The same fragrance may come in a variety of forms. The difference between Perfume, Eau de Parfum, or Eau de Toilette is probably one of the most frequently asked questions about perfumes.
Each perfume house uses their own terminology and categories to classify their perfumes according to the concentration of essences or aromatic oils they contain, but the following should give you a general idea. The most straightforward difference between Perfume, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette and a Cologne is the concentration of oils used in the fragrance. These are their main characteristics:
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PERFUME TYPES
Perfume
Also called perfume extract or extrait, this is the most expensive version of any fragrance; it’s also the most beautiful because of the whole symphony of top, heart and base notes released over a period of time. This is due to the high concentration of essences – as much as 40% by volume. Perfume is applied directly to the skin on pulse spots – insides of the wrists, behind the ears, at the throat. It is the longest lasting of all the scent categories and only a tiny amount is needed.
Eau de parfum
Eau de Parfum contains a concentration of oils that is over 10%, sometimes reaching as high as 20%. After the top notes have died away, the middle notes or heart notes of a perfume become noticeable. The perfume’s true scent is revealed after a couple of hours on the skin. This is the focus of eau de parfum which makes it perfect to spray on hair or clothing. Since it is less intense than perfume extract, it is also cheaper, but it usually lasts well. This is why it shouldn’t be just doused all over.
Eau de toilette
Eau de toilette is lighter and can contain approximately 5 – 10% aromatic essence. The lightness of it makes it more suitable to spray more liberally, the high alcohol content means it will not last very long. The top notes – the first scent released by a perfume – are dominant, making it refreshing when it is applied, and it evaporates and fades away quite quickly. Eau de toilette is the most popular form in which fragrance is sold, and is particularly appropriate for the summer.
Eau de Cologne
At the bottom end of the range as far as concentration is concerned, is eau de cologne. This is the weakest and tends to contain about 2 – 5% essence dissolved in alcohol. It is delightfully refreshing in hot weather and because it doesn’t last long, it can be frequently reapplied directly to the skin. Usually contains the essential oils, lemon, bergamot, orange and also the absolute neroli. They may also contain the essential oils lavender and rosemary. It tends to be marketed in large sizes of up to 200 ml.
Eau Fraiche
Apart from the above there is also an even lighter version usually called Eau Fraiche. This is the most diluted version of fragrance, usually with 1% – 3% perfume oil in alcohol and water. Usually lasts for less than an hour and it is mainly used as a body spray.
Differences between perfume concentrations
However, that’s not all that may be different between these concentrations. Quality of fragrance oils used also play a part in how strong and how long a fragrance lasts. Higher quality oils tend to take more time to develop and thus linger longer on the skin than their synthetic counterparts. Some perfume houses/companies also may use more expensive natural perfume oils in only the Perfume version and then synthetic produced notes in the others.