From Extrait to Eau Fraîche: Your Guide to Perfume Concentrations

Perfume can get a bit confusing with all the different names like Eau de Toilette, Extrait, and Eau de Parfum floating around. So here’s a quick and easy rundown of what those actually mean and how they affect your scent.

In short, it’s all about how much perfume oil is in the bottle. More oil means a stronger, longer-lasting scent. Less oil means something lighter that fades faster.

>> Extrait de Parfum (or just "Perfume”)

This one is the most concentrated, usually 20-40% perfume oil. It lasts all day and night, so you only need a little bit. Perfect if you want your scent to really make an impression.

>> Eau de Parfum (EDP)

A bit lighter, with around 15-20% oil. It sticks around for 4-8 hours, making it great for everyday wear or date nights when you want something noticeable but not overwhelming.

>> Eau de Toilette (EDT)

Lighter and fresher, with 5-15% oil. It lasts about 3-5 hours, so you might want to reapply during the day. Great for casual days or when you want something subtle.

>> Eau de Cologne (EDC)

Super light, with 2-5% oil, lasting a couple of hours. Perfect for summer or when you just want a quick freshen-up.

>> Body Mist or Eau Fraîche

The lightest option, with 1-3% oil. These don’t last long but are great for layering or a quick spritz.

Knowing this helps you pick the right perfume for your day and mood. Want something that lasts through work and dinner? Go for an EDP or extrait. Need something light and fresh for running errands or summer? EDT or cologne will do the trick.

Overview:

Type	Oil Concentration	Lasts About	Best For
Extrait de Parfum	20-40%	8-12+ hours	Special occasions, all-day wear
Eau de Parfum (EDP)	15-20%	4-8 hours	Everyday wear, date nights
Eau de Toilette (EDT)	5-15%	3-5 hours	Casual days, office wear
Eau de Cologne (EDC)	2-5%	2-3 hours	Summer, quick refresh
Body Mist/Eau Fraîche	1-3%	1-2 hours	Layering, light spritz