Category: Olfaction

Perfume, also known as Parfum or Extrait de Parfum, refers to the highest concentration of fragrance in a perfume product. It contains the most concentrated form of perfume oils, making it the most potent and long-lasting type of fragrance available.

Perfume typically has a fragrance oil concentration ranging from 15% to 30%, although the exact concentration may vary between brands and perfumes. It contains a high proportion of pure perfume essence, which is mixed with a base of alcohol or a carrier oil to create the final product.

Due to its high concentration, perfume is known for its luxurious and intense nature. It often requires only a small amount to create a long-lasting and noticeable fragrance on the skin. Perfume has a strong scent projection and can linger for many hours, typically lasting around 6 to 8 hours or even longer, depending on factors such as individual skin chemistry and environmental conditions.

Perfume is often considered the most expensive and prestigious form of fragrance due to its high concentration of fragrance oils. It is typically packaged in small bottles or vials and is meant to be applied sparingly to specific pulse points on the body for optimal diffusion and longevity.

While perfume is highly concentrated and long-lasting, it may not be suitable for those who prefer a more subtle or lighter fragrance. Other concentrations such as Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, or Eau de Cologne offer lighter options for those who desire a more understated scent or prefer a different balance between fragrance intensity and longevity.

Perfumes can be categorized into different types based on their concentration of fragrance oils. The concentration of oils determines the intensity and longevity of the fragrance. Here are the main types of perfumes based on concentration, listed in descending order of oil concentration:

Perfume (Parfum or Extrait de Parfum): Perfume has the highest concentration of fragrance oils, usually ranging from 15% to 30%. It contains a high proportion of pure perfume essence and is known for its luxurious and long-lasting nature. Perfume typically lasts for 6 to 8 hours or even longer on the skin.

Eau de Parfum (EDP): Eau de Parfum has a slightly lower concentration of fragrance oils compared to perfume, typically ranging from 10% to 20%. It is still a relatively potent and long-lasting fragrance option. Eau de Parfum can last between 4 to 6 hours on the skin.

Eau de Toilette (EDT): Eau de Toilette has a lower concentration of fragrance oils, usually ranging from 5% to 15%. It is lighter and more suitable for everyday wear. Eau de Toilette typically lasts between 2 to 4 hours on the skin.

Eau de Cologne (EDC): Eau de Cologne has a lower concentration of fragrance oils compared to the above types, usually ranging from 2% to 4%. It is often fresh and citrusy in nature. Eau de Cologne has a shorter longevity, usually lasting around 2 hours or less on the skin.

Splash or Aftershave: Splashes and aftershaves have the lowest concentration of fragrance oils, usually below 2%. They are often used for a quick refreshing effect and may not last very long on the skin. It’s important to note that the actual concentration of fragrance oils may vary between brands and perfumes, and there can be overlap between these categories. Additionally, the longevity of a perfume can also be influenced by other factors such as individual skin chemistry and environmental conditions.