Types of Perfume & Strengths

Types of Perfume & Strengths

Every perfume has a fragrance concentration, and this usually determines the intensity of the perfume oils and alcohol in it. The differences in these factors result in the five main types of perfume in the market today.

Parfum

Parfum, also known as Pure Perfume or Extrait de Parfum, boasts the highest fragrance concentration.

• Fragrance Notes: From all types of fragrances, Parfum commands the highest price and perfume strength due to its high concentration of fragrance oil, meaning it lasts the longest on the skin whilst giving the wearer a full spectrum of Top, Heart, and Base Notes that are released over time.
• Concentration: A fragrance that is classified as Parfum has a concentration between 20% to 30%. The alcohol composition in parfum is also very low compared to other types.
• Scent-Lasting Time: One can expect a Parfum to last at least 10 hours and far beyond.
• Who It's for: Parfum is an excellent choice for you if you have sensitive skin because it has a lower alcohol content than all of the other types. It also tends to stay on the surface and not dry out. You only need to spray a small amount and it will work just fine.

Eau de Parfum

Eau de parfum is one of the universal fragrance types people wear for everyday events and activities. It is usually cheaper than Parfum. You can spray this perfume on hair and clothing, but you have to be careful with delicate fabrics such as silk to avoid stains.

• Fragrance Notes: You get a full mix of the Top, Middle, and Base notes, but it focuses on the Middle notes as the Top Notes quickly flash off the skin.
• Concentration: Parfum, has the highest fragrance concentration at about 15%-20%, giving it a strong scent.
• Scent-Lasting Time: Eau de Parfum has a long-lasting scent and can maintain its pleasant scent for up to eight hours a day.
• Who It's for: This would be an excellent choice for you to wear on dates because the scent is easily noticeable, and spending time in the heat makes it even more potent. It's not the optimal choice if you work in close quarters, because of the strong scent.

Eau de Toilette

Eau de Toilette is one of the most widely-used types of perfume. Most brands are generally cheaper than Eau de parfum. The name came from the French term "faire sa toilette," which means getting ready, so many people consider it the go-to choice for getting ready for a typical day. Scents from Eau de Toilette are usually lighter and less complicated than Eau de Parfum.

• Fragrance Notes: The top notes released first are dominant, which gives a refreshing feeling after you apply before it evaporates and fades quickly.
• Concentration: The fragrance oils in Eau de Toilette have a concentration of about 5% to 15%.
• Scent-Lasting Time: Eau de Toilette perfumes can usually last from about four to six hours.
• Who It's for: It is appropriate for the summertime. Moderately high alcohol concentrations. It is also a great choice for regular day wear.

Eau de Cologne

Eau de Cologne (EDC) or simply Cologne is probably the most recognizable type of perfume. It's cheaper than the other types and comes in bigger bottles because you need to spray more fragrance to achieve a significant effect.

• Fragrance Notes: Eau de Cologne does not last long and has a strong top note that appeals to consumers.
• Concentration: The fragrance concentration in Eau de Cologne ranges from 2% to 5% composition. It also has a high alcohol concentration.
• Scent-Lasting Time: The scents from most eau de cologne perfumes last for a maximum of two hours.
• Who It's for: It is an excellent option for hot weather because it does not last very long, and you can reapply it frequently. Its high alcohol content makes it an unsuitable choice if you have sensitive skin.

Eau Fraiche

This has what is perhaps the weakest scent of all the fragrance types. It is a light, delicate, and subtle type of perfume. It is also cheap. In terms of its effect, it is not as powerful as the other perfume options but it gets the job done.

• Fragrance Notes: Eau Fraiche does not have strong notes.
• Concentration: Eau Fraiche is notable because instead of alcohol, it is composed of mainly water and fragrance. The fragrance composition is only about 1% to 3%.
• Scent-Lasting Time: Scents from Eau Fraiche perfumes may last for up to 2 hours.
• Who It's for: It is perfect for you if you would rather not have a heavy scent. Its effect is mild because it does not contain any alcohol content. It is also an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin.