Parfum, eau de parfum and eau de toilette: what’s the difference?

What does concentration mean?

A fragrance is made of aromatic oils diluted in alcohol or another suitable solvent. The more oil in the formula, the more the name changes. There is no single legal standard worldwide, but these are common proportions in the industry:

These figures are approximate, and may vary slightly from one house to another.

The difference in everyday use

• Perfume extract: the most concentrated, so a small amount is enough. Suited to occasions and evenings.
• Eau de parfum: a common balance between presence and staying power, and it works for day or evening.
• Eau de toilette: lighter and fresher, suited to daytime and hot weather.
• Eau de cologne: the lightest, closer to a quick, fresh touch.

Is a higher concentration always better?

No. A higher concentration usually means longer presence and a trace closer to the skin, but it doesn’t mean it suits everyone. In hot weather a concentrated fragrance can feel heavy, and some people prefer something light and fresh for the day and the office. How long a fragrance lasts also depends on its formula, your skin type and the weather, not on concentration alone.

What about oil-based fragrances?

In our region, oil-based fragrances hold a special place. They mostly rely on aromatic oils rather than alcohol, and they usually sit closer to the skin and spread more quietly than alcohol-based ones. The same rules apply: try them on your skin and wait before you decide, and keep them away from heat and light.

And the difference between a fragrance and a body mist?

A body mist is far less concentrated than the fragrances above. It’s for a quick refresh rather than a scent that lasts, which is why it’s reapplied through the day.

How to read the bottle

Look for the phrase printed on the box. L’AVENIR bottles say Eau de Parfum and 100 ml. Remember that the phrase gives only a general idea. The best test is to try the fragrance on your skin and wait an hour before you judge it. And if you want to understand why it changes between the first minutes and what follows, read about the fragrance pyramid.

Longevity and sillage: not the same thing

Longevity is how long the scent stays on your skin. Sillage is the trail a fragrance leaves in the space around you. A fragrance can last a long time but sit close to the skin, or it can spread widely without lasting. Concentration affects both, but it isn’t the only factor.