Demystifying Perfumes

Perfume is a mixture of fragrant essential oils and aromatic compounds, fixatives, and solvents that is used to give the human body, animals, objects, and living spaces a pleasant scent.

Perfume types reflect the concentration of aromatic compounds in a solvent, which in fine fragrance is typically ethanol or a mix of water and ethanol. As the percentage of the aromatic compounds increases, so does longevity and price. More concentrated perfumes like eau de parfum is pricier than cologne.

Subscribe to our newsletter and be always up to date!

Different perfume houses assign different amounts of oils to each of their perfumes.

Various sources differ considerably in the definitions of perfume types but there are 3 general types on most sources.

Parfum

Parfum has the highest concentration and lasts for at least 6 hours. It contains 22%-30% of essential oils, high grade alcohol and slight amount of water. It’s the priciest amongst its range but guaranteed to deliver the desired impact.

Eau de Parfum

Eau de Parfum is not as potent but is the very popular type. It has 15%-18% essential oils and small amount of alcohol and water. Upon application the scent lasts up to 4 hours.

Eau de Toilette

Eau de Toilette contains 4%-8% of essential oils and tiny amount of alcohol and water. Lasts only 2 hours but is the most affordable.

Others

For other concentrations, there are Body Splashes and Aftershaves, both typically contains 1-3% aromatic compounds, and Eau de Colognes with usually 3-8% aromatic compounds.