EAU DE TOILETTE VS EAU DE PARFUM VS PARFUM: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

What’s the difference between parfum, eau de parfum and eau de toilette?

When shopping for perfume, you might have encountered phrases like eau de parfum (EDP), eau de toilette (EDT), and parfum.

Each of these fragrance types denotes a particular concentration of fragrance oil – and therefore intensity. These differences impact how long perfume lasts and how it smells when first applied. Here are the key distinguishing factors:

• Concentration level of fragrance oil: One of the primary differences between parfum, eau de parfum and eau de toilette is the concentration of perfume oils in each type. Parfum has the highest concentration with up to 40%, while EDP has a concentration of 15 to 20% and EDT contains 5 to 15% perfume oil. This affects the fragrance’s intensity and longevity.
• Scent profiles: Another difference between these perfume types is the character of the scent itself. When compared to EDT or EDP, parfum usually has a richer and more complex scent profile. This is because the higher concentration of perfume oils in parfum allows for more intensity and depth.

Below, we will delve deeper into the defining characteristics of eau de toilette vs eau de parfum vs parfum.

What is a parfum?

Parfum, also known as ‘extrait de parfum’, is the most concentrated fragrance type in the world of perfumery.

When comparing EDT vs EDP vs parfum, this type contains 20% to 40% fragrance oils, making it an intense and long-wearing choice. Due to its robust features, this fragrance is ideal for formal occasions such as evening events, when you need your scent to last for hours. Parfum is also suited to colder weather, as it’s able to stand out beneath layers of winter clothing.

A parfum lends itself to deeper and more complex scents, such as the Black Opium Le Parfum. Offering a captivating fragrance experience, this intense take on our signature Black Opium collection enhances its iconic coffee and floral notes in a new and distinctive way, leaving a lasting, elegant impression after each use.

What is an eau de parfum?

If you’re curious about the difference between parfum and eau de parfum, eau de parfum contains a lower concentration of fragrance oils – approximately 15% to 20% in each bottle.

Think of an EDP as a middle ground between parfum and eau de toilette. An EDP is distinguished by its scent profile and longevity and, providing you employ the right techniques for how to apply perfume, can last up to 10 hours on the skin.

EDP pairs well with special occasions and is versatile enough for everyday use. Take our signature Black Opium Eau de Parfum as an example. With a balance of black coffee and white flower notes, this fragrance makes a compelling, charismatic statement without ever being overpowering.

What is an eau de toilette?

Eau de toilette is a lighter and less concentrated fragrance type, with a lower composition of perfume oils (8% to 15%) and a higher content of alcohol and water. The higher quantity of alcohol causes the fragrance to evaporate more quickly, but, rather than being a drawback, this makes eau de toilette an ideal choice for day-to-day – or for reapplication on the go.

Oil concentration aside, what is the difference between eau de parfum and toilette? Whereas an EDP tends to carry headier scent profiles, an EDT tends to adopt fresh and uplifting scent profiles, creating a relaxed aura for the wearer. The light floral and citrus fragrance of the Libre Eau de Toilette, for example – and the woody, musk freshness of Y Eau de Toilette – are ideal choices for warmer days and informal occasions.

EDT vs EDP vs parfum – which type of perfume should I choose?

In addition to the difference between eau de parfum, eau de toilette and parfum, there are other important factors to consider when selecting your fragrance. Some scent profiles and notes, for example, are better aligned to certain seasons and occasions. If you aren’t sure how to choose your perfume , you might be guided by:

• Your personal preference
• The occasion
• The season
• Your skin chemistry

Read on as we uncover which type of perfume – EDT vs EDP vs parfum – could be right for you in each context.

Start with personal preference

Fragrances should reflect your personal style and taste; and identifying your preferred perfume scent profile can help to narrow down your search.

Do you prefer floral, citrus, woody or amber scents? Whether an EDT, EDP or parfum, what would you like to express about yourself via your signature fragrance?

If you’re only just beginning your fragrance journey, try starting with a floral fragrance, which have great appeal for new perfume wearers since they hold such recognisable aromas. We suggest the brightly romantic Mon Paris Eau de Parfum, which is one of our best sellers and sits in the midpoint of perfume intensities.

Consider the occasion

Your perception of various scents can change depending on the occasion. Some fragrances are best suited to formal occasions like dinners, weddings, and work events, while others are perfect for a casual meeting with friends. This can often come down to the intensity of a scent, which where the distinction between an EDT vs EDP vs parfum becomes even more significant.

If you work in an office environment, for instance, a parfum may be too potent for your daily scent; however, that same parfum could be perfect for a wedding where its complex notes can unfurl over several hours.

The Y fragrance collection embodies a spectrum of occasions: a man might opt for something light and fresh like the Y Eau De Toilette for his everyday scent, but reach for the darkly sensual scent profile of Y Eau De Parfum for date night.

Reflect the season

Your choice of perfume may change throughout the year to mirror the shift in seasons, as the time of year finds expression in the intensity of your perfume. For instance, a spicy parfum is perfect for permeating our many winter layers, while a zesty eau de toilette shares a natural harmony with a crisp summer morning.

While certain perfumes share a more obvious connection to some seasons than others (like the famous pairing of florals with spring), you might find that others, such as the richly alluring Black Opium Eau De Parfum Over Red, emulate a range of seasons. This fragrance marries opium’s classic coffee floral accord with juicy cherry notes – fusing winter, spring and summer together in an iconic scent.

Think about skin chemistry

Fragrances react differently to different skin types, so it’s best to test fragrance on your skin when you can. When it comes to online shopping, our Try It First service allows you to try a complimentary 1.2ml sample of your chosen Libre Eau de Parfum Intense or Black Opium Eau de Parfum, so you can judge how a scent reacts with your personal skin chemistry before committing.