Perfume concentration guide from Xalvori showing how Eau Fraiche, EDC, EDT, EDP, and Parfum differ in scent strength, longevity, and oil percentage.

Different Types of Perfume | A Detailed Guide By Xalvori

What’s the Difference Between EDT, EDP, and Parfum? | Xalvoris Blog

If you’re new to the world of fragrances, you’ve probably come across terms like EDT, EDP, and Parfum. But what exactly do they mean, and how do they differ?

In short, these terms refer to the concentration of perfume oils in a fragrance, which directly affects the scent’s strength and longevity. Let’s dive deeper into what makes each type unique, how to pronounce them correctly, and why it matters when choosing your signature scent.

Origins, Meaning & Pronunciation

Let’s start by understanding “Eau de Toilette,” the most commonly known fragrance type. All these terms are French and date back to the 14th century. So, naturally, their pronunciations are French too:

  • Eau means “water” and sounds like “oh,” not “you.”

  • De translates to “of” or “from,” pronounced “duh.”

  • Toilette doesn’t mean bathroom! Instead, it refers to the act of grooming or preparing oneself, pronounced “twa-let.”

Put together, “Eau de Toilette” roughly means “water for grooming or preparing oneself,” essentially a lighter perfume meant for daily wear.

Eau Fraiche — The Freshest Fragrance

“Fraiche” means fresh, and Eau Fraiche contains the lowest concentration of perfume oils, usually about 1-3%. Because of this, it’s the most affordable type and offers a light, refreshing scent that lasts around 2-3 hours.

Eau Fraiche is perfect for those who want a subtle fragrance or find traditional perfumes too overpowering, especially in hot weather.

Eau de Cologne (EDC)

Eau de Cologne sits a step above Eau Fraiche with slightly more concentrated oils, around 2-5%. These fragrances are typically light and fresh, lasting up to 4 hours.

EDC is often associated with classic, timeless scents and offers an affordable option between Eau Fraiche and Eau de Toilette.

Eau de Toilette (EDT) — The Most Common

EDT perfumes contain approximately 5-15% perfume oil concentration, striking a balance between scent strength and price. This makes them a favorite for everyday wear.

Although lighter than Eau de Parfum, many EDTs have impressive staying power—some lasting up to 6 hours on skin and even longer on clothing.

Eau de Parfum (EDP) — The Moderate-Lasting Option

EDP fragrances have a higher concentration of oils, typically between 15-20%. This means they last longer—usually 8-10 hours on skin and even longer on clothes.

EDPs tend to be richer and more intense, which makes them popular for evening wear or special occasions. They can be pricier than EDTs, but many find the longevity and depth worth the investment.

Parfum — The Longest-Lasting Option

Parfum (also called “Extrait de Parfum”) is the most concentrated form, containing 20-40% pure perfume oils. This results in the richest, most enduring scent, lasting between 12 to 18 hours or more on skin and even longer on clothes.

Because of the high concentration, Parfum is often the most expensive but requires only a small amount for an impactful fragrance experience.

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