Shopping for new perfume can be somewhat overwhelming, especially when you have to think of all the elements to consider. This can be anything from the type of perfume to the scent profiles.
However, before you consider all the add-ons, it is important to know the different types of perfumes that are available on the market. Thus, below we have outlined an in-depth guide to different perfume types for a proper introduction to the world of perfumes.
Types Of Perfumes
Typically, there are five types of perfumes on the market. These include Parfum, Eau de parfum, Eau de toilette, Eau de cologne, and Eau de Fraiche. The main difference between these perfume types is their fragrance oil concentration; which ultimately, affects other behaviors and characteristics of the perfume.
Parfum
Parfum is the purest form of perfume available on the market. Otherwise known as Extrait de parfum or pure perfume, Parfum boasts the highest fragrance oil concentration. Typically, Parfum contains between 15% to 25% fragrance oil concentrations. However, sometimes, you may find premium perfumes with fragrance oil concentrations of up to 40%.
Due to this high fragrance oil concentration, Parfum tends to be the most expensive perfume type on the market. This is caused by the high cost of obtaining the fragrance oil. For example, you need up to 10,000 roses to make a single 5ml bottle of essential rose oil. Thus, the fragrance oil extraction phase can be quite costly.
It gets even more expensive for perfume makers that make their perfume using rare and premium ingredients. Additionally, because of this high fragrance oil concentration, Parfum tends to last the longest amongst all the perfume types. When you apply Parfum, it can last on your skin anywhere between 6 and 24 hours.
Because it has a higher fragrance oil concentration, this means that it has the lowest alcohol concentrations. So for people with sensitive skin such as dry skin, Parfum is an excellent option, if you can of course afford it.
Eau De Parfum
Eau de parfum, also known as EDP, has the second-highest fragrance oil concentration after Parfum and has a higher alcohol concentration than Parfum. Similar to Parfum, it is a better option for sensitive skin as well, because its alcohol content is still relatively low.
Generally, Eau de Parfum contains anywhere between 15% and 20% fragrance oil concentration. It is generally less expensive than parfum, nevertheless, somewhat expensive. When applied on your skin, depending on the scent profile and ingredients, Eau de parfum will last you between 4 and 6 hours.
Amongst perfume types, it is one of the most commonly sought after as it is suitable and somewhat reasonably priced for everyday wear. Its longevity means that you can go a whole day and refresh it just once or not needing to refresh it at all.
Eau De Toilette
Eau De Toilette, also known as EDT, has the third highest fragrance oil concentration. EDTs have a fragrance oil concentration of between 5% and 15% and similar to EDPs, there are amongst the most popular perfume types. However, EDTs exist with false presumptions amongst most consumers – probably perpetuated by salespersons – that they are not as good as EDPs. Don’t fall for his trick!
EDPs are not at all better than EDTs – well, except in situations where you are comparing a high end EDP with a low end EDT. Eau de Toilettes are a variation of EDPs with less fragrance oil concentrations. Thus, their difference is that they are less strong (scent wise) than EDPS. However, their quality is the same.
Eau de Toilettes are designed for individuals that are looking for the same scent but an option that is more subtle rather than strong and pungent. Typically, many perfume experts consider Eau de toilette a daywear fragrance and Eau de parfum as a nightwear fragrance.
Similarly, Eau de toilette will last you anywhere between 4 and 6 hours. So the next time you are perfume shopping, compare these two perfume types only based on the strength of their scents rather than longevity or quality – EDPs are not necessarily better than EDTs!
Eau De Cologne
Eau De Cologne, also known as EDC, is formulated with one of the lowest fragrance oil concentrations amongst other perfume types. Eau de Cologne has a fragrance oil concentration of between 2% to 8% and the highest alcohol concentration. The lower fragrance oil concentration makes EDCs quite cheaper.
Many EDCs come in bigger bottles as you may require you to apply more compared to when you apply Parfum or Eau de parfum. Typically, many EDCs are formulated for men as lighter fragrance variations for stronger perfume scents. Additionally, EDCs are used as colognes or aftershaves. Their recipes normally consist of herb and citrus notes as well.
Eau De Fraiche
Eau De Fraiche, also known as Fragrance water, is somewhat similar to Eau De Cologne as it lasts within an hour or two of application. Eau de Fraiche boasts the lowest fragrance oil concentration of between 1% and 5%. A good example of Eau de Fraiche is fragrance or body mist.
Eau de Fraiche has the lowest fragrance oil concentration, however; it doesn’t have the highest alcohol concentration. Instead, most of the remainder of Eau de Fraiche is water; which accounts for the name fragrance water.
Whilst there are different perfume types, the key principle to stick with when choosing a perfume to invest in is that a higher fragrance oil concentration equals higher perfume cost. However, a higher fragrance oil concentration also equates to stronger perfume scent and sometimes, longevity. It is also a good idea to know the ideal purpose for your perfume.
For example, Eau de parfum is ideal for nightwear whilst Eau de toilette is ideal for nightwear. Eau de cologne is mostly formulated as a cologne or aftershave. Fragrance water on the other end is ideal for refreshing whether you are at the gym or the beach. After equipping yourself with the right information about perfume types, your next step would be to learn about the perfect scent profiles.
