EDT, EDP, Perfume, Cologne - What is What?
Posted: Thursday, January 26, 2006
by Denise Hayes
You are surfing the internet or at your local big chain discount store searching for your favorite perfume.
You come across a wonderful deal on your favorite fragrance and wonder why it is so much cheaper than what you usually pay. You are so elated that as soon as you get home, you spritz it on yourself, only to find that scent fades much quicker than your last bottle of the same scent. Why?
The % by volume that you see on the bottles is the amount of alcohol that is in the fragrance blend. Basically perfume companies 'pad out' their fragrances with alcohol, firstly to make them go further, and also because otherwise they would be incredibly strong to wear! A perfume with strong smelling essence ingredients will have more alcohol with it than one which is more delicate.
So exactly what is the difference between eau de toilette, eau de parfum, and the other fragrance forms? Here is a generalized list of the different concentrations available:
Perfume (Parfum)
This consists of a 15-30% concentration of perfume essence and is the strongest fragrance available. This means that not only do you need to use less, but also that the fragrance lasts longer, typically for up to 6 hours, depending on skin type.
Parfum De Toilette
This is usually between a perfume and an EDP in strength but a few companies use the term to describe an EDT.
Eau De Parfum (EDP)
This is lighter than Perfume, with an 8-15% concentration, and so is less expensive but still has long lasting characteristics, from 3 to 5 hours.
Eau De Toilette (EDT)
This is a lighter more delicate fragrance, with a 4-8% concentration of the essence, and is therefore most suited to everyday use. It is normally less expensive than Eau de Parfum, and lasts for 2 to 4 hours.
Eau De Cologne (EDC)
This is often referred to just as Cologne and has the greatest dilution of fragrances with a 3-5% concentration of perfume essence, lasting up to 2 hours.
For Men Eau De Toilette (EDT)
This has the greatest concentration of essence generally available for men and hence lasts the longest, up to 5 hours. It is often available in either a splash or a spray.
Aftershave
Less strong, it is the most popular choice and lasts for 2 to 3 hours. Aftershaves are kinder to the skin than EDT's. Those with very sensitive skin should use aftershave balms.
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More commentsthank you. this article was very helpful. i know what to look for now
Didn't Know where else to look. Thanks for all the info. I'm ignorant no more, thanks to your article.
So informative, no more headache... Thanks bro.... :)
This is realy a useful information.
thanks for the info! i've always been wondering about my EDT, and now I understand!
Very insightful. I love the in-depth description of the various fragrance consistencies and wear times(in hours)
Thanks for a such a useful info
Very helpful thanks very much
This is fantastic information so you know what you are buying and why the prices are the way they are. Plus it makes sure you as the consumer dont get ripped off!
Thank you very much!
extemely helpfull
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