Difference between Perfume, Cologne & Eau de toilette
Sue’s Scent Notes Vol 6
If you’ve ever been stuck in an airport at the duty-free shop, chances are you’ve perused the fragrance section. And you probably noticed they come in a lot of forms: Perfumes, Eau De Parfum, Eau de Toilette, Cologne. So, what are the differences you ask?
In short, all fragrances are a mixture of similar ingredients but at different concentrations or strengths: e.g. essential oils (originally extracted from nature such as flowers, herbs, spices and woods) are diluted with distilled water and perfumer’s alcohol, but they are differentiated and distinguished by the concentration of perfume oil in alcohol and water. Here is an explanation of the 5 different types of fragrances:
1. Perfume or Parfum - This is the most concentrated, expensive, strongest and most long-lasting of all fragrance options. It is composed of 20-30% pure perfume oils. Perfumes are more concentrated and therefore most expensive. A few drops used to last 12-24 hours. These days, it probably lasts only 6-8 hours because the FDA has determined the concentration allowed to be used now. With a high concentration of essential oil, you are likely to notice your fragrance working from morning to evening. People with sensitive skin may do better with perfumes as they have less alcohol than other fragrance types and therefore not as likely to dry out the skin.
2. Eau De Parfum- EDP - Less concentrated than perfume and contains 15-20% pure perfume oil and lasts for about 4-6 hours; can be sprayed or poured. No matter what the occasion is, this fragrance type also has great diffusion and is less expensive than a perfume.
3. Eau de Toilette - EDT - has a fragrance concentration of between 5-15% and is lighter, less expensive and is one of the most popular lighter types of fragrance available. It will normally last 2-3 hours and is considered by some as daywear (while EDP is considered as nightwear). The term eau de toilette originates from the French term “faire sa toilette” which literally means ‘to get ready’ or ‘to prepare her toilette’ e.g to wash!
4. Eau de Cologne - EDC- has a much lower concentration, about 2-4% than EDT and with a higher alcohol content, is therefore cheaper than those above. it generally lasts up to 2 hours. This is the oldest term for perfume, often used for masculine scents. It also tends to be used in fragrances for younger people as it is very light. It was created after a traditional recipe that used herb and citrus notes and originated in Cologne Germany.
5. Eau Fraiche - it is similar to EDC in that scent will last for only an hour or two and has an even lower fragrance concentration if only 1% - 3%. While Eau Fraiche has a lower fragrance concentration, it does not contain a high amount of alcohol, so this is also good for those with sensitive skin. It is most diluted of all the fragrances, and literally means ‘fresh water’ - ideal for hot summer days.
Note: Did you know that Sue Phillips Fragrances are PERFUME concentration and are created from high-quality ingredients that are guaranteed to not give you headaches and allergies?
Contact Sue Phillips Fragrance today and let us create the best fragrance experience for you this summer!
Scentfully, Sue Phillips