Fragrances and perfumes come in a variety of different formats. You are probably familiar with the terms eau de parfum and eau de toilette and perhaps even eau de cologne but do you know and understand the differences between them?
Most people think that one is better quality than the other, however the truth is actually that different perfume types don’t necessarily affect the scent or the overall quality of the product; instead, they merely point out the concentration of the fragrance oils in the perfume.
Perfume Types
There are 5 common types of perfumes: parfum, eau de parfum, eau de toilette, eau de cologne, and eau de fraiche. The main difference between these five perfume types is their fragrance oil concentration.
Parfum
Parfum is the perfume type with the highest fragrance oil concentration, and it is for this reason that it remains the most expensive of the perfume types. Typically, parfum contains about 15 to 40% fragrance oil concentration; which makes it heavier, stronger, and oily.
Because of its stronger, heavier, and oilier character, only a few dabs on the pulse points will last you the whole day. Its stronger scent makes it easier to identify compared to other perfume types.
Eau De Parfum
Eau de parfum is sometimes simply referred to as parfum and holds a fragrance oil concentration of 10 to 15%. Therefore, they hold a lighter oil concentration and more alcohol and water concentration compared to parfum. Nevertheless, eau de parfum is still quite a strong perfume type and will last on your body for 6 to 8 hours.
Eau De Toilette
Eau de toilette contains 4 to 15% fragrance oil concentration. This lighter fragrance perfume is normally housed in a spray bottle due to its relatively lower fragrance oil concentration and high alcohol content. Typically, it lasts anywhere from 2 to 4 hours; meaning that you will have to refresh it at some point during the day. Or replace it with a stronger eau de parfum at night.
Eau de toilette is best for dailly wear and warmer weather where a heavier fragrance may be overbearing.
Eau de Cologne
Eau de cologne perfume type is originally formulated for people who want a lighter variation of a certain fragrance scent. However, over time, it has now evolved into more of a male fragrance. Yet, you can still find some female fragrances listed as eau de cologne. Eau de cologne primarily holds a 2 to 5% fragrance oil concentration and lasts for 2 to 4 hours.
This diluted perfume type is not only light but also offers the option of the fragrance scent you love at a cheaper price. However, many expensive fragrances for men that come in an “eau de cologne” characteristic are normally marketed as a splash on or aftershave fragrance.
Eau De Fraiche
This is probably the least well known of the fragrance types. It is also known as fragrance water, is the least expensive and least concentrated of the perfume types. Typically, eau de fraiche contains between 1 to 3% fragrance oil concentrations. Because of this ultra-light fragrance oil concentration and high alcohol concentration, eau de fraiche will usually dissipate within an hour or two and are housed in a spray bottle.
Contrary to what you may think one perfume type isn’t necessarily superior or of high quality than the other. For example, eau de parfum isn’t necessarily of higher quality than eau de toilette. Some people opt for eau de toilette because they are looking for the same fragrance scent but you want a lighter variation.
Chemgrit Cosmetics is a supplier of fragrances for the both personal care and home care. For more information contact johrinda@chemgritsa.co.za or visit www.chemgritcosmetics.co.za.
[Information: www.catwalkyourself.com]
Comments