EDT vs EDP: The 5 Main Types of Perfumes

Shopping for new fragrances can be tricky. You have to pay attention to how the notes blend together, the ingredients used, and whether it’s even your taste, but that’s not all you should think about. It’s time to break down EDT vs EDP.

EDT vs EDP comes down to concentration. Even though the scent of these different concentrations is the same, it affects longevity, how many times you have to reapply the fragrance throughout the day, and how your skin reacts to the fragrance formula.

If you’ve been buying perfumes for a while, the difference between EDP vs EDT might not be new to you. However, do you really know what they mean? 

Don’t worry, we’re here to help. The concentration of a fragrance refers to the percentage of essential oils present in it. Usually, the rest of the scent is comprised of alcohol. 

Here’s a breakdown of the 5 types of perfume, and what makes them different- from EDT vs EDP to body mists vs after shave.

1. Eau de Toilette (EDT)

EDT is light and easy to layer with other fragrances. Usually, the essential oil concentration is between 5-10%. If you’re someone who’s sensitive to intense fragrances, and the choices are between EDP vs EDT, EDT is the way to go.

EDTs make great day fragrances. However, EDTs last 4-6 hours, and will need to be reapplied throughout the day, which is why they come in large bottles. On the bright side, they’re cheaper!

EDTs do have a high alcohol percentage and can dry out the skin, so if you have sensitive skin prone to dryness, try spraying your EDT on your clothes or hair. On the other hand, the high alcohol percentage increases the projection power of the EDT, making the fragrance radiate farther out. 

2. Eau de Parfum (EDP)

Most perfume brands start their fragrances as EDP. When it comes to EDT vs EDP, EDP as a higher concentration of essential oil of 15-20%, and lasts around 6-8 hours, depending on the essential oils used and the user’s skin. Essential oils made up of larger, heavier molecules last the longest. Some examples are woody and musky notes and rich, floral notes like jasmine. If you look at the price of EDT vs EDP, EDP is priced higher than EDT, but they are still in the lower end of the price range of types of fragrances. 

EDP is perfect for winter because it’s strong and can radiate through layers of clothing. Depending on the essential oils used, they can even work for any season throughout the year. 

The lower concentration of alcohol makes these better for sensitive skin compared to EDT. If you compare EDT vs EDP, EDP has a higher essential oil concentration, but also a higher price point. 

3. Parfum 

Parfum contains a higher essential oil concentration than EDP. They have an essential oil concentration of 25-35%, and therefore they tend to come in small bottles of 7.5-30ml. When it comes to EDT vs EDP vs parfum, parfum definitely costs more. 

Parfum is strong, and its fragrance could last you well beyond 8 hours. The low alcohol concentration makes parfum the best option for individuals with sensitive skin. It won’t dry out your skin and pores like an EDP or an EDT. 

Parfum creates a very strong and robust smell, making it perfect for winter use, but might be too intense for daily wear. Instead, you can wear these at events where there will be lots of people, and you don’t want your scent to be drowned in the crowd’s scent. Parfum can withhold the harshest conditions and still come through, so you won’t have to reapply this much, if at all. 

4. Extrait de Parfum

This is the most concentrated type of perfume available. Usually, the concentration of essential oils in Extrait de Parfum is 35-45%. This type of fragrance lasts the longest and smells the strongest. 

These are also the most expensive of all the fragrances, partly because of the concentration and because Extrait de Parfums use rare, natural ingredients with complex formulas. These are sold in splash bottles or falcons, not to waste a single drop of the fragrance. 

5. Eau de Cologne (EDC)

Eau de Cologne has an essential oil concentration of 2-4%. It lasts for 2-4 hours. Eau de Cologne is used to cover up odours or to smell pleasant for a short amount of time. It’s perfect if you’re running errands or taking a brisk walk in the park. Many use it to scent their handkerchiefs or other personal items as well lightly. 

Since the concentration of essential oils is very low, these come in larger bottles. In addition, Eau de Colognes are cheaper than EDT or any other form of fragrance. 

Other Types of Fragrances 

Aftershave and Splash

These are alcoholic fragrances with a very small percentage of fragrant oils. Men use this to freshen up after shaving. The alcohol can help tighten up the skin and close up the pores on the face for a more youthful appearance. 

Body Mists

Like aftershave, body mists also contain a very small percentage of essential oils. Most of the liquid is ethanol and water. Body mists are considered intimate because to smell the body mist, and one has to be close to the user. People also spray it on their bedsheets for a comfortable night’s sleep. 

Body mists can be layered with other fragrances, like a complementary body mist or scented body butter. 

Body mists are perfect for people sensitive to strong scents since they’re subtle. However, these need to be reapplied every couple of hours. They are generally easy to afford as well. 

Summary and Key Takeaways

If you want a long-lasting robust fragrance, go for a Parfum or an EDP. These are also better for individuals with sensitive skin because of the lower alcohol percentage. 

If you’re looking for a light scent that radiates to a longer distance, the best choice for you when it comes to EDT vs EDP is an EDT. Maybe even a body mist.  The high alcohol percentage carries the fragrant molecules farther. 

If you want to learn more about perfumes, keep an eye on our blog. We’ve got more in store for you!