Difference Between Perfume, Cologne and Eau De Toilette
If you’ve ever gotten stuck at an airport with a duty-free shop, or visited the makeup and makeup section of a department store, chances are you’ve skimmed over perfumes. And if you get confused, you are not alone – fragrances come in many different forms, including perfume, cologne, and eau de toilette. So what’s the difference?
Essentially, all fragrances are largely the same, but they were given a name based on the concentration of oil in alcohol and water. Here’s how to determine which one is right for you.
Difference in concentration (and lasting strength)
This drawing , taken from Real Men Real Style, explains that “scent” is usually a unisex term for any scent that is made up of a certain amount of aroma oil diluted in alcohol and water. Depending on the concentration, the result is given a different name. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Eau fraiche is the most diluted version of the fragrance, usually containing one to three percent perfume oil in alcohol and water. Usually lasts less than an hour .
- Cologne (cologne) is the oldest perfumery term used in North America for men’s fragrances. Light, crisp and fruity, usually composed of two to four percent perfume oils in alcohol and water. Usually used in perfumery for young people. It usually lasts about two hours .
- Eau de toilette (eau de toilette) is a light spray containing from five to 15 percent of pure perfume essence dissolved in alcohol. It usually lasts about three hours .
- Perfume (eau de parfum) – historically genderless, used to describe both male and female fragrances. The best term used to describe a scent. Contains 15-20 percent pure perfume essence and lasts from five to eight hours .
- Perfume is a distorted Latin phrase per fumum (through smoke). The most concentrated and expensive of all fragrance options. A slightly more oily perfume or perfume is 20-30 percent pure perfume essence. A single application of perfume can last up to 24 hours .
All of this is good to know and can certainly help you make a better buying decision if you are looking for something lighter and less sticky on hot summer days, or something you want to wait on. touch (or much) longer.
A complete introduction to perfumery also gives some advice and explains some of the “notes” you will feel when you buy one, and outlines how long different types of fragrances last on your skin. It also talks about the prices of the fragrances and why some are sold at discounted prices while others seem insanely expensive. Click the link if you want to know more. Despite the male targeting url, the guide has information useful for everyone.
This story was originally published in February 2016 and updated on October 29, 2021.