Bakhoor and Muattar, forms of arabic incense, are popular in the Middle East and beyond. People often use them in cultural traditions and religious ceremonies. While they share a common purpose, they differ in their composition and usage.

What is Bakhoor?

Bakhoor is a blended incense typically shaped like bricks, discs, or cones. The mixture includes various ingredients such as oud wood chips, resins, spices, and essential oils. People often use Bakhoor in incense burners, releasing a fragrant smoke that fills the air. Popular types of bakhoor include oud bakhoor and camphor bakhoor.

What is Muattar?

Muattar is a type of incense made by artisans by soaking wood chips in fragrant oils and aromatic extracts. In the process, the wood chips absorb oils, spices, and plant extracts, creating an incredibly fragrant product. Unlike bakhoor, people usually find muattar loose and able to sprinkle directly onto hot coals.

Bakhoor vs. Muattar: Key Differences

Composition: Bakhoor is a blended incense, while muattar is made from cured wood chips. Bakhoor is also compact and relatively dry while muattars are rich and wetter.

Shape: People often shape bakhoor into bricks or discs, while they keep muattar loose.

Usage: Though the scent of bakhoor lasts for a long time, the scent of muattar lingers even longer. Both create a serene atmosphere in the space it is burned. 

Which is Better?

The choice between bakhoor and muattar often depends on personal preference and the desired scent. Both products offer unique aromatic experiences. People know bakhoor for its rich and complex blends, while they prize muattar for its natural woodiness and strong fragrance.

Dukhni offers a unique selection of bakhoor and muattar, crafted with sustainably sourced natural ingredients. Dukhni Bakhoors offers enchanting scents made from a mix of aromatic extracts, flowers, essential oils, spices, resins, and woods. Dukhni Muattars are handcrafted by artisans who soak wood chips in oils and extracts, which produce a variety of different scents. Both products provide an authentic and luxurious aromatic Middle Eastern experience.

To decide which one you like best, you can read our blog on the difference in scents and which has a more effective scent here. Ultimately, you can try both and see the difference for yourself.