If you have ever wondered why two bottles of the same fragrance have different names and prices, the answer is usually concentration: how much pure fragrance oil is blended with alcohol and water.
The main concentrations
- Parfum / extrait roughly 20–30%. Rich and long-lasting, usually applied sparingly.
- Eau de parfum (EDP) roughly 15–20%. A strong, lasting scent that suits most occasions.
- Eau de toilette (EDT) roughly 5–15%. Lighter and brighter, popular for daytime and warm weather.
- Eau de cologne (EDC) roughly 2–5%. The lightest, a quick refresh.
These ranges are guidelines, and every fragrance house formulates a little differently.
One fragrance, two concentrations
Many fragrances come in more than one strength. Yves Saint Laurent Libre, for example, is offered as both an eau de parfum and an eau de toilette.
What it means for you
Longevity. Higher concentrations generally last longer on skin, though the notes in the fragrance and your own skin chemistry matter too.
Projection. An EDT can feel fresher and more open, while an EDP often feels deeper and more rounded.
Price. Because they contain more fragrance oil, EDPs and extraits usually cost more per milliliter.
Choose an EDT for casual daytime wear and hot weather. Choose an EDP if you want a scent that holds through a full day or evening. Many people keep one of each.
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