Fragrance Types

What Is the Difference Between Parfum, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, Cologne, and Eau Fraiche? 

Shopping for fragrance can be confusing at best, or overwhelming at worst. Not only are there top notes, middle notes, and bottom notes, but whole classes of scents. What’s more, once you’ve decided on a scent, another decision must be made: Parfum, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Cologne or Eau Fraiche?

Fragrances are available in Parfum, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Cologne or Eau Fraiche form. The main differentiating factor of these is the concentration of aromatic compounds in a solvent – that is the perfume oil, how much concentration of perfume oil is in the formula’s composition. Fragrances with a higher concentration of perfume oil will have a more intense scent, and last longer on your skin. Higher the concentration of perfume oils and the more expensive the product.

Following explains difference of these categories: 

Parfum 

Parfum, sometimes referred to as perfume or perfume extract, contains the highest concentration of perfume oil formulation and the least amount of alcohol, and is considered one of the purest, and is usually the most expensive fragrances available. It contains 20%-30% concentration of aromatic compounds or perfume oils. Due to its high concentration of aromatic compounds, Parfum has a very intense aroma, which can last up to 24 hours. 

Eau de Parfum 

Eau de Parfum (EDP), also referred to as perfume water, contains the second highest concentration level of perfume oils, which makes it long-lasting and great for everyday wear. It consists of 15%-20% concentration of aromatic compounds or perfume oils. Although it is a little more expensive than other fragrances, Eau de Parfum is the most popular of the fragrance types. 

Eau de Toilette 

Eau de Toilette (EDT) is delicately scented cologne that contains an average concentration of perfume oils, making it lighter and more affordable than Eau de Parfum. Eau de toilette contains 5%-15% concentration of aromatic compounds or perfume oils. Due to its fresh, airy nature, many people prefer to use Eau de Toilette for daywear or during the summer months. 

Eau de Cologne 

Eau de Cologne (EDC) originated in Cologne, Germany. Today, it is a generic term that defines a class of scented formulations by its typical concentration of about 2-5% of perfume oils. Eau de Cologne, also referred to as cologne, contains a low concentration of perfume oils, which makes it much lighter than other types of fragrances. Because Eau de Cologne lasts for only a few hours, it will need to be reapplied throughout the day, which is why it is typically sold in larger capacity bottles.

EDC products are available for either men or women, and are sometimes mistaken for aftershave, which is actually a formula containing moisturizer, an antiseptic agent, and perfume.

Eau Fraiche 

Eau Fraiche, also referred to as fresh water, is an extremely light and diluted fragrance that contains the lowest concentration of perfume oils and alcohol. Because Eau Fraiche lasts for only an hour, it will need to be reapplied several times throughout the day. Due to its diluted nature, Eau Fraiche is not as popular as other types of fragrances.