Perfumes are fragrance compositions made of aromatic ingredients – both natural essential oils and synthetic scent molecules. The fragrance oil is dissolved in alcohol (sometimes also in water) to create different aromas and moods. A perfume's concentration shows how much of the total product is fragrance oil.

The most common perfume concentrations and forms

  • Extrait de parfum (P): the highest-concentration perfume, usually containing around 20–30% fragrance oil. It is very long-lasting and just a few drops are enough, for example Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Parfum 7.5 ml.
  • Eau de parfum (EDP): the second-highest concentration, containing around 10–20% fragrance oil. Eau de parfum lasts longer than eau de toilette, but not as long as extrait de parfum.
  • Eau de toilette (EDT): one of the most common concentrations, containing around 5–10% fragrance oil. Eau de toilette is lighter than eau de parfum and extrait, but still lasts long enough to be worn through the day.
  • Eau de