Oil Perfumes: Four reasons why you should be using them

By Tshepang Mahlangu Education and Learning al-nuaim, attar oil, fragrances, Perfume Oils, perfumes, surrati 1 Comment

Oil perfumes, also known as attar oils or concentrated perfume oils, are quickly taking the world by storm — and South Africa is no exception. Over the years, I’ve personally witnessed the massive growth of brands like Al-Nuaim, Surrati, Motala and Al-Rehab across the South African perfume market.

But what’s the hype all about?

They’re small, easy to carry, and unbelievably affordable — yet they smell divine. Even better, there’s a massive range of scents to choose from that let you express yourself in a way that’s personal and unique. Whether you’re a scent connoisseur or just looking for something subtle for daily wear, here are four solid reasons why you should be using oil perfumes.

1. Safer and Kinder to the Skin

Oil-based perfumes are typically made from natural ingredients and don’t contain alcohol, which is often found in mainstream sprays. This matters because alcohol-based perfumes can dry out your skin and sometimes cause irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin or eczema.

By contrast, fragrance oils are gentler. They hydrate the skin and stay locked in longer without evaporating quickly. This makes them a great choice for people looking for a clean, skin-friendly fragrance alternative. Many are made with essential oils or carrier oils like jojoba, coconut, or almond oil — all of which nourish your skin while delivering long-lasting scent.

✅ Bonus: Most oil perfumes are free from parabens and synthetic stabilisers, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.

2. Endless Variety of Scents

Whether you like sweet, musky, woody, or floral, there’s an oil fragrance for you.

Arabic Brands like Al-Nuaim, Surrati, and the rising favorite Al-Rehab offer an impressive lineup:

Al-Nuaim White Oudh Concentrated Oil Parfum 6ml – Red

Al-Rehab Soft Oil Parfum 6ml

Al-Rehab Choco Musk Oil Parfum 6ml

Motala Sweet Candle Concentrated Oil Perfume 6ml

Al-Badar King Perfumes Doe Concentrated Oil Parfum 6ml

And that’s just scratching the surface.

Unlike many alcohol-based perfumes, oil perfumes often stay truer to their original scent and evolve better over time. Thanks to their concentration, the scent notes don’t get lost quickly after application.

💡 Tip: Layer different oils to create a signature scent unique to you — a trick used by high-end perfumers!

3. Affordable Luxury

Here’s the best part — you don’t have to spend R1,000+ for something that smells expensive.

Most oil fragrances cost a fraction of designer sprays, yet last just as long (if not longer). A 6ml or 10ml bottle can last you months, even with regular use. And you’re not paying for fancy branding or alcohol filler — just pure fragrance.

Even luxury fragrance houses are now launching oil-based versions of their best-sellers, recognising the market’s shift toward more concentrated, sustainable products.

4. Easy to Use and Long-Lasting

Oil perfumes are compact, spill-proof, and designed with roll-on applicators, which means you can apply them on the go— whether it’s your wrists, neck, beard, or even inside your car.

Here’s how long they last:

On skin: 8–15 hours (longer on moisturized skin)
On clothes: Up to several days — especially with oils like Oudh or Amber

Unlike sprays, which disperse into the air, oils cling to the skin and fabrics, giving you a stronger and longer-lasting aroma with fewer applications.

Pro Tip: Dab a little behind your ears, inside your elbows, or on your chest — these pulse points naturally help diffuse the fragrance throughout the day.

Why Oil Perfumes Are Becoming a Global Trend

The rise in popularity of oil fragrances ties into a few global trends:

Clean beauty and conscious consumption: More people are seeking natural, alcohol-free, and cruelty-free products.
Travel-friendly options: Oil perfumes are compact and TSA-friendly — no more tossing perfume bottles at the airport.
Customisation: With a growing interest in niche perfumery, fragrance oils give people more room to explore beyond generic designer scents.

In fact, Google Trends data shows a consistent rise in searches for “oil perfumes” and “attar oils” globally — including in South Africa.

Ready to Try One?

Whether you want something deep and woody or soft and fresh, our collection of oil perfumes has something for every mood and moment. We’re constantly updating our selection with new, trending scents from the best-selling brands like Al-Nuaim, Surrati, and Al-Rehab.

👉 Browse our oil perfume collection here
I promise — once you start using frargance oils, you’ll never look at regular sprays the same again.