Perfume Concentrations

Quite a lot of people will describe any fragrance as 'perfume' regardless of what actual description it should have (EDP/EDT...) I've described the various concentrations below but as a general rule: The smaller the bottle, the more concentrated the fragrance inside (This does not apply to miniatures which usually contain the eau de toilette.) Pure perfume is a lot more expensive but a little will go a long way.

Different types of perfume have different concentration levels, hence their scents and fragrances are also not the same. Learn more about the topic as we look at the concentration levels of different kinds of perfume you can find in the market.


Perfume (Parfum)

Perfume, or what is also called as perfume extract or perfume only, is considered as the purest and smoothest form of fragrance since it has the highest concentration of aromatic compound. Extrait perfume concentration usually ranges between 15 percent to 40 percent, while the IFRA or the International Fragrance Association guidelines set typical concentration level at 20 percent of the solution. This consists of a concentration of perfume essence and is the strongest fragrance available. By far, of all the concentrations of fragrance you can find, the extrait concentration is the most expensive. Mainly because it has less water or alcohol and is highly concentrated with fragrant oils and other pure aromatic ingredients. This allows it to give a long lasting base fragrance. Unlike other fragrances which are sprayed on, extrait is generally applied by dabbing. Many men and women love this concentration because it stays closer to the skin and it can make one feel good and sophisticated. 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.

Eau De Parfum (EDP)

The type of perfume that is next to extrait when it comes to intensity of concentration is the eau de parfum, or what is also known as eau de perfume or EdP. This fragrance typically contains about 15 percent aromatic compounds, but concentration may usually vary between between the range of 10 to 20 percent. This means that EdP is more lighter, subtler and less more expensive than the extract perfume, while still having the sophisticated quality of a fine fragrance. This is lighter than Perfume, is less expensive but still has long lasting characteristics, from 3 to 5 hours.



Eau De Toilette (EDT)

Heavier than cologne and lighter than EdP, eau de toilette (EdT) has an aromatic compound concentration that typically varies between 5 to 15 percent. In some cases, however, EdT concentration range lower, mostly between one to six percent. Having low perfume concentration, EdT will evaporate within just several hours of application in most casesThis is a lighter more delicate fragrancenconcentration 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 3 hours.

Eau De Cologne (EDC)

Typically a cologne’s concentration level is at five percent, but it sometimes vary between three to eight percent. Of all the fine fragrances available, cologne is the cheapest because its perfume concentration is very low. Like the eau de toilette, its scent does not last long since it was intended to be a refreshing fragrance. 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.