Types of Attar: A Guide to Middle Eastern Perfume Oils

In a world increasingly dominated by alcohol-based spray perfumes, the ancient art of Attar—also known as ittar—continues to enchant fragrance lovers with its depth, longevity, and rich cultural heritage. Originating from the Middle East and South Asia, attars are natural perfume oils distilled from botanical sources like flowers, woods, and resins, often using time-honored methods that date back centuries.

This guide dives into the various types of attar, how they’re made, how to wear them, and why they’re an integral part of Middle Eastern perfumery and identity.

🌿 What Is Attar?

Attar is a highly concentrated, alcohol-free natural fragrance oil, usually derived through steam or hydro-distillation. These oils are typically blended with sandalwood essenetial oil or other natural base oils to create long-lasting, skin-friendly perfumes.

✅ Key Features:

• Alcohol-free

• Long-lasting

• Skin-safe

• Eco-conscious (traditional attars use no synthetic chemicals)

🧪 How Is Attar Made?

The traditional process involves:

1. Harvesting botanicals (like rose petals, oud chips, vetiver roots).

2. Steam or hydro-distillation in copper vessels called deg.

3. Collection of the oil into a base, often aged sandalwood oil.

4. Aging for months or even years to enhance the scent.

The result is a deep, complex aroma that evolves beautifully over time.

🔥 Types of Attar: Based on Ingredients

Here are the most popular types of attar categorized by their key scent profiles and ingredients:

1. Rose Attar (Gulab Attar)

Main note: Damask rose or Indian rose petalsScent profile: Floral, soft, slightly sweetUse: Unisex, often used in weddings or spiritual ritualsPairs well with: Musk, sandalwood

2. Oud Attar (Oudh / Agarwood Attar)

Main note: Oud (agarwood resin)Scent profile: Smoky, woody, rich, deepUse: Masculine-leaning; popular in Gulf countriesLuxury pick: Often called “liquid gold” for its high cost and rare sourcing

3. Sandalwood Attar (Chandan Attar)

Main note: SandalwoodScent profile: Creamy, warm, woodyUse: Base note in most attars, excellent fixativeTraditional use: Often blended with floral attars like rose or jasmine.

4. Mitti Attar (Earth Attar)

Main note: Baked earthScent profile: Fresh rain on dry soil, earthy, nostalgicUse: Unisex; worn for its grounding, calming natureHow it’s made: Distilled from parched clay after rain—truly poetic

5. Jasmine Attar (Chameli or Mogra Attar)

Main note: Jasmine grandiflorum or sambacScent profile: Sweet, intensely floral, sensualUse: Feminine-leaning; known for mood-lifting and romantic appeal

6. Kewra Attar

Main note: Pandanus flowersScent profile: Fruity, floral, slightly spicyUse: Often used in Indian rituals and sweets, but also in unisex fragrances

7. Amber Attar (Amberi)

Main note: Amber resinScent profile: Warm, resinous, slightly animalicUse: Often worn in colder months; unisex to masculine-leaningPairs well with: Musk, oud, rose

8. Musk Attar (Kasturi)

Main note: Synthetic or botanical muskScent profile: Warm, powdery, animalicUse: Fixative in many blends; sensual, deep, and long-lasting

9. Vetiver Attar (Khus)

Main note: Vetiver rootsScent profile: Green, smoky, coolingUse: Excellent for hot climates, grounding energyFun fact: Traditionally used in India during summer to cool the body

10. Hina Attar

Main note: Spices, saffron, herbs, sometimes roseScent profile: Spicy, rich, complexUse: Masculine-leaning; used during special occasions in South AsiaCultural importance: Often associated with ancient Unani medicine.

How to Use Attar

Attars are highly concentrated—a little goes a long way. Here's how to apply:

• Pulse points: Dab behind ears, on wrists, or neck

• Beard or hair: A light touch adds lasting fragrance

• Clothing: Use carefully to avoid staining

Tip: Always use one drop and let it warm with your body before adding more.

👃 Why Choose Attar Over Spray Perfumes?

Feature	Attar	Spray Perfume
Alcohol	No	Yes
Longevity	6–12+ hours	3–6 hours
Ingredients	Natural	Often synthetic
Application	Dab (oil)	Spray
Skin-friendliness	High	May irritate sensitive skin
Sillage (trail)	Moderate	High
Aging potential	Improves over time	Typically does not

🌍 Attar Across Cultures

Middle East:

• Often used after wudu (ablution)

• Worn during Eid, Friday prayers, or weddings

• Considered a sign of hospitality and respect

India & Pakistan:

• Integral to Sufi and Ayurvedic traditions

• Popular in both daily grooming and rituals

Western resurgence:

• Now embraced by niche perfumery and clean beauty brands

• Modern attars feature contemporary blends like vanilla-oud or leather-rose

🛍️ Where to Buy Authentic Attar

Look for trusted sources like:

• Ajmal Perfumes

• Abdul Samad Al Qurashi

• Swiss Arabian

• Al Haramain

• Nemat or Zoha Aromas (for beginners in the West)

Pro tip: Always check for natural ingredients, ageing process, and if sandalwood oil is used as a base (a good sign of quality).

💡 Pro Tips for First-Time Buyers

• Start with rose or sandalwood—they're gentle, classic, and versatile

• Go for sample sizes—a few ml can last weeks!

• Avoid anything too synthetic-smelling or harsh

• Ask about batch aging—the longer it’s aged, the smoother the scent

🧳 Final Thoughts

Attars are more than just perfumes—they're an experience of cultural richness, nature’s bounty, and personal expression. Whether you prefer earthy vetiver, seductive jasmine, or the bold mystique of oud, there’s an attar out there that aligns with your personality, mood, and soul.

In a world racing for the next big trend, attars invite us to slow down, savor, and scent intentionally—drop by precious drop.