When searching for the right fragrance, there can be a lot to decipher. An important aspect to consider when choosing the right perfume is the perfume concentration, also known as dilution class, but what are the actual differences between Eau de Parfum and Parfum?

This guide explains the differences between the various concentrations of fragrances as well as their effects on the longevity and intensity of a fragrance. It also explains how and when to use them best, in what sizes they are available, and how long these bottles should last.
Whether you are a perfume lover or just curious, this guide will help you navigate the world of fragrance concentration.

The classification of perfumes based on their fragrance oil content has been a tradition in the perfume industry for centuries. Originally, it comes from France, which is known for its long history of perfumery and its expertise in creating luxurious fragrances. The terms were developed to help consumers understand the strength, longevity, and evolution of a fragrance before purchasing it.
However, these terms are not officially defined, which is why each perfume house can interpret them slightly differently. Niche perfume manufacturers are often known for their higher quality products, regardless of the designation used (here you can find more information about niche perfumes).
However, there are general guidelines and terms within which brands usually operate.

In general, fragrances with higher concentrations of perfume oils have longer longevity, a more intense scent profile, stronger sillage, and higher perceptibility, also known as "tenacity". The sillage refers to the spread and duration of the scent in the air around the wearer, while the persistence refers to how long the scent remains perceivable and present on the skin after application. Both factors are often influenced by concentration, as higher concentrations typically create stronger scents that spread further.
This also affects the price. Higher concentrations are generally more expensive, as they contain a larger amount of fragrance oils or higher quality bases. The ingredients used also influence the scent notes and scent development. An Extrait de Parfum typically has richer properties and lasts all night, while an Eau de Cologne is used as a refreshing splash that lasts for one or two hours.

Although each perfume house has its own interpretation of fragrance oil concentrations and the resulting terms, there are general guidelines that they usually follow:

Extrait de Parfum: 15-40% fragrance oil content
- The highest and purest form of perfume, also simply called perfume
- Usually a strong fragrance development
- Sillage (fragrance projection): Usually expansive & long-lasting scent trail
- Occasion: Best for special occasions or nighttime outings
- Longevity: Up to 12 hours, sometimes even longer

Eau de Parfum (EdP): 10-15% fragrance oil content
- The perfect all-rounder, which can accompany you all day or all night
- Its properties in the middle spectrum allow for a wide range of scents:
from fresh, citrusy to deep, rich, dark, and woody characters
- Sillage: Well noticeable & leaves a distinct scent trail
- Occasion: Suitable for any occasion
- Longevity: Up to 8 hours

Eau de Toilette (EdT): 5-10% fragrance oil content
- A quick refreshment, usually when getting ready for the day
- Typically contains refreshing notes
- Sillage: Moderately projects & moderate scent trail
- Occasion: Suitable for daytime
- Longevity: A few hours

Eau de Cologne (EdC): 2-4% fragrance oil content
- A quick spritz, which invigorates the senses, also known as fragrance water
- Typically a fresh citrus scent
- Sillage: Slightly prominent and leaves a subtle trail
- Occasion: Particularly suitable in summer or warmer climates
- Longevity: Up to a few hours

Eau Fraîche: 1-3% fragrance oil content
- The lowest fragrance concentration, also known as body spray
- A delicate, subtle scent that is often sprayed all over the body to enhance the fragrance
- Sillage: only slightly prominent & has a very subtle scent trail
- Occasion: Suitable for daytime
- Longevity: One to a maximum of two hours

When making perfume, various ingredients such as essential oils, aromatic substances, and solvents are combined to create a unique and pleasant scent.

Step 1: Perfumers start by selecting and gathering the ingredients needed to produce the desired fragrance. These include natural ingredients like flowers, fruits, spices, and woods, as well as synthetic aromatic substances. Natural ingredients are often used to obtain essential oils through processes like steam distillation or solvent extraction. These oils are highly concentrated and form the base notes of the perfume.

