When browsing new perfumes, you may realize there are different variations. One fragrance might be an eau de toilette while another is a parfum – find out the differences and which you should buy here.

What is Eau de Toilette?

Let’s start with eau de toilette (EDT), a popular type of fragrance that has anywhere from 5 to 15% concentration of perfume oil. It’s a relatively light fragrance that’s muted but still present enough for the scent to be noticeable. Many people like wearing eau de toilettes for everyday wear, such as when going to work, and the Versace Bright Crystal 3.0 EDT is a good option for this purpose.

What is a Parfum?

A parfum is the most highly concentrated fragrance you can buy, with a concentration of around 20-30%, although this can go all the way up to 40% in some parfums. Naturally, this means the fragrance is intense and lasts a long time, particularly compared to other, lesser concentrated perfumes like eau de toilettes. It’s favored by those who like their perfume to stay strong throughout the entire day.

The 5 Distinct Differences Between Eau De Toilette and Parfum

These differences will help you understand eau de toilettes et parfums better.

1. The Percentage of Essential Perfume Oil

Let’s start with the most obvious distinct difference, which was mentioned earlier – the percentage of essential perfume oil. On the one hand, an eau de toilette has around 5-15% concentration, whereas a parfum is much more potent with 20-40% of perfume oil.

2. The Longevity

When comparing eau de toilette vs parfum, one of the most distinct differences is the longevity of each. There is no denying that a parfum will last much longer due to the higher concentration of perfume oil, meaning the scent of an EDT will dissipate sooner. However, that doesn’t mean an EDT won’t last long at all, as many of them can stick around for an entire day. It’s just that you might be able to smell a parfum days after you’ve spritzed your wrists and neck!

3. The Cost

Another significant distinction is the cost. As you might expect, the price of a parfum is typically higher than an eau de toilette, and this is because perfume oil is the most expensive part of perfume making. The exact difference in price varies, and you may find that some eau de toilettes are as high in price as other parfums.

4. The Amount You Need

When it comes to using perfume, there’s an art to it, with how much you use being an important factor in how good you smell. Too little and people won’t notice your scent; too much and you’ll overwhelm people with the fragrance. The amount you need varies whether you have an eau de toilette or a parfum – you’ll need a lot less parfum compared to an EDT as it has a higher concentration of perfume oil. Essentially, you won’t need to douse yourself in a parfum. It’s always best to use this type more sparingly.

5. The Scent Produced

Finally, you will find the scent produced from a parfum is a little different compared to an eau de toilette. An eau de toilette’s fragrance may be a little lighter and muted, whereas a parfum will likely be more potent and intense. This can impact the overall experience and scent of a perfume, which is worth keeping in mind when purchasing either one.

Should You Use an Eau de Toilette or a Parfum?

So, which one is best for you? It can be tricky to choose, as each has its benefits. You might believe that a parfum is undeniably the best choice, but it’s worth keeping in mind some of the best perfumes for women come as eau de toilettes, so they should be considered. Here are a few things to take on board when deciding between the two:

Body Chemistry

The reason some perfumes smell incredible on some and not others is all to do with body chemistry, which greatly impacts the overall scent. Some people’s body chemistry melds better with a parfum, whereas others smell better when they use an eau de toilette. The only way to know which one works better for you is to have experience with each.

Budget

As mentioned, the price of a parfum will typically be higher compared to an eau de toilette due to the concentration of perfume oil.

The Purpose of the Perfume

Where will you be wearing the perfume? The purpose of the fragrance is a big deal here. If you’re looking for a light, people-pleasing scent to wear daily to work, an eau de toilette will typically be your best bet, as it will make you smell good without being too intense. On the other hand, if you’d prefer a perfume that lasts and lasts, perhaps because you want a signature scent, a parfum would work well.

Generally, it’s best to try some eau de toilettes and parfums to notice the differences for yourself. There are plenty of gorgeous perfumes in each of these categories, with Burberry Classic EDT for Men being a popular eau de toilette, and Jo Milano Game of Spades Diamond being a much-loved parfum for both men and women. You may even end up finding your signature scent in either kind.

Other Types of Fragrances

It’s worth pointing out that there are more than two types of perfume. While eu de toilette and parfums are popular, there are other variations with different percentages of concentration, including:

• Eau Fraiche (1-3% concentration)
• Eau De Cologne (2-6% concentration)

Both perfume types are significantly lower in concentration compared to both eu de toilettes and parfums.

Eau De Toilette vs Parfum: In Summary

The main difference between an eau de toilette and a parfum is the concentration of perfume oil, which creates a different scent experience altogether. Overall, parfums are more intense, longer lasting, and come with a higher price tag, whereas eau de toilettes are lighter.