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

This guide explains the differences between different concentrations of fragrances and their impact on the longevity and intensity of a scent . It also explains how and when to use them, what sizes they come in, and approximately how long these bottles should last.
Whether you're a perfume lover or just curious, this guide will help you navigate the world of fragrance concentration.

Classifying perfumes based on their fragrance oil content has been a tradition in the perfume industry for centuries. It originated in 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 , so each perfume house may interpret them slightly differently. Niche perfume companies are often known for their higher quality products, regardless of the term used (read more about niche perfumes here).
However, there are general guidelines and terms within which the brands usually operate.

In general , fragrances with higher concentrations of fragrance oils have longer longevity, a more intense scent profile, stronger sillage, and higher perceptibility , also known as “tenacity.” Sillage refers to how long the scent spreads and lingers in the air around the wearer, while persistence refers to how long the scent remains perceptible and present after it is applied to the skin. Both factors are often influenced by concentration, as higher concentrations tend to create stronger scents that spread further.
This also affects the price. Higher concentrations are usually more expensive because they contain a larger amount of fragrance oils or higher quality bases. The ingredients used also affect the notes and scent development. An extrait de parfum usually has richer properties and lasts all night, while an eau de cologne is used as a refreshing spritz that lasts for an hour or two.

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 scent development
- Sillage (fragrance radiation): Usually very expansive & long-lasting scent trail
- Occasion : Best for special occasions or night outs
- Durability : Up to 12 hours, sometimes longer

Eau de Parfum (EdP): 10-15% fragrance oil content
- The perfect all-rounder that can accompany you all day or all night
- Its mid-spectrum properties allow a wide range of fragrances:
from fresh, citrus to deep, rich, dark and woody characters
- Sillage : Easily perceptible & leaves a clear scent trail
- Occasion : Suitable for any occasion
- Durability : Up to 8 hours

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

Eau de Cologne (EdC): 2-4% fragrance oil content
- A quick splash that invigorates the senses, also called perfume
- Usually a fresh citrus scent
- Sillage : Emerges slightly and leaves a subtle trail
- Occasion : Particularly suitable for summer or warmer climates
- Durability : Up to a few hours

Eau Fraîche: 1-3% fragrance oil content
- The lowest fragrance concentration, also known as body spray
- A delicate, subtle fragrance that is often sprayed all over the body to intensify the scent
- Sillage : only minimally noticeable & has a very subtle scent trail
- Occasion : Suitable for daytime
- Durability : One to two hours max.

Perfume making involves combining different ingredients such as essential oils, flavorings and solvents to create a unique and pleasant scent.

Step 1: Perfumers begin by selecting and gathering the ingredients needed to create the desired scent. These include natural ingredients such as flowers, fruits, spices and woods, but also synthetic flavorings. Natural ingredients are often used to extract essential oils through processes such as steam distillation or solvent extraction. These oils are highly concentrated and form the base notes of the perfume.

Step 2: After the essential oils are extracted, they are blended in a specific ratio to create the desired scent profile. Perfumers carefully measure and blend the oils to achieve the perfect balance of top, middle 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 help it disperse evenly when applied to the skin.

Step 3: This perfume blend is then aged for some time to allow the different fragrances to blend and develop their complexity. This maturation process can last 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 quality fragrance that will appeal to consumers. Therefore, the exact steps and ingredients used determine the type of scent the final product will have.

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

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

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

Application :
The higher concentration of fragrance oils in an extract allows for a more complex and subtle scent profile, where the top, middle and base notes blend seamlessly and develop over a longer period of time on the skin. The perfume is typically applied to pulse points on the body, such as the wrists, neck and behind the ears, and is often slightly oilier than its counterparts, allowing the scent to develop and interact with the body's natural chemistry.

Occasion :
They are a popular choice for special occasions or evening wear because they last 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 because of the stronger sillage and projection compared to other types of perfume.

In addition, extraits are often recommended for very sensitive skin because they contain less alcohol, which could dry out or irritate the skin.

Although Extrait de Parfum is usually more expensive than other types of perfume, many perfume 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.

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 contains distinct heart notes that develop after application.

Application :
Eaux de Parfum are known for their balance of longevity and sillage. The fragrance typically lingers on the skin for five to eight hours, depending on individual body chemistry and specific scent notes. It is also typically applied to pulse points such as the wrists, neck, and behind the ears. As with an extrait, a small amount of Eau de Parfum goes a long way as it contains a high concentration of fragrance.

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

Overall, Eau de Parfum is a luxurious choice for those looking for a long-lasting and intense fragrance experience for special occasions or everyday use.

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

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

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

Eau de Toilette is usually cheaper because 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 when getting ready or during the day, and is therefore suitable for everyday use and most occasions.

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

General :
Eau de Cologne, also simply called cologne, 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 more lightly structured compared to other perfume concentrations. It typically consists of fresh citrus top notes, light floral middle notes and subtle woody or musky base notes. The middle and base notes are usually only subtly perceptible.

The term "eau de cologne" has its origins in 18th-century Cologne, where Italian perfumer Giovanni Maria Farina created a cologne that became popular throughout Europe. Today, eau de cologne refers to a specific type of fragrance rather than a geographical origin.

Application :
It is typically applied to pulse points on the body, such as the wrists, neck, and behind the ears. It can also be lightly sprayed onto clothing or hair for a longer lasting effect. To make the scent last, it may need to be reapplied throughout the day, as it typically only stays on the skin for a couple of hours. Due to the lower concentration of essential oils, eau de cologne tends to have a shorter shelf life than other types of perfume.

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 scent profile. Eau de cologne is often used as a refreshing and invigorating fragrance suitable for everyday use.

Overall, Eau de Cologne is a classic and timeless fragrance that is a light and refreshing option for everyday use. Its subtle scent makes it suitable for a variety of occasions and can be easily integrated into your 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, usually around 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 quickly disappear.

Application :
Eau Fraîche is applied in a similar way to other perfumes, by spraying or dabbing it onto pulse points on the body, such as the wrists, neck and behind the ears. It can also be lightly sprayed onto clothing or hair to prolong the scent's longevity.

Due to the very low concentration of essential oils, Eau Fraîche has the shortest shelf life of all fragrances, lasting only one to two hours. The fragrance may need to be reapplied frequently throughout the day to maintain its effectiveness.

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 such as citrus extracts, herbs and aquatic notes to create its fresh and light fragrance profile.

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

Regardless of the type of perfume, most manufacturers produce perfumes in the following sizes: 15 ml, 30 ml, 50 ml or 100 ml. The amount of fragrance in each size is often inversely proportional to its concentration. So lower concentrations are available in larger quantities, while higher concentrations require less perfume to wear.

So the shelf life of a perfume can depend on factors such as the concentration of essential oils, application, individual body chemistry and the environment in which the perfume is worn as one uses different amounts of perfume when wearing it. However, as a general guideline, a 15ml, 30ml, 50ml and 100ml perfume bottle will have the following lifespan depending on the concentration, with daily use :

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