What is an Attar

What Are Attars?

Attars are highly concentrated, alcohol-free natural perfume oils created through a slow, traditional distillation process. Unlike modern sprays meant to project loudly, attars sit close to the skin, evolving gently with body chemistry and time. A few drops are enough. The scent becomes intimate, personal, and deeply memorable.

At Riveir Kochar, attars are not treated as accessories. They are rituals. They are identity.

Why Attars Are So Special

Attars are alcohol-free, gentle on the skin, and deeply personal. They warm with your body, change with your mood, and leave a subtle trail that feels intentional rather than overpowering. No two people wear an attar the same way.

They are not sprayed into the air.

They are discovered.

A Brief History of Attars

The art of attar making dates back over 5,000 years, with roots in ancient India, Persia, and the Middle East. Attars were historically worn by royalty, healers, and spiritual leaders, not only for beauty, but for wellness, meditation, and ceremony.

India, particularly the region of Kannauj, became the heart of traditional attar craftsmanship. There, flowers, woods, spices, and resins were distilled in copper vessels and captured in sandalwood oil, which acts as both a natural fixative and a fragrance of its own. This method has changed very little over centuries, making attars one of the oldest forms of perfumery still practiced today.

How Attars Are Different From Essential Oils

While attars and essential oils are both derived from natural materials, they are not the same.

Essential oils are usually steam-distilled or cold-pressed from a single plant and are often used for aromatherapy, skincare, or blending. They tend to be sharp, linear, and short-lived on the skin.

Attars, on the other hand:

Are perfumes, not raw extracts
Are aged and blended, not just extracted
Use natural fixatives like sandalwood or resins
Develop depth, warmth, and longevity
Are designed to evolve over hours, not minutes

Think of essential oils as individual musical notes.

Attars are the full composition.