Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, Fragrance Water, Cologne—What are the Differences?

You’ve probably had a moment where you’re stuck in the fragrance section in a store because you can’t decide what you should get. If you pay close attention, perfume bottles have a variety of shapes and labels such as Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, and other labels that you might not understand.

In general, all fragrances are the same, but they are given specific names and labels depending on the concentration of perfume oil ratio in relation to alcohol. Here is a helpful guide on fragrances and which to wear, when.

Eau de Parfum

According to its history, the word parfum or Eau de Parfum is used to describe different types of fragrances used by men and women. This particular kind of fragrance has the highest concentration of oil, with around 10–30% perfume oils and can last for five to eight hours on the skin.

Eau de Parfum was created to last the whole day on skin without being too strong and offensive or transferable to other people upon contact. It is the most commonly sold fragrance category seen in stores.

Eau de Toilette

Eau de Toilettes are lighter in comparison to Eau de Parfums due to their lower perfume oil concentration. The perfume oil makes up about 5–10% of the fragrance, which leads to it feeling a lot lighter on the skin. This type of fragrance usually lasts around three hours.

If you are not someone who likes strong scents or don’t mind reapplying every few hours, the Eau de Toilette may be for you.

Fragrance Water

Back in the day, before perfumes were made with a mixture of alcohol or synthetic fragrances, perfumes were just simple fragrances made from a mix of essential oil, plant essences, and water. This is where Fragrance Water comes from, which is a type of fragrance that uses water instead of water.

Water-based perfumes are thought by many to be safer and gentler, especially for those with sensitive skin, allergy-prone, or pregnant women wanting to avoid synthetic fragrances, especially with its more natural ingredients.

Cologne

Cologne or Eau de Cologne is a term used for fragrances with a very small amount of perfume oil in them with only 2–5% concentration in relation to alcohol. This type of fragrance usually only lasts for up to two hours.

Generally, Colognes have a fresher and lighter scent, such as fruity or citrus notes. Because of this, it is usually more popular with younger people.

Those are the differences of Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, Fragrance Water, and Cologne. Now you have more of an idea which kind of perfume would suit you. Discover unique fragrances at our perfume shop—you’re bound to find something you love. Guaranteed.