In short: eau de parfum (EDP) is more concentrated, longer-lasting and richer than eau de toilette (EDT). Choose EDP for evenings, special occasions and cold weather, and EDT for everyday wear, the office and the warmer months. Eau de cologne (EDC) is the lightest option, and parfum (Parfum, Extrait) is the strongest.
Every bottle says Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Cologne or Parfum. Behind those words is a single difference: how much fragrance oil the liquid contains. Yet that difference changes everything: how long you smell good, how strong the scent comes across, which notes step forward and how much the bottle costs. In this article we explain it all clearly, with a table and examples.
What is the difference: concentration
Every perfume is a blend of fragrance oils (natural and synthetic), alcohol and a little water. The higher the share of fragrance oils, the richer and longer-lasting the scent. There is no mandatory standard, so the percentages vary from brand to brand, but the following scale is the most commonly accepted:
| Type | Fragrance oils | Longevity | When to wear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parfum / Extrait de Parfum | 20-40% | 8-12+ hours | Special occasions, winter |
| Eau de Parfum (EDP) | 15-20% | 6-8 hours | Evenings, autumn and winter, all day |
| Eau de Toilette (EDT) | 5-15% | 3-5 hours | Everyday, office, spring and summer |
| Eau de Cologne (EDC) | 2-5% | up to 2 hours | Freshening up, sport, hot weather |
| Fragrance mist / Body mist | 1-3% | about an hour | After a shower, for a light scent |
Longevity is approximate. It also depends on the fragrance itself (citrus fades faster than vanilla and woods), on your skin and on the weather.
Eau de Parfum (EDP)
Eau de parfum contains about 15-20% fragrance oils. It is the most popular format today because it balances strength and lightness: it is clearly noticeable without being overpowering, and it lasts through most of the day.
In an eau de parfum you smell the heart of the fragrance most strongly - the flowers, spices and main notes - while the base (woods, musk, vanilla) lingers long afterwards. EDP is an excellent choice for autumn and winter, for evenings out and for people who want to spray in the morning and not think about it until night.
Eau de Toilette (EDT)
Eau de toilette contains about 5-15% fragrance oils. It is lighter, fresher and airier. The top notes take centre stage - citrus, fruit, fresh herbs - the ones you notice right after spraying.
EDT is ideal for everyday wear, the office and the warm months, when a heavy perfume would feel too much. It is usually also more affordable than EDP. Many people keep two bottles of their favourite fragrance: eau de toilette for the day and eau de parfum for the evening.
Eau de Cologne (EDC)
Eau de cologne is the lightest type of perfume, with about 2-5% fragrance oils. The name comes from the German city of Cologne, where the Italian Johann Maria Farina created his famous “water of Cologne” in 1709. A classic cologne is citrusy and aromatic - lemon, bergamot, neroli, rosemary - and is meant for a quick refresh. Today many brands also offer a longer-lasting “Cologne” or “Eau Fraîche” version of well-known fragrances.
Parfum (Parfum, Extrait de Parfum)
This is the most concentrated form: 20-40% fragrance oils. Parfum is applied sparingly - one or two drops or sprays - and stays close to the skin, yet it lasts many hours. Because of its high share of fragrance oils, it is also the most expensive. You will find more about it in our article Extrait de Parfum.
One fragrance, different concentrations
The same perfume often comes in several concentrations. They are not simply a “stronger” or “weaker” version, though: perfumers usually change the formula to highlight different notes. Here are a few examples from our shop:
Armani Acqua di Giò EDT
Eau de toilette: fresh and marine
Armani Acqua di Giò EDT is the classic version from 1996 - citrus, marine notes and rosemary. Light and refreshing, ideal for summer and the office.
Armani Acqua di Giò Eau de Parfum
Eau de parfum: warmer and fuller
Armani Acqua di Giò Eau de Parfum keeps the marine character but adds more warmth and a woody base. It lasts longer and suits the cooler months and evenings better.
Rabanne 1 Million EDT
Eau de toilette: fresh and spicy
Rabanne 1 Million EDT is the original from 2008 - grapefruit, mint, cinnamon, leather and amber. Bold and sweet-spicy.
Rabanne 1 Million Parfum
Parfum: darker and longer-lasting
Rabanne 1 Million Parfum is the more intense take on 1 Million - with more warmth, woody notes and greater longevity.
Tiziana Terenzi Kirke Extrait de Parfum
Extrait: maximum intensity
Tiziana Terenzi Kirke Extrait de Parfum is an example of a niche extrait - fruit, musk and sandalwood with exceptional longevity. One or two sprays last the whole day.
How to choose: EDP or EDT?
- Season. In summer, EDT or cologne. In winter, EDP or parfum.
- Occasion. For the office and everyday life, EDT. For dinner, a celebration or a date, EDP.
- How often you want to reapply. If you don't like carrying a bottle in your bag, go for EDP.
- Your skin. Dry skin “eats” fragrance faster. If your perfumes fade quickly, choose EDP and moisturise your skin before applying.
- Budget. EDT is usually more affordable. If you like a fragrance but the EDP is expensive, the eau de toilette is a good place to start.
Myths about concentrations
“The more expensive one is better quality”
No. An EDT and an EDP from the same brand are equally good in quality - the difference is in strength and character, not quality.
“EDP is only for women, EDT is for men”
That is an old habit, not a rule. Today there are many men's eaux de parfum and women's eaux de toilette.
“If I can't smell it, it has faded”
Our sense of smell quickly gets used to our own scent and stops noticing it. People around you often smell it for hours. So don't spray again just because you can't smell it yourself.
How to make your fragrance last longer
- Apply perfume to clean, moisturised skin - right after a shower and body lotion.
- Spray on pulse points - neck, wrists, behind the ears, inner elbows - and don't rub.
- Spray your clothes or scarf too - fabrics hold the scent longer.
- Keep the bottle away from light and heat.
You will find more tricks in our articles where to spray perfume and shelf life and longevity of perfumes.
Frequently asked questions
Which is stronger, parfum or eau de parfum?
Parfum (Parfum, Extrait) is stronger - it contains 20-40% fragrance oils versus 15-20% in eau de parfum.
Is eau de toilette worse than eau de parfum?
No. It is lighter and fresher, not lower in quality. For summer and the office it is often the better choice.
Why do the EDT and EDP of the same fragrance smell different?
Because perfumers often change the formula - they add or strengthen notes to suit the concentration.
How many sprays do I need?
For eau de toilette, 3-4; for eau de parfum, 2-3; for parfum, 1-2.
Now you know what to look for. Browse all the perfumes in our shop, and if you are not sure whether a product is original, read how to recognise an original perfume.
