What is Attar? A Guide to Natural and Pure Perfumes

Ever wondered what makes a scent feel truly natural and soulful? In a world full of synthetic perfumes, many people are now searching for something pure, lasting, and close to nature. That’s where attars come in. But what is attar? Is it just another kind of perfume, or something more meaningful? Attar is not only about smelling good, it connects us to history, culture, and the raw beauty of nature itself. This guide takes you on a trip through the world of Attar, which will help you understand why people around the world love these pure natural scents.

Attars are not new, they have been used in different cultures for centuries. From royal courts to sacred places, these perfume oils have been part of daily life, carrying real flowers, woods and scents made of herbs. Their deep, non-alcoholic aroma and skin-safe properties make them very special. Whether eagerly about traditional scents or looking for a natural choice for modern perfumes, Attar provides something timeless and unique.

What is attar?

Attar is more than a nice smell, it is part of culture, history and daily life. For centuries, people have used Attars not only for good smell, but also to connect to nature and tradition. These Attar perfumes use old techniques that bring out the true beauty of natural ingredients.

What makes Attar special is its purity and prosperity. Unlike ordinary perfumes, attar’s alcohol -free and safe for the skin. Only a few drops can live through the day and fill the air with a deep, calming natural scent. Let’s learn more about what is an attar and why people all over the world are drawn to it.

History of Attar

The word “attar,” “itra” or “ittar” is believed to come from the Persian word “itir,” meaning perfume. That word itself came from the Arabic word “itr,” also meaning fragrance. The story of attar is as old as human civilization. Ibn al Baitar developed early perfume-making techniques in Muslim Spain. Later, Ibn Sina improved the process by using distillation to extract oils from roses and plants. He also discovered how to make rose water, which became famous worldwide. 

In Yemen, Queen Arwa al-Sulayhi introduced beautiful attars made from mountain flowers. During the Mughal Empire, Abul Fazal Faizee, advisor to Emperor Akbar, popularized the use of Mabkhara burners with attars made from oud, sandalwood, and spices. Over time, attars became a symbol of beauty, health, and tradition.

Persian experts introduced the method of making attar by steam distillation. This method later came to India, where it became very popular during the time of the Mughal kings. The royal family loved perfumes, especially daily Attar. A city in India, called Kannauj, became famous for making Attar. Even today, people call Kannauj as a “perfume town of perfume India”, where craftsmen still make many attars by using old traditional methods.

In the Arab world, Attar became part of daily life. People used them before prayers, meetings and on special days. Awadh Atar became very popular in Arab culture for its deep and rich scent. Today, people recognize that Attars are natural and non -alcoholic. Al Shareef continued this beautiful tradition by offering pure, luxury, elegant fragrance for those who love real scents.

Types of Attar

There are a variety of attars, each bringing a unique scent. Following are the types of attar:

1. Oudh Attar

Perfume makers extract Oudh Attar from rare and precious Agarwood. It gives off a deep, smoky, and rich woody aroma that many describe as royal and powerful. It is the heart of Arabic perfume and loves those who like strong, luxurious oriental scents.

2. Rose Attar 

Manufacturers remove fresh rosy leaves and make Attar (Gulb Attar) for daily application. It provides a sweet, fresh and flower scent that set a romantic and peaceful ambience. When you want something soft and elegant, it is an ideal aroma for prayer, wedding or daily use.

3. Sandalwood Attar

The sandal tree has a soft, warm and creamy odor. It does provide a rich, buttery and calming note when mixed with other scents. Sandalwood is often used as a base in several perfumes and has been a favorite in creating traditional scent for centuries.

4. Jasmine Attar 

Jasmine attar (mogra attar) is full of sweet flower notes. The beautiful scent gives a happy and fresh feeling. It is often used in cultural programs, weddings and festive occasions. The smell is rich, soft and makes you feel rested.

5. Mitti Attar

Mitti Attar is special, it catches the smell of fresh soil after rain. This natural scent provides memories of the rainy days, pure air and peaceful nature. For those who love the beauty of simple, natural scents, Mitti Attar is an ideal alternative.

