“Understanding How Oud Oil is Extracted – From Tradition to Technology”
Essential oils from agarwood can be extracted using several methods, each with its own advantages, limitations, and applications. Selecting the right method depends on factors like cost, desired oil quality, scale, and available equipment.
A. Hydrodistillation (Traditional Method)
Process:
Chopped agarwood is submerged in water and boiled. The steam carries the volatile oil, which is then condensed and collected.
Key Features:
- 🔹 Low-cost setup
- 🔹 Produces rich, viscous oil with deep base notes
- 🔹 Time-intensive (takes 7–14 days for quality output)
- 🔹 Common in Southeast Asia, especially for traditional oud oil
Best For:
- Small to medium-scale artisanal production
- Traditional markets (e.g., Middle East)
B. Steam Distillation
Process:
Steam is passed through agarwood chips (not submerged), vaporizing the oil which is then condensed and collected.
Key Features:
- 🔹 Requires pressure-rated equipment
- 🔹 Faster than hydrodistillation
- 🔹 Slightly lighter oil profile
- 🔹 More energy efficient than full boiling
Best For:
- Medium to large-scale producers
- Perfume or cosmetic applications
C. Supercritical CO₂ Extraction
Process:
Uses carbon dioxide under high pressure and low temperature to act as a solvent, extracting oil from agarwood.
Key Features:
- 🔹 Produces high-purity oil
- 🔹 Preserves delicate compounds
- 🔹 No thermal degradation of oil
- 🔹 Requires expensive, high-tech equipment
Best For:
- Premium luxury-grade oil
- Export to EU, USA, high-end perfumeries
D. Solvent Extraction
Process:
Agarwood is soaked in chemical solvents like hexane or ethanol, which dissolve the oil. The solvent is later evaporated, leaving behind the extract (called concrete or absolute).
Key Features:
- 🔹 Extracts a wider range of aromatic compounds
- 🔹 Can yield both oil and resin residues
- 🔹 Risk of solvent residue contamination
- 🔹 Not preferred for traditional oud markets
Best For:
- Fragrance blending
- Research or experimental formulations
Comparison Table
| Method | Cost | Oil Purity | Time | Scalability | Market Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrodistillation | Low | High | Long | Small–Medium | Traditional Middle East |
| Steam Distillation | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Medium–Large | Perfumery & Cosmetics |
| CO₂ Extraction | High | Very High | Short | Large | High-end International |
| Solvent Extraction | Moderate | Medium | Fast | Medium | Industrial Perfumery |
Module Transition:
Now that we’ve reviewed the available methods, our focus will shift to the hands-on application of hydrodistillation, the most accessible and widely used method for rural and mid-scale producers.