In This Article
When trying to find the best perfume, amongst other things, you may find yourself asking what is the difference between Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum and Eau de Cologne? In this article, you’ll learn the meaning of each of these different terms. As a result you’ll be able to compare and contrast perfume types, such as Eau de Toilette vs Eau de Parfum.
Perfume Concentrations
Perfumes are categorised by the percentage of concentrate that they contain. A perfume’s concentrate is a specific mixture of fragrant ingredients designed during the perfume making process. Perfume concentrate is typically diluted in an ethanol solution. The ratio of concentrate to ethanol solution dictates a perfume’s concentration type.
Not only does a perfume’s type signify the amount of concentrate, different concentrations of the same perfume can feature different perfume notes. This is intentional, with the aim of creating a distinct spin on an established perfume.
Each perfume concentration type specifies a generalised ratio of concentrate to ethanol solution. This is not binding, so the actual percentage of concentrate in a perfume may not match the percentage generally associated with its type.
What Is Eau de Parfum?
Eau de Parfum is a type of perfume which contains between 15 and 20% fragrance concentrate.
- More concentrated than Eau de Toilette, Eau de Cologne and Eau Fraiche
- Less concentrated than Extrait de Parfum
- Base notes may feature more heavily
Eau de Parfum typically contains 15-20% perfume concentrate
What Is Eau de Toilette?
Eau de Toilette is a type of perfume which contains between 5 and 15% fragrance concentrate.
- More concentrated than Eau de Cologne and Eau Fraiche
- Less concentrated than Extrait de Parfum and Eau de Parfum
- Can contain volatile perfume notes which may not last as long as those in Eau de Parfum
Eau de Toilette typically contains 5-15% perfume concentrate
What Is Eau de Cologne?
Eau de Cologne is a type of perfume which contains between 2 and 4% fragrance concentrate.
- More concentrated than Eau Fraiche
- Less concentrated than Extrait de Parfum, Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette
- May require frequent replication due to its low percentage of concentrate
- Not the same as ‘cologne’ which is used in North America to refer to men’s fragrances in general
Eau de cologne typically contains 2-4% perfume concentrate
What Is Extrait de Parfum?
Extrait de Parfum is a type of perfume which contains upwards of 20% fragrance concentrate.
- More concentrated than Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Cologne and Eau Fraiche
- Also known as Parfum
- Can command high price due to concentration
Eau de Parfum typically contains 20% or more perfume concentrate
What Is Eau Fraiche?
Extrait de Parfum is a type of perfume which contains between 1 and 3% fragrance concentrate.
- Less concentrated than Extrait de Parfum, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette and Eau de Cologne
- Suitable for those looking for a light scent which does not linger for long
Eau Fraiche typically contains 1-3% perfume concentrate