6. Amber Attar

Amber Attar is sweet, warm and woody. It is usually mixed with other attars to conjure depth and luxury. People love Amber for their long-lasting, rich scents, making it a favorite for winter or evening clothes.

7. Musk Attar

People know musk attar for their deep, sweet and erotic aroma. Artisans use natural ingredients to make their clean, soft musk scents. Musk is often used to make other perfumes, which give better odors, provide a warm, permanent effect on Skin.

8. Mitha Attar

As the name suggests, Mitha Attar means “sweet perfume.” It has a mild, sugary flower smell, mixed with soft woody notes. Both men and women who like sweet and soft scents can use Mitha Attar because of their light and friendly scent.

9. Mukhallat Attar

Mukhallat means “mixture” in Arabic. The aroma is a mixture of many different ingredients, such as oud, rose, sandalwood and amber, creating a rich, royal scent. Each drop feels special, when you want to stand out it becomes perfect for opportunities.

10. Shamama Attar

Shamama Attar is a complex and spicy fragrance, made from herbs, spices, woods, and flowers. It’s warm, strong, and long-lasting, making it ideal for winter months or festive gatherings. The scent has a beautiful traditional vibe that feels rich and comforting.

Uses of Attar

Attar is part of the tradition, culture and daily life for many people around the world. People have used attars made from natural flowers, wood and herbs for many purposes for centuries.

• Daily wear is used as a natural perfume. Only a small drop gives a luxury, long-lasting scent without the need for alcohol.
• Prayer or meditation was implemented before praying or meditation to create a peaceful and spiritual spirit.
• Worn for special occasions such as weddings, meetings and family celebrations to feel energised and elegant.
• Aromatherapy is used to relieve stress relief, peace and relaxation. Scents such as sandalwood and rose are particularly soothing.
• Family and friends were given as a gift. A bottle of attar shows love, care and good taste.
• Some people use Attar to scent the clothes or rooms for a fresh, pleasant atmosphere.

Attars are part of culture, beauty and tradition, used to make life more fragrant and meaningful.

The Difference Between Attar and Perfume​

Many people think that attar and perfumes are the same, but they are quite different. Both smell good, but people make them in different ways and give them different characteristics. There is a simple table that helps you understand:

Feature	Attar	Perfume
Made From	Natural oils from flowers, herbs, woods, animalics	Mix of alcohol, water, and fragrance oils
Contains Alcohol	No	Yes (most perfumes have alcohol)
Concentration	Very strong and pure	Less concentrated
Longevity	Lasts longer, develops with body heat	May fade faster because of alcohol
Scent Style	Natural, deep, luxury and warm	Fresh, sharp, or sweet depending on type
Skin Friendly	Usually safe if natural and pure	Can dry out skin due to alcohol
Use	Mostly in traditional or cultural scents	Mostly used as modern fragrances

What Makes an Attar Good?

A good attar is always made of natural and clean materials. It should come from real flowers, herbs, wood or spices. When you smell it, the scent should feel soft, not sharp or stiff. Good attars don’t have chemicals or fake fillers. They smell rich, smooth, and last a long time on the skin. The scent should also change, getting better the longer you wear it.

Another thing that makes an attar good is how it’s made. Traditional methods like steam or water distillation help keep the natural beauty of the oils. Also, pure attars often smell better as they get older. That’s why people say good attars age like fine perfume. If your attar smells natural, lasts long, and doesn’t give you a headache, it’s a sign you’ve chosen the right one.

How to Keep Your Attar Fresh and Long-Lasting?

To ensure your attar remains fresh-scented for years, you should always store it properly. The scent can be ruined by heat, light, and air. You should store your attar in a cool, dry place, perhaps your drawer or a cupboard is best. Also, use glass bottles, particularly darkened ones. They guard the oil from light. And make sure you screw the bottle tightly after each use. This helps prevent the fragrance from fading. 

Another one is to apply attar on warm body areas (wrists, neck, behind your ears). Your skin’s warmth helps the fragrance last and smell more appealing all day. Just don’t rub your wrists together after it’s on, as that breaks up the layers of scent. Pat and allow to settle. This is how you get to continue using your favorite attar for a long time.

Common Mistakes People Make with Attars

People love attars for their natural, beautiful scents, but many don’t use them the right way. Let’s look at some common mistakes people often make with attars.

