What is the difference between perfumes?

perfumes
Sarah F asked:


So there are several different forms of colognes and perfumes for men and women.

I am preparing to buy but I want to know which lasts the longest:

Cologne
Eau de Cologne
Eau de Toilette
Eau de Parfum
Parfum

I mean I think that Parfum is as close to the essential oil as you’re gonna get but I just want to double check.

  1. Gumby
    August 6th, 2007 at 06:12
    Reply | Quote | #1

    Yeah you’re right.
    Parfum is like a regular perfume.
    Also the most pungent and concentrated.

    Well for women…
    Out of all of them, cologne is the most pungent.

  2. Andrea H
    August 8th, 2007 at 15:48
    Reply | Quote | #2

    On average the longest lasting will be the Eau de Parfum or the Parfum because it has the most oil in it and will cling to your skin longer, as opposed to Eau de Toilette which evaporates much faster off of your skin due to its high water content.
    Unfortunately Eau de Parfum and Parfum are also much more expensive because they are much more concentrated, and they leave a heavier scent than an Eau de Toilette as they are more potent.
    Good luck finding your new scent!

  3. HI Call me JAY-j
    August 9th, 2007 at 22:53
    Reply | Quote | #3

    that first person was right, but Perfume isn’t my strong point… It never lasts on me…. oh well

  4. lisadevales
    August 11th, 2007 at 19:03
    Reply | Quote | #4

    I don’t want to be redundant but it is true that Eau de Toilette spray is the least favorable of the bunch when it comes to longevity. Eau de Parfum has the highest concentration of essential oils. Perfume is grain alcohol, oil, and water. The grain alcohol makes it possible to mix the oil and water. Eau de toilette has a higher water-alcohol content than eau de parfum. Here is how it breaks down:

    Perfume extract (Extrait): 15-30% (IFRA: typical 20%) aromatic compounds
    Eau de Parfum (EdP): 10-15% (typical ~15%) aromatic compounds
    Eau de Toilette (EdT): 5-20% (typical ~10%) aromatic compounds
    Eau de Cologne (EdC): 2-5% aromatic compounds

    You can find more about perfume at:

    I hope this helps.

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