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What is the difference between eau de parfum and eau de toilette?

When shopping for fragrances, you may notice the terms “eau de parfum” and “eau de toilette” used to describe different scents. While these two types of fragrances share some similarities, there are also key differences between them in terms of concentration, longevity, and price.

Eau de Parfum vs Eau de Toilette: The Basics

Eau de parfum (EDP) and eau de toilette (EDT) are both concentrated fragrant solutions used in perfumery. The main difference lies in the concentration of aromatic compounds:

  • Eau de parfum contains 15-20% fragrance oils.
  • Eau de toilette contains 5-15% fragrance oils.

So eau de parfum has a higher concentration of oils than eau de toilette. The rest is made up of alcohol or water.

The higher perfume oil concentration makes eau de parfum last longer on skin and project more strongly. Eau de toilette is lighter and less intense.

Fragrance Concentration

Fragrance concentration refers to the percentage of perfume oils in the solution. For eau de parfum, fragrance oils make up 15-20% of the mixture. For eau de toilette, fragrance oils make up 5-15%.

The other 80-85% of an EDP is ethanol or alcohol, while an EDT contains 80-95% alcohol. Alcohol helps diffuse and dilute the fragrance.

Higher concentrations of perfume oils mean the scent will last longer and smell more intense. Lower concentrations mean a lighter, more affordable fragrance.

Typical fragrance concentrations:

Fragrance Type Perfume Oil Concentration
Perfume (Parfum) 15-40%
Eau de Parfum (EDP) 15-20%
Eau de Toilette (EDT) 5-15%
Eau de Cologne (EDC) 3-8%
Splash and Aftershave 1-3%

As you can see, parfum or perfume has the highest concentration of oils, followed by EDP, EDT, and EDC.

Longevity and Sillage

Longevity refers to how long the scent lasts on skin. Sillage is how far the fragrance projects or radiates off the skin.

Eau de parfum has greater longevity and sillage compared to eau de toilette:

  • Eau de parfum can last 8-10 hours on skin and have moderate to heavy sillage.
  • Eau de toilette usually lasts 4-6 hours with lighter sillage.

The reason is that EDP has a higher concentration of perfume oils that release fragrance molecules over time. EDT contains fewer oils so it doesn’t last as long.

Longevity

Fragrance Type Typical Longevity
Parfum 8-24 hours
Eau de Parfum (EDP) 6-12 hours
Eau de Toilette (EDT) 4-8 hours
Eau de Cologne (EDC) 2-4 hours

Sillage

Fragrance Type Sillage
Parfum Heavy
Eau de Parfum (EDP) Moderate to Heavy
Eau de Toilette (EDT) Light to Moderate
Eau de Cologne (EDC) Light

As you can see, EDP projects further from the skin and leaves more of a scent trail compared to EDT.

Fragrance Notes

fragrances are composed of three layers of scented notes:

  • Top notes – Light, volatile scents noticeable immediately
  • Middle or heart notes – Emerge shortly after application
  • Base notes – Richer, longer lasting anchor scents

An EDT will contain more top notes that quickly evaporate. An EDP will have a more balanced structure with a pronounced heart and base.

For example, a rose EDT may smell bright and green at first. A rose EDP will become warmer, richer and more velvety as the middle and base notes develop.

Price

Eau de parfum is more expensive than eau de toilette. A typical price difference may be:

  • 1.7 oz EDP = $100
  • 1.7 oz EDT = $80

The increased perfume oil concentration makes EDP more costly to produce. EDT is more affordable given its lower fragrance content.

However, prices can vary by luxury vs. designer brands, gender fragrances, retailer markdowns, etc. So price alone doesn’t always indicate EDP vs. EDT.

How to Apply EDP vs. EDT

Apply an EDP more sparingly than an EDT due to its strength and longevity. Start with one spray on each pulse point such as:

  • Behind the ears
  • Base of the throat
  • Inside wrists
  • Bend of elbows
  • Behind the knees

Let the EDP dry down for 10-15 minutes before applying more if needed. Reapply every 6-8 hours.

EDT can be applied more liberally with 2-4 sprays depending on strength. Reapply EDT every 4-6 hours to refresh.

Choosing EDP vs EDT

Consider these factors when choosing between eau de parfum and eau de toilette for a fragrance:

  • Concentration – EDP for a bolder, longer lasting scent or EDT for a lighter fragrance.
  • Setting – EDP works well for evenings while EDT can be worn daily.
  • Season – EDT for hot weather and EDP for cooler months.
  • Age – EDPs are mature while EDTs have a youthful appeal.
  • Price – EDP costs more than EDT.
  • Personal preference – Test EDP and EDT versions to see which you prefer.

FAQs

Why does EDP last longer than EDT?

Eau de parfum has a higher concentration of perfume oils than eau de toilette. The oils contain fragrance molecules that are released over time into the air. A higher oil content means more scent molecules so the fragrance lasts longer.

Should guys wear EDT or EDP?

Men can wear both EDT and EDP. EDT provides a light, fresh fragrance suitable for daily wear. EDP gives a more intense, lingering scent great for evening. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference.

Is EDP better for women?

Women can wear both EDP and EDT. Many women prefer EDP since it lasts all day and has a warm, rounded scent. But EDT is also excellent for work and casual wear when you want something more delicate.

Why are some EDT stronger than EDP?

This can happen with lighter, citrus-based fragrances which smell stronger initially despite lower perfume oil content. But over time, the EDP will last longer and smell more intense as base notes develop on skin.

Should I apply EDP to my clothes?

It’s best to apply EDP to skin rather than clothing. Heat from skin helps diffuse the fragrance. Spraying EDP directly on fabric can lead to staining. Apply to pulse points and let the scent radiate out.

Conclusion

Eau de parfum and eau de toilette contain different concentrations of perfume oils, resulting in differences in longevity, sillage and price. EDP lasts longer and projects further due to its higher oil content. EDT is lighter, more affordable and subtle. Consider the occasion, season and personal preference when choosing between the two.