Step 2: Once the essential oils have been extracted, they are mixed in a specific ratio to create the desired scent profile. Perfumers carefully measure and blend the oils to achieve the perfect balance between top, heart, and base notes. The blended oils are then mixed with a solvent, usually alcohol or a mixture of alcohol and water, to dilute the scent and ensure an even application on the skin.

Step 3: This perfume mixture is then aged for a period of time to allow the various fragrance components to blend and develop their complexity. This maturation process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks or even months.

Step 4: After maturation, the perfume is filtered to remove any impurities or deposits before being bottled and packaged for sale.

Overall, perfumery is a complex and intricate process that requires skill, creativity, and attention to detail to create a high-quality fragrance that appeals to consumers. The exact steps and ingredients used therefore determine the type of scent that the final product will have.

General:

An Extrait de Parfum, also known as pure perfume, perfume extract, or simply perfume, is the most concentrated form of perfume available. It contains a higher percentage of fragrance oils than other types of perfumes, typically between 15 and 40%. Due to its high concentration, Extrait de Parfum lasts longer on the skin and often has a more intense fragrance profile.

Extrait de Parfum is usually sold in small bottles or vials due to its strength and longevity. Some perfume brands offer their signature scents in the form of Extrait de Parfum for those who prefer a more intense and long-lasting fragrance experience.

The fragrance pyramid is often more complex and richer, with strong base notes that linger on the skin for a long time.

Application:

The higher concentration of fragrance oils in an Extrait allows for a more complex and subtle fragrance profile, where the top, heart, and base notes seamlessly blend into one another and unfold over a longer period on the skin. The perfume is typically applied to the pulse points of the body, such as the wrists, neck, and behind the ears, and is often slightly oilier than its counterparts. This allows the fragrance to unfold and interact with the body's natural chemistry.

Occasion:

They are a popular choice for special occasions or evening wear, as they last long and leave a lasting impression. They can last between six and twelve hours, depending on application, body chemistry, and the specific notes of a fragrance. Some people prefer an Extrait for its stronger sillage and projection compared to other types of perfume.

Additionally, Extraits are often recommended for very sensitive skin, as they contain less alcohol, which can dry out or irritate the skin.

Although Extrait de Parfum is generally more expensive than other types of perfume, many fragrance lovers believe that the investment is worth it due to its high quality and longevity.

To maintain the effectiveness of the perfume and prevent it from losing quality over time, Extrait de Parfum should be stored in a cool, dark place, protected from direct sunlight (for more tips on storing perfume, check this out).

General:

Eau de Parfum is a popular type of perfume that lies in the middle of the concentration spectrum. It typically contains between 10 and 20% fragrance oils, making it stronger and longer-lasting than Eau de Toilette, but lighter than Extrait de Parfum.
The fragrance pyramid often features distinct heart notes that develop after application.

Application:

Eaux de Parfum are known for their balance of longevity and sillage. The scent usually lingers on the skin for five to eight hours, depending on individual body chemistry and specific fragrance notes. Typically, it is also applied to pulse points such as the wrists, neck, and behind the ears. Like an Extrait, a small amount of Eau de Parfum is sufficient, as it contains a high concentration of fragrance substances.

Occasion:

Eau de Parfum is a versatile option that can be worn both during the day and in the evening, making it popular among many. It offers a long-lasting scent without being too overpowering. This allows for a subtle yet noticeable fragrance experience that enhances one's presence without being too intense or obvious.

Overall, Eau de Parfum is a luxurious choice for anyone seeking a long-lasting and intense fragrance experience for special occasions or everyday wear.

General:

Eau de Toilette is a perfume that lies in the middle of the spectrum of fragrance concentration and typically contains 5-10% fragrance oils, with a medium scent strength.

The fragrance pyramid often consists of fresh top notes, which evaporate quickly, as well as soft heart and base notes.

