Perfume, Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette… They’re all the same, right? Wrong! They may all have the same purpose, but there is a difference between these three types of fragrances. The key difference is how much perfume concentrate each contains. The higher the percentage of concentrate, the longer the scent lasts, and the higher the price. Want to know more? Read on for more details…

Perfume:
Perfume, parfum or extrait perfume is the most concentrated, purest fragrance form. As such, it is the most expensive type of fragrance. With 15 to 40 percent perfume oils, it is also the longest-lasting on the skin. Because of the high potency, a perfume’s fragrance will not only last longer, but requires less application than other fragrance forms.

Eau de Parfum:
Eau de Parfum is the second most potent fragrance form containing 7 to 15 percent perfume oils. Only slightly less potent and less costly than perfume, the scent from this fragrance form lasts a long time. It is a very popular and common fragrance form.

Eau de Toilette:
Eau de Toilette has a less potent strength, with a level of perfume oils anywhere from 1 to 6 percent. Designed for shorter wear on the skin, this fragrance form is light and does not last as long as the other fragrance forms, but is the more affordable option.

Another key difference between these fragrance forms is the amount of alcohol each contains. Alcohol allows the fragrance to emanate, so that those around you can smell it. The higher the perfume concentrate, the less the alcohol percentage is in the fragrance form.

Although the amount of perfume oils affects how long-lasting a fragrance will be when it is worn, your skin also play’s a significant role. Generally, dry skin does not hold fragrance very long while oily skin holds fragrance very well. Your pH level (acidity level) also slightly affects how your skin interacts with a fragrance.

So, yes there are a few differences between perfume, eau de parfum and eau de toilette. However, this is one of those cases where you get what you pay for. Perfume may be expensive, but a little will go a longer way than the same amount of eau de toilette.

Article by: Kelly Abrahams

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