Guide To Fragrance Concentrations

With so many fragrances available in a dizzying array of scents, strengths, and bottles, choosing a new perfume can feel overwhelming. Terms like Parfum, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, and Eau de Cologne add another layer of confusion.

This guide will demystify fragrance concentration, helping you shop with confidence and find the perfect scent for you or someone special.

Here's a breakdown of fragrance concentrations in descending order of strength, power, and longevity:

The key difference between these terms lies in their concentration, which refers to the ratio of perfume oils to alcohol and water. In simpler terms, it's how strong the fragrance smells and how long it lasts on your skin.

Chelsey, Escentual Beauty Expert.

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Parfum (Perfume/Extrait/Elixir) Eau de Parfum (EDP) Eau de Toilette (EDT) Eau de Cologne (EDC) Eau Fraiche (Summer Scent/Body Mist/Perfumed Mist) Aftershave Splash/Spray
applying perfume to pulse points

Is there a fragrance term you came across in this blog you didn’t understand? See our full fragrance glossary.

Parfum (Perfume/Extrait/Elixir)

  • Concentration: 20-40%
  • Longevity: 8+ hours
  • Strength of Scent: Very High

Parfum is the most potent and longest-lasting fragrance concentration, and often the most expensive. It's a luxurious blend of essential oils, pure fragrance, and alcohol. A small amount goes a long way, so apply sparingly to pulse points.


Choose Parfum if: You desire a powerful, long-lasting fragrance with a luxurious feel.

Eau de Parfum (EDP)

  • Concentration: 10-20%
  • Longevity: Up to 8 hours
  • Strength of Scent: High

EDP is a popular choice, offering a balance of projection and longevity. It's generally more affordable than Parfum.


Choose EDP if: You want a long-lasting fragrance with good projection that's suitable for everyday wear.


Eau de Toilette (EDT)

  • Concentration: 5-15%
  • Longevity: Up to 6 hours
  • Strength of Scent: Medium

EDT is a lighter and fresher concentration, ideal for those who prefer a less intense scent. It's versatile and often the most affordable option among higher concentrations.


Choose EDT if: You prefer a lighter fragrance for everyday wear or warmer weather.


Eau de Cologne (EDC)

  • Concentration: 2-5%
  • Longevity: Up to 4 hours
  • Strength of Scent: Low

EDC offers a refreshing burst of fragrance that's perfect for a quick pick-me-up. It's ideal for hot weather or those sensitive to strong scents.


Choose EDC if: You enjoy light, refreshing fragrances or prefer to reapply throughout the day.


Eau Fraiche (Summer Scent/Body Mist/Perfumed Mist)

  • Concentration: 1-3%
  • Longevity: 1-2 hours
  • Strength of Scent: Very Low

Eau Fraiche is the lightest concentration, offering a subtle and refreshing scent. It's often alcohol-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin.


Choose Eau Fraiche if: You want a gentle, refreshing fragrance for hot weather or sensitive skin.


Aftershave Splash/Spray

  • Concentration: Around 3%
  • Longevity: 1-2 hours
  • Strength of Scent: Low

Aftershave is designed to soothe and refresh the skin after shaving. Its light fragrance provides a subtle scent.


Choose Aftershave if: You want a product to soothe your skin after shaving with a subtle fragrance.


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