seeking a scent that’s well-balanced and classic yet modern. It takes you on a true olfactory journey, opening with a burst of bergamot, spearmint, and water accord, then rounded off by geranium bourbon, lavender, and solar notes. In the background of the fragrance is a smooth woody blend, warmed with incense.
Customer Review: “The opening is very citrusy and refreshing, covering all the citrus bases from sour to sweeter tones, plus a cool, minty element. The heart is where the masculine signatures are, with lavender and geranium, and the addition of olibanum (incense) gives it a really interesting, slightly smoky twist.”
Santa Maria Novella
Incenso Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Spicy woods
Notes: Cardamom, pink pepper, incense, cypriol, vetiver
In the market for a classic incense perfume that wears beautifully alone as well as when paired with your favourite warm, woody fragrances? Here’s one by Santa Maria Novella that every fragrance lover deserves to have in their collection. The brand’s Incense Eau de Parfum echoes the intensity of cardamom and pink pepper with an incense and papyrus heart warmed with a vetiver base.
Customer Review: “Amazing incense fragrance that is one of the closest fragrances that best represent what I believe is an ‘incense’ smell. It reminds me a lot of Asian temples and their incense sticks that are used there as well. Lovely scent. You just need 2-3 sprays, and that’s enough for the day. Not too overpowering and not too weak in intensity either”
Discover More Favorites
Trudon
Absolu Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Floral woods
Notes: Cardamom, mandarin, saffron, incense, iris, orange blossom absolute, guaiac wood, cedarwood, tonka beans
Customer Review: “Absolu surprised me. I usually avoid orange blossom, but this one is dry, green, and contemplative. No syrup, no shine—just a sun-warmed bloom, surrounded by hay and guaiac wood. It feels like standing in a quiet field, the air thick with the aroma of herbs and the memory of the land. A grounding, elemental floral that sits close to the soul. Stunning.”
Penhaligon’s
Alula Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Warm spices
Notes: black pepper, Madagascar plum, turmeric root, cardamom oil, vanilla bean, saffron, tobacco accord, patchouli heart, olibanum oil
Customer Review: “I received a sample of Penhaligon’s ALULa for free to test, and it’s absolutely enchanting! The fragrance is light, fresh, and floral, with a subtle warmth that makes it perfect for any occasion. It feels luxurious without being overpowering—a lovely, modern scent for everyday elegance.”
Chanel
Coromandel Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Amber woods
Notes: Patchouli, frankincense, benzoin
Customer Review: “I really love the opening. It’s got that classic Chanel DNA that smells so timeless. It evolves into a creamy and powerful patchouli that gives chocolate vibe. It’s smooth, refined, classy. Love it. Performance is very good. Completely unisex.”
Amouage
Opus XII Rose Incense Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Amber floral
Notes: Elemi, olibanum, hyper absolute, black ink accord, Damascena rose water essential, suederal, frankincense absolute, myrrh, vanilla, sandalwood, cedarwood
Customer Review: “This is an artist’s rose. An author or a painter would wear this, and it would be seductive. The rose in this is jammy and bright, it’s warm and lovely. The gentle smokiness of the incense elevates it, gives it contrast and lift.”
Creed
Delphinus Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Amber woods
Notes: Black pepper, incense, almond, pink pepper, heliotrope, orchid, orris butter, patchouli, tonka bean, amberwood, leather accord, bourbon vanilla
Customer Review: “Delphinus is easily my favourite from Creed, partly because almond is one of my favourite notes, but also because it brings so much more to the table than just that. It’s not trying to be a statement-maker or a compliment magnet—it’s just beautifully made, well-balanced, and elegant. If you’re into almond, vanilla, or powdery florals, this one’s absolutely worth trying.”
How We Chose
As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To identify the 17 best incense fragrances on the market, I leaned on my knowledge and firsthand testing. As part of my research, I considered several factors, including unique note compositions, longevity, sillage, and designs. We’re aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.
Why Trust Who What Wear?
At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we’d truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.