EDT, EDP, or Extrait? Understanding fragrance concentration
The difference between Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, and Extrait — and how to choose the right concentration for longevity and occasion.
Leandro Moreira
Have you ever bought a perfume that “vanishes” in two hours? The culprit is almost always the concentration — and understanding this completely changes the way you choose a fragrance (for yourself or as a gift).
What fragrance concentration is
It’s the proportion of essential oils in the formula. The higher it is, the more intense and longer-lasting the fragrance — and, generally, the more expensive.
The main types
- Eau de Cologne (EDC) — ~2 to 5% oils. Light and refreshing, doesn’t last long (2–3h).
- Eau de Toilette (EDT) — ~5 to 15%. The most common for everyday wear; medium longevity (4–6h).
- Eau de Parfum (EDP) — ~15 to 20%. More intense and longer-lasting (6–8h+). Great value for money.
- Extrait de Parfum (Parfum) — 20 to 40%. The most concentrated; strong sillage and long-lasting.
Which to choose
- Everyday / work: EDT or a light EDP — presence without overdoing it.
- Night / special occasions: EDP or Extrait — striking longevity and sillage.
- Heat: prefer lower concentrations and citrus/aquatic notes.
- Cold: woody and oriental scents in EDP/Extrait go much further.
Tip: spray on your pulse points (wrists, neck) and don’t rub — that breaks the molecules and reduces longevity.
Understanding concentration is the first step to never going wrong when choosing a perfume again.