A Guide to Perfume Concentrations

When looking for perfumes, you may have encountered terms such as "EDT", "EDP" or even other variations. These labels indicate the essential oil concentration present in the fragrance. When it comes to choosing a perfume, being able to understand the difference between concentrations can help you find your perfect fragrance. With many options available, distinguishing between an Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Cologne, or Eau Fraiche can be daunting. Let's dive into the world of perfume concentrations to help you make more a more informed decision.

 A guide showing the different essential fragrance oil concentrations

What is the difference between perfume concentrations?

Perfume concentration refers to the amount of essential oils in a perfume in relation to the alcohol content. Generally speaking, the higher the concentration, the longer the scent will last on your skin. Different concentrations are given names and are associated with various differing use cases. The five most common perfume concentrations are Eau Fraiche, Eau de Cologne (EDC), Eau de Toilette (EDT), Eau de Parfum (EDP), and Parfum (Pure Perfume).

Eau Fraiche

Eau Fraiche has the lowest concentration of fragrance oils, usually around 1-3%. Eau Fraiche perfumes are typically water-based as opposed to most other perfumes which are alcohol-based. This results in a light and refreshing scent that doesn't last as long as other concentrations but is perfect for hot summer days. In general, you can expect Eau Fraiche to last up to 2 hours, but some can last for much longer depending on their composition.

Eau de Cologne (EDC)

Eau de Cologne (EDC) is characterised by its low concentration of fragrance oils, typically ranging from 2-4%. This composition results in a light and refreshing scent profile, often featuring floral notes such as bergamot, lavender and neroli. While EDCs may not be as readily available as other more concentrated fragrances, they offer a unique option for those seeking a quick and revitalizing splash of freshness. With a longevity of around 1-4 hours, colognes like Jovan Black Musk are perfect for cooling yourself down throughout the day.

Eau de Toilette (EDT)

Eau de Toilettes have a fair concentration of fragrance oils, typically around 5-15%. This offers a more noticeable but still light scent that should last you around 3-6 hours depending on the formulation of the fragrance. Eau de Toilettes are a great alternative to stronger perfume when you are looking for something that won't overpower those around you. They are often floral compositions making them quite light and refreshing, ideal for the hotter days of the year. The lighter composition of EDTs also positively influences the price tag making them the cheaper option when compared to the heavier Eau de Parfums.

Eau de Parfum (EDP)

Eau de Parfums contain concentrations of fragrance oils ranging from 15-20%. This yields a scent that can linger on the skin for around 6-8 hours with some exceptions. EDPs offer a fairly strong scent that is cheaper and more readily available than the stronger and more luxurious extrait de parfum but more expensive overall than Eau de Toilettes and Colognes. They are a versatile choice and you will find a huge assortment of scents with intricate layers of notes that evolve over the lifespan of the fragrance.

Parfum

Parfum, also known as perfume extract, extrait de parfum or pure perfume, has the highest concentration of fragrance oils, around 20-40%. This provides an intense and long-lasting scent, perfect for special occasions. This often means that extrait de parfum is typically applied directly onto the skin. You only need a few well-placed drops per application and you should be good to go for the rest of the day. As you might expect, parfum is usually far more expensive than other kinds of fragrances with it mostly being sold in smaller bottles. The additional cost is also attributed to the tendency of parfums to incorporate more premium and rare ingredients, contributing to their uniqueness.

You can expect to get 8-16 hours from most pure perfume scents, but some can last for as long as 24 hours.

 

How to choose the right fragrance strength?

When choosing a perfume, consider your personal preference and the occasion. If you're looking for a subtle scent for everyday wear, you may want to opt for an Eau de Cologne or Eau de Toilette that won't be too oppressive. For a more intense and long-lasting fragrance, go for an Eau de Parfum or even Pure Parfum. Remember, the higher the concentration of essential perfume oils, the more potent the scent will usually be. With this in mind, every fragrance is different and the concentration of perfume oil is not everything when it comes to longevity and strength. Depending on the combination of ingredients and overall composition, you may find that certain perfumes don't last as long or last far longer than expected.

By understanding perfume concentrations and fragrance strength, you can start purchasing with confidence when selecting your next scent. Whether you prefer a light and refreshing fragrance or a bold and long-lasting scent, there is a perfume concentration that is more likely to suit you and your needs.