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Perfume FAQ

What is the Difference between Perfume, Toilette and Cologne?

The difference between a Perfume, Eau de Toilette or Cologne is probably one of the most frequently asked questions about perfume. Cologne and eau de toilette are two of the lighter options.

Eau Fraiche After Shave


Eau Fraiche. The most diluted version of fragrance, usually with 1-3% perfume oil in alcohol and  water. Usually lasts for less than an hour.

Cologne


Oldest term for perfume, used in North America for masculine scents. Light, fresh, and fruity, typically composed of 2-5% perfume oils in alcohol and water. Tends to be used in fragrances for younger people. Usually lasts for about 2 hours.

Eau de Toilette


A light spray composition with 5-15% pure perfume essence dissolved in alcohol. Usually lasts for about 3 hours.

Eau de Parfum


Historically genderless, used to describe both men’s and women’s products, and is the best term for describing a fragrance. (I’ll be using cologne more in this post though, simply because that’s the term most readers associate with fragrance.) Contains 15-20% pure perfume essence and lasts for about 5 to 8 hours.

Parfum


A corruption of the Latin phrase per fumum (through smoke). The most concentrated and expensive of all fragrance options. Slightly oilier, parfum (or perfume; you can see how these terms get confusing!) is composed of 20-40% pure perfume essence. A single application can last up to 24 hours. All about perfume.

1 comment

  1. Eau de toilette has less concentration of parfum oil and has way more water and alcohol hence the smell. Toilette is meant to be a refresher spray throughout the day. If you want it to last, buy the eau de parfum. It has way more concentration and will definitely last all day. I hope this helps and will encourage you all to read about the differences!