Guide: Distribution of Fragrance Concentrations
Several factors influence the longevity and intensity of a fragrance. Perfume is a general term for scented products and can refer to various concentrations of fragrance oils, which are important when selecting and wearing a perfume. These include: P, EDP, EDT, and EDC. These abbreviations represent the concentration and intensity of a scent.
Fragrances are divided into the following main concentrations:
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Pure Perfume or Perfume Extract: This is the highest concentration of fragrance oils in perfumery. It contains 30-40% fragrance oils and is the most intense and long-lasting form of perfume. It typically lasts 8 to 12 hours.
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EDP (Eau de Parfum): Contains a higher concentration of fragrance oils and has a more intense scent compared to EDT. It contains 15-20% fragrance oils and is very potent on the skin. EDP lasts around 6 to 8 hours.
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EDT (Eau de Toilette): Contains a moderate amount of fragrance oils and has a milder scent. With 5-15% fragrance oils, it has medium intensity and lasts about 4 to 6 hours.
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EDC (Eau de Cologne): Contains a lower concentration of fragrance oils and has a light scent. It contains 2-5% fragrance oils and is often citrusy. EDC lasts around 2 to 4 hours.
The least intense are complementary perfumed cosmetics. Many designer and niche fragrances come with matching perfumed deodorants, body mists, shower gels, aftershave gels, hand creams, or body lotions and powders.
Did you know that most men's fragrances are available as eau de toilette?
The differences in fragrance concentration between women's and men's perfumes are quite interesting. While women's perfumes often offer a wide range of concentrations, men’s fragrances tend to have less variety. Several factors could explain this trend, one of which is the historical perception of fragrances by different genders. Traditionally, men’s scents focused on clean, fresh, and spicy notes meant to evoke masculine strength and energy.
These types of fragrances are typically associated with EDT or EDC concentrations, which have a lighter projection and shorter staying power. In contrast, women’s fragrances are traditionally more complex and sensual, often favoring stronger perfumes or extracts with higher concentrations that create a long-lasting, distinctive scent.
Unisex perfumes, however, are designed to be worn by anyone, regardless of gender. These fragrances aren’t specifically targeted at men or women but are crafted to appeal universally. Unisex perfumes are known for their neutral, balanced character, combining different notes in a way that doesn’t favor a specific gender. This approach allows individuals to freely choose and express themselves through fragrance without the constraints of traditional gender labels. The rise of unisex perfumes is a response to the growing demand for scents that transcend traditional gender norms.
