When searching for the right fragrance, there’s often a lot to decode. One important aspect to consider is fragrance concentration — also known as dilution class — but what exactly are the differences between eau de parfum and parfum?

This guide breaks down the different concentration levels of perfumes and how they affect the longevity and intensity of a scent. It also covers how and when to use them, what sizes they typically come in, and how long each bottle should last. Whether you're a fragrance enthusiast or just curious, this guide will help you navigate the world of fragrance concentrations.

Classifying perfumes by their oil concentration has been a tradition in the fragrance industry for centuries. It originated in France, known for its rich history in perfumery and expertise in crafting luxurious scents. These terms were created to help consumers understand the strength, lasting power, and scent progression of a fragrance before buying.
However, these classifications aren’t officially regulated, which means each perfume house may interpret them slightly differently. Niche perfume brands are often known for their high-quality compositions, regardless of the terminology they use (you can find more info on niche perfumes here).
Still, most brands follow a general framework and common terms to help guide consumers.

In general, fragrances with higher concentrations of aromatic oils tend to have greater longevity, a more intense scent profile, stronger sillage, and higher overall presence — also referred to as “tenacity”. Sillage describes how far a fragrance radiates in the air around the wearer and how long it lingers, while longevity refers to how long the scent remains noticeable on the skin after application. Both are heavily influenced by concentration, as higher concentrations typically result in bolder scents that travel further and last longer.
This also affects the price. Higher concentrations are usually more expensive because they contain more fragrance oils or use higher-quality raw materials. The ingredients used also influence the specific notes and how the scent evolves over time. An extrait de parfum will typically offer richer depth and last well into the night, while an eau de cologne serves as a light, refreshing splash that lingers for just an hour or two.

Although each perfume house interprets fragrance oil concentrations and related terms in its own way, there are general guidelines most of them follow:

Extrait de Parfum: 15-40% fragrance oil

- The highest and purest form of perfume, also referred to simply as parfum
- Usually offers a powerful scent profile
- Sillage: Typically strong and long-lasting
- Best for: Special occasions or evening wear
- Longevity: Up to 12 hours, sometimes longer

Eau de Parfum (EdP): 10-15% fragrance oil

- The ideal all-rounder, suitable for both day and night
- Its mid-range strength allows for a wide variety of scents, from fresh and citrusy to deep, rich, dark, and woody
- Sillage: Noticeable and leaves a clear scent trail
- Best for: Any occasion
- Longevity: Up to 8 hours

Eau de Toilette (EdT): 5-10% fragrance oil

- A quick refresh, often used as part of a morning routine
- Typically features lighter, more uplifting notes
- Sillage: Moderate projection and trail
- Best for: Daytime wear
- Longevity: A few hours

Eau de Cologne (EdC): 2-4% Duftölanteil

- A quick splash, dto awaken the senses, also known as cologne water
- Usually built around fresh citrus notes
- Sillage: Light projection with a subtle scent trail
- Best for: Summer or warmer climates
- Longevity: Up to a few hours

Eau Fraîche: 1-3% fragrance oil

- The lowest concentration, often used as a body spray 
- A soft, subtle scent commonly applied generously to enhance freshness
- Sillage: Minimal projection with a very faint scent trail
- Best for: Daytime use
- Longevity: Around one to two hours

Creating perfume involves blending various ingredients—such as essential oils, aromatic compounds, and solvents—to craft a unique and pleasing scent.

Step 1

Perfumers start by choosing and gathering the materials needed to create the desired fragrance. This includes natural ingredients like flowers, fruits, spices, and woods, as well as synthetic aroma molecules. Natural elements are often used to extract essential oils through methods like steam distillation or solvent extraction. These concentrated oils typically form the base notes of a perfume.

Step 2 

Once the essential oils are extracted, they are mixed in precise proportions to create the intended scent profile. Perfumers carefully balance top, heart, and base notes to achieve the perfect composition. The resulting blend is then diluted with a solvent—usually alcohol or a mix of alcohol and water—to help distribute the scent evenly when applied to the skin.

Step 3

The perfume mixture is then left to mature, allowing the various components to blend and develop their full complexity. This aging process can take anywhere from several days to weeks or even months, depending on the formula.

Step 4

After the maturation period, the perfume is filtered to remove any impurities or sediment. It is then bottled and packaged, ready for sale.

In summary, perfumery is a complex and refined craft that requires skill, creativity, and attention to detail. The specific steps and ingredients used determine the final scent and quality of the fragrance.

Top Notes
These are like a first impression—light and fresh, often bursting with citrus or floral notes. They’re the first scents you notice and tend to fade quickly after application, lingering only for a short while before giving way to the heart of the fragrance.

Heart Notes
The heart and soul of the perfume—like the chorus of your favorite song. These notes emerge once the top notes fade and last much longer. They’re usually richer and give the fragrance its core identity and character.

Base Notes
Also called foundation notes, they’re the solid ground beneath the fragrance. They take time to fully develop but remain present for hours. Deep, warm, and complex, they give the perfume its depth and long-lasting quality.

Regardless of the type of perfume, most manufacturers offer fragrances in standard bottle sizes—typically 15ml, 30ml, 50ml, or 100ml. The amount of perfume you need to apply is often inversely proportional to its concentration: lower concentrations are usually sold in larger volumes, while higher concentrations require less product per use.
The longevity of a bottle depends on several factors, including the concentration of essential oils, how much you apply, your personal body chemistry, and the environment in which the fragrance is worn. Heavier scents may need less application, while lighter ones may require more frequent re-spritzing.
That said, here’s a general guideline for how long each bottle size can last with daily use, depending on the concentration:

These figures are approximate estimates and can vary depending on individual usage habits. It’s important to consider factors such as how often you apply the perfume, how many sprays you use, and whether you wear it during the day or at night. Proper storage also plays a key role: keeping your perfume in a cool, dark place can help extend its shelf life and preserve its scent quality. (You can find all our tips on perfume storage here).