Application:

Eau de Toilette usually lasts three to five hours on the skin, depending on factors such as skin type, application method, and environmental conditions. It is typically applied to pulse points like the wrists, neck, and behind the ears. It can also be lightly sprayed on clothing or hair to help the scent last longer.

Eau de Toilette is generally more affordable, as it contains a lower concentration of fragrance components.

Occasion:

The Eau de Toilette, whose name comes from the French "faire sa toilette" (to get ready), is intended for a quick refreshment while getting ready or during the day, making it suitable for everyday use and most occasions.

Overall, Eau de Toilette is a popular choice for anyone looking for a balanced fragrance with moderate olfactory strength and versatility for everyday use.

General:

Eau de Cologne, also simply known as Cologne water, is a type of perfume that typically contains a lower concentration of essential oils than other types of perfume, namely about 2-4% fragrance oils.

In an Eau de Cologne, the fragrance pyramid is usually simpler and lighter structured compared to other perfume concentrations. It typically consists of fresh citrus top notes, light floral heart notes, and subtle woody or musky base notes. The heart and base notes are often only subtly perceptible.

The term "Eau de Cologne" originated in Cologne in the 18th century, where the Italian perfumer Giovanni Maria Farina created a scented water that became popular throughout Europe. Today, Eau de Cologne refers more to a specific type of fragrance than to a geographical origin. undefinedApplicationundefined:

It is usually applied to the pulse points on the body, such as the wrists, neck, and behind the ears.

It is usually applied to the pulse points on the body, such as the wrists, neck, and behind the ears. For a longer-lasting effect, it can also be lightly sprayed on clothing or hair. To ensure the fragrance lasts, it may need to be reapplied throughout the day, as it typically only stays on the skin for a few hours. Due to the lower concentration of essential oils, Eau de Cologne is generally shorter-lived than other types of perfumes.

Occasion:

Eau de Cologne is known for its fresh, citrusy, and light scent. In addition to essential oils, it may contain alcohol, water, and other ingredients such as citrus extracts, herbs, and spices to create its unique fragrance profile. Eau de Cologne is often used as a refreshing and invigorating scent suitable for everyday use.

Overall, Eau de Cologne is a classic and timeless fragrance that offers a light and refreshing option for daily wear. With its subtle scent, it is suitable for a variety of occasions and can easily be integrated into a daily care routine.

General:

Eau Fraîche, also known as Eau Fraîche or Body Mist, is a fragrance that contains a lower concentration of essential oils compared to other perfumes, typically about 1-3% essential oils, making it even lighter and more subtle than Eau de Cologne, perfect for a quick refresh during the day.

The fragrance pyramid usually consists of refreshing top notes that dissipate quickly.

Application:

Eau Fraîche is applied similarly to other perfumes by spraying or dabbing it on the pulse points of the body, such as the wrists, neck, and behind the ears. It can also be lightly sprayed on clothing or the hair to extend the longevity of the scent.

Due to the very low concentration of essential oils, Eau Fraîche is the least long-lasting of all fragrances, lasting only one to two hours. Under certain circumstances, the fragrance may need to be reapplied frequently throughout the day to maintain it.

Occasion:

Eau Fraîche is known for its fresh, light, and subtle scent. It often has citrus, herbal, or aquatic notes that give it a refreshing and invigorating quality.

In addition to essential oils, Eau Fraîche can also contain alcohol, water, and other ingredients like citrus extracts, herbs, and aquatic notes to create its fresh and light fragrance profile.

Overall, Eau Fraîche is a delicate and subtle scent that is perfect for anyone who prefers a light and refreshing fragrance. The low concentration of essential oils makes it ideal for daily use in warm weather or in casual situations where a subtle scent is desired.

These details are approximate estimates and may vary depending on individual usage behavior. It is important to consider factors such as the frequency of application, the number of sprays, and whether the perfume is worn during the day or in the evening. Furthermore, proper storage in a cool, dark place can help extend the longevity of the perfume and maintain its fragrance quality (here you can find all tips for storing perfume).