Perfume concentration guide: Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum & Parfum
Written by:Emily Venables
Read time:xxx
756
Posted:10/03/2022
In the beauty world, you’d be hard-pressed to find a single product that comes in as many variations as perfume. Not only do you have all the fragrance families to choose from, but there are perfume concentration levels to think about too.
Now while you may not see the term ’perfume concentration’ on the packaging, you will have seen the different options. The most popular include Eau de Toilette (EDT), Eau de Parfum (EDP) and Parfum.
So, to help you find a fragrance that’s perfectly suited to you, we’re here to explain the difference between Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette, and what a Parfum is too!
How are perfume concentrations categorised?
The level of concentrated oils in its formula determines how a fragrance is categorised. The more oil it contains, the longer lasting it will be, and the more potent the aroma. Fragrance categories are broken down into (from highest perfume concentration level to the lowest) Parfum, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, and Eau de Cologne and Eau Fraiche.
What is Eau de Toilette (EDT)
The perfect choice for everyday wear, such as going to work, lunch with friends, or popping to the shops, Eau de Toilettes are incredibly popular amongst both men and women. With an average oil concentration of around 5-12%, Eau de Toilette often offers a light, refreshing aroma that will linger on the skin for 2-4 hours. As a result, EDTs are the perfect option for your ’signature scent’ as they can be worn confidently every day, for any occasion.
Eau de Parfums are the second most potent fragrance in terms of concentration. Thanks to its staying power and impressive projection, many people consider them their ‘go-to’ dilution. They feature around 12-18% of oil, and on a good day, an Eau de Parfum should last for 4-5 hours. At The Perfume Shop, we recommend wearing an Eau de Parfum on dates, a night out with friends or anywhere you want to make a lasting impression!
Often considered the crème de la creme of fragrances, Parfum sits at the top of the perfume concentration list. It is also known as Extrait de Parfum or Pure Parfum and can contain up to 30% concentrated oils; however, you are more likely to find them with around 20%. With this high oil level, you can expect your Parfum to last for at least 6-8 hours on the skin, without the need for mid-day top-ups! As you would expect, the impressive longevity comes with the highest price tag of most fragrances.
If you already love a particular Eau de Parfum or Eau de Toilette but want to experience a more intense version, be sure to see if it has a Parfum counterpart. It will magnify everything you already adore about the lighter concentrated version, and then some!
Perfume concentration guide: Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum & Parfum
In the beauty world, you’d be hard-pressed to find a single product that comes in as many variations as perfume. Not only do you have all the fragrance families to choose from, but there are perfume concentration levels to think about too.
Now while you may not see the term ’perfume concentration’ on the packaging, you will have seen the different options. The most popular include Eau de Toilette (EDT), Eau de Parfum (EDP) and Parfum.
So, to help you find a fragrance that’s perfectly suited to you, we’re here to explain the difference between Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette, and what a Parfum is too!
How are perfume concentrations categorised?
The level of concentrated oils in its formula determines how a fragrance is categorised. The more oil it contains, the longer lasting it will be, and the more potent the aroma. Fragrance categories are broken down into (from highest perfume concentration level to the lowest) Parfum, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, and Eau de Cologne and Eau Fraiche.
What is Eau de Toilette (EDT)
The perfect choice for everyday wear, such as going to work, lunch with friends, or popping to the shops, Eau de Toilettes are incredibly popular amongst both men and women. With an average oil concentration of around 5-12%, Eau de Toilette often offers a light, refreshing aroma that will linger on the skin for 2-4 hours. As a result, EDTs are the perfect option for your ’signature scent’ as they can be worn confidently every day, for any occasion.
Marc Jacobs
Daisy Eau So Fresh
Eau de Toilette Spray
75ML – £79.00
Burberry
Burberry Her
Eau de Toilette Spray
50ML – £79.00
Burberry
Burberry Her
Eau de Toilette Spray
30ML – £55.00
What is Eau de Parfum (EDP)
Eau de Parfums are the second most potent fragrance in terms of concentration. Thanks to its staying power and impressive projection, many people consider them their ‘go-to’ dilution. They feature around 12-18% of oil, and on a good day, an Eau de Parfum should last for 4-5 hours. At The Perfume Shop, we recommend wearing an Eau de Parfum on dates, a night out with friends or anywhere you want to make a lasting impression!
DIOR
Miss Dior
Eau de Parfum Spray
30ML – £72.00
DIOR
Miss Dior
Eau de Parfum Spray
50ML – £91.99
DIOR
Miss Dior
Eau de Parfum Spray
100ML – £145.00
CHANEL
COCO MADEMOISELLE
Eau de Parfum Intense Spray
50ML – £108.00
CHANEL
COCO MADEMOISELLE
Eau de Parfum Intense Spray
100ML – £150.00
What is Parfum?
Often considered the crème de la creme of fragrances, Parfum sits at the top of the perfume concentration list. It is also known as Extrait de Parfum or Pure Parfum and can contain up to 30% concentrated oils; however, you are more likely to find them with around 20%. With this high oil level, you can expect your Parfum to last for at least 6-8 hours on the skin, without the need for mid-day top-ups! As you would expect, the impressive longevity comes with the highest price tag of most fragrances.
If you already love a particular Eau de Parfum or Eau de Toilette but want to experience a more intense version, be sure to see if it has a Parfum counterpart. It will magnify everything you already adore about the lighter concentrated version, and then some!
Rabanne
1 Million
Parfum Spray
100ML – £102.00
TOM FORD
Black Orchid
Parfum Spray
100ML – £186.00
Points to remember
The main difference between Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette and Parfum is:
• The levels of concentrated fragrance
• Its longevity on the skin
• Price point
Do you want to know the difference between cologne and aftershave?
Read our blog Cologne vs Aftershave to find out more.
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