EDT vs EDP vs Parfum: Fragrance Concentrations Explained

What Is Fragrance Concentration?

Every perfume is a mixture of fragrance oils dissolved in a solvent, usually alcohol and water. The "concentration" refers to the percentage of fragrance oil in the mixture. Higher concentration generally means longer lasting, more intense scent, and a higher price.

The Concentration Spectrum

From lightest to most intense:

Eau Fraiche (1-3%)

The lightest form. Mostly water and alcohol with just a hint of fragrance. Lasts 1-2 hours at most. Think of body mists and splashes. Good for a quick refresh, not designed to last.

Eau de Cologne (2-4%)

A traditional format popular in classic men's fragrances. Fresh, citrus-forward, and short-lived at 2-3 hours. The name "cologne" is often misused to mean any men's fragrance, but technically it refers to this specific concentration.

Eau de Toilette (5-15%)

The most common concentration for designer fragrances. Offers a good balance between intensity and wearability, lasting 4-7 hours. Most mainstream men's fragrances and many women's fragrances are sold as EDT. The lighter concentration makes them ideal for office wear and daytime use.

Eau de Parfum (15-20%)

Richer, longer lasting, and more expensive than EDT. Typically lasts 6-10 hours with moderate to strong projection. Many brands release the same fragrance in both EDT and EDP versions, with the EDP being darker, warmer, and more concentrated.

Parfum / Extrait de Parfum (20-30%)

The most concentrated commercially available form. Lasts 8-24 hours with less projection but incredible longevity close to skin. Because the concentration is higher, you need fewer sprays, which partly offsets the higher price per bottle.

Parfum Absolu / Elixir (30%+)

A relatively new category used by some houses to denote ultra-concentrated versions. Not standardized across brands, so quality and intensity vary.

Does Higher Concentration Always Mean Better?

Not necessarily. Concentration affects the overall character of a fragrance:

• EDT versions tend to be brighter, airier, and more transparent. The lower oil concentration lets top notes sparkle
• EDP versions tend to be darker, richer, and more rounded. The higher concentration emphasizes heart and base notes
• Parfum versions are the most intimate, sitting close to skin with a dense, complex character

Some fragrances are intentionally designed for a specific concentration. A fresh summer cologne would not benefit from being an EDP, just as a rich oriental would lose its character as an EDT.

The Price Factor

Concentration directly affects price. An EDP version of the same fragrance typically costs 20-40% more than the EDT. Parfum or Extrait can cost 2-3 times the EDT price.

However, because higher concentrations require fewer sprays and last longer, the cost-per-wear can actually be lower for more concentrated versions.

Which Concentration Should You Choose?

• For daily office wear — EDT is ideal. Light enough to not overwhelm, affordable for frequent use
• For evening and special occasions — EDP gives the intensity and longevity you want
• For personal, intimate wear — Parfum or Extrait creates a scent that is yours alone, detectable only up close
• For hot climates — lighter concentrations (EDT or Cologne) prevent over-projection
• For cold climates — heavier concentrations (EDP or Parfum) are needed to cut through the cold air

One More Thing

These concentration ranges are guidelines, not strict rules. A well-formulated EDT can outlast a poorly made EDP. Ingredient quality, base note weight, and formulation skill matter as much as the percentage on the label. Always test on skin rather than relying on the concentration category alone.