Article: What Is the Difference Between Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum?
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What Is the Difference Between Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum?
Introduction
One of the questions we're asked often is:
'What's the difference between an Eau de Toilette (EDT) and an Eau de Parfum (EDP)?'
While the answer sounds technical, it's actually quite simple. Both are forms of perfume, but they contain different concentrations of fragrance oils, which can affect how long they last and how they wear throughout the day.
While other fragrance concentrations exist, such as Eau de Cologne and Parfum, the most common comparison is between Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum. Understanding the difference can help you choose the fragrance that best suits your preferences and how you like to wear scent.
What Does Eau de Toilette Mean?
Eau de Toilette generally contains a lower concentration of fragrance oils than Eau de Parfum.
Traditionally, Eau de Toilettes are known for feeling lighter, fresher and easier to wear throughout the day. They are often chosen for everyday fragrance wear and can be particularly appealing to those who prefer a more subtle scent experience.
At Sohum, our Eau de Toilettes are typically formulated between 15% and 20% fragrance concentration, which sits at the higher end of what is commonly found within this category.
What Does Eau de Parfum Mean?
Eau de Parfum contains a higher concentration of fragrance oils than Eau de Toilette.
In simple terms, this often means the fragrance lasts longer on the skin and reveals more of its character as the day progresses.
Most Eau de Parfums sit between 15% and 25% fragrance concentration. At Sohum, our Eau de Parfums are typically formulated between 25% and 30%, depending on what best suits the individual fragrance.
Which One Lasts Longer?
As a general rule, Eau de Parfum tends to last longer than Eau de Toilette because it contains a higher percentage of fragrance oils.
However, fragrance performance is influenced by more than concentration alone. The ingredients used, the structure of the fragrance and even individual skin chemistry all play a role in how long a fragrance lasts.
This is why two fragrances with the same concentration can sometimes perform quite differently on the skin.
Is Eau de Parfum Always Better?
Not necessarily.
One of the biggest misconceptions in fragrance is that a higher concentration automatically creates a better perfume.
In reality, the best concentration is the one that allows a fragrance to perform as it was intended.
Some fragrances benefit from a higher concentration, revealing greater depth and complexity. Others can become heavy or lose some of their freshness when concentrated too strongly.
A well-balanced Eau de Toilette can often be a better fragrance experience than an Eau de Parfum that has simply been made stronger for the sake of it.
How Sohum Chooses Fragrance Concentrations
At Sohum, we don't begin with a target concentration and build a fragrance around it.
Instead, we create the fragrance first and work closely with our perfumer to determine the concentration that best suits that particular scent.
Some fragrances benefit from a little more concentration, while others perform better with a little less. The goal is always the same: to create the best possible fragrance experience rather than simply achieving the highest percentage of fragrance oils.
Our Eau de Toilettes are typically formulated between 15% and 20% fragrance concentration, while our Eau de Parfums generally sit between 25% and 30%.
These concentrations are chosen because they best support the character, balance and performance of each fragrance.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you enjoy a fragrance that feels lighter and fresher throughout the day, an Eau de Toilette may be the perfect choice.
If you're looking for greater depth and longer wear, an Eau de Parfum may be better suited to your preferences.
Neither is inherently better than the other. The right choice comes down to the fragrance itself and how you enjoy wearing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eau de Parfum stronger than Eau de Toilette?
Generally, yes. Eau de Parfum contains a higher concentration of fragrance oils, which often results in greater longevity and presence on the skin.
How long does Eau de Parfum last?
Most Eau de Parfums last between six and twelve hours, although this can vary depending on the fragrance and the wearer.
Why is Eau de Parfum usually more expensive?
Because it contains a higher concentration of fragrance oils, Eau de Parfum often costs more to produce than Eau de Toilette.
Does a higher concentration mean a better fragrance?
Not always. Concentration is only one part of fragrance creation. The best concentration is the one that allows the fragrance to smell and perform at its best.
What concentrations does Sohum use?
Our Eau de Toilettes are typically formulated between 15% and 20% fragrance concentration, while our Eau de Parfums generally sit between 25% and 30%, depending on the needs of each fragrance.