Putting Direct on Clothes

Attars are oils and can leave stains on clothes. It’s better to apply on your skin like your wrist or behind the ears.

Not Checking for Allergies

Some natural oils can cause itching or rashes. Always test a small drop first to see if it suits your skin.

Keeping Them in Hot Places

Heat and sunlight can spoil attars. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from light.

Mixing with Synthetic Perfumes

Mixing attars with chemical perfumes can spoil their natural beauty. It’s better to use attars alone to enjoy the real fragrance.

Buying Without Knowing the Scent

Every attar is different. Some are sweet, some are woody, and some are spicy. Know the type before you buy.

Buying Fake or Cheap Attars

Cheap attars are usually fake or full of chemicals. Always buy from trusted shops or sellers.

Not Letting It Age

Good attars smell even better when they age. Many people don’t know this and use them right away.

If you avoid these small mistakes, you’ll enjoy attars even more. It’s all about using them the right way and choosing what suits you best.

How Long Does Attar Last?

People know attars for their long-lasting fragrance. A small drop can give a rich scent that lasts for 7 to 24 hours on the skin. Some attars, such as Oud or Musk, may last longer depending on the quality and ingredients. The scent often stays on the clothes for one to two days or more.

Permanent time also depends on how and where you use it. By using Attar on the warm areas behind the wrist, neck or ears, it helps to last a long time. Pure Attars are also good, sometimes better when they settle on the skin.

Choose Attars from Al Shareef Oudh

Whether you want a soft floral, a bold woody scent, or a rich blended fragrance, we bring you the best parfum online. 

• 100% Natural & Alcohol-Free
• Premium Arabic Scents
• Handcrafted Using Traditional Methods
• Long Lasting Parfums for Every Occasion

Buy Oriental Scents from Al Shareef Oudh and enjoy the real essence of natural perfume oils.

Key Takeaways

• Attars are made of pure, natural flowers, herbs, woods and spices.
• They are free of alcohol and safe for the skin.
• Only a small drop gives a long-lasting, rich scent.
• Popular attars include Oud, Rose, Sandalwood, Jasmine and Miti.
• People have used Attar in cultures and traditions for centuries.
• Kannauj, India, is known for making traditional Attar.
• Attars are stronger and more natural than regular perfumes.
• Store in cool, dark places to keep them healthy.
• Avoid using Attar in cloth to prevent stains.
• Always buy attars from trusted sellers to get real, pure quality.

FAQs

1. What is Attar Oil?

Attar oil also called attar perfume is a natural perfume oil made from flowers, herbs, spices, or woods. It’s usually created through a process called steam distillation. Attars contain no alcohol and give rich, lasting scents.

2. What is an Attar Fragrance?

An attar fragrance is a natural, non-alcoholic aroma derived from plant or tree sources. It can be floral, woody, spicy or sweet, depending on the ingredients.

3. What is Attar in Islam?

Muslims consider attar Sunnah (a recommended practice) in Islam. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) loved using perfume, especially natural fragrances like attar. Since attar is alcohol-free, it’s widely used by Muslims around the world.

  4. What is the difference between attar and essential oil?

Both attars and essential oils are extracted from plants, and they are not the same. Essential oils are usually stronger and used for aromatherapy or skincare. People mix attars with a base oil (like sandalwood) and use them as perfumes.

5. What is the Difference Between Oud and Attar?

Oud is a specific type of fragrant resin from agarwood trees. It’s one of the most prized scents in the world. Attar is a general term for perfume oils. Oud attar is an attar made using oud oil, giving it a rich, woody, and luxurious aroma.

6. What is Arabian Oud Attar?

The Arabian oud attar is the premium type made with the famous Oud oil from the Middle East. It has a rich, deep,  woody scent with luxurious, warm notes. It is popular in Gulf countries and loved by oud lovers all over the world.

7. What are the differences between South Asian and Middle Eastern Attars?

South Asian Attar often contains flowers such as roses, jasmine or Kewra. The Middle East attar, especially Arabic Oud Attar, deep, woody and resin-based scents such as Oud, Amber and Musk. Both have their own beauty depending on mood and taste.