What is the difference between Parfum and Cologne?

Parfum, aka pure perfume or extrait de parfum, has the highest fragrance concentration. Parfum contains 15% to 40% fragrance, however the concentration is generally 20% to 30% for most commercially available parfums. Due to the high concentration of fragrance, parfums generally command the highest price of all the fragrance types. People with sensitive skin may do better with parfums.  Commercial parfums are typically made with some alcohol.

Eau de parfum (EDP) has the next highest concentration of fragrance, generally, 15% and 20%.  It is also generally less expensive that parfum and it does have a higher concentration of alcohol than parfum, and is suitable for everyday wear.

Eau de toilette (EDT) has a fragrance concentration of between 5% and 15%. EDT are some of the more popular fragrances available because they tend to be cheaper than eau de parfum and parfum. Eau de toilette is considered by some to be for daywear while eau de parfum is considered nightwear. The term eau de toilette came from the French term “faire sa toilette” which means getting ready.

Eau de cologne (EDC) has a much lower concentration of fragrance than the above types of perfume. EDC generally has a 2% to 4% percent concentration of fragrance and a high concentration of alcohol. It is cheaper than other types of fragrance because the scent does not last as long and there are fewer precious oils in it.  Originally, eau de cologne referred to a traditional recipe that used herb and citrus notes with little anchoring with base notes.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2

Til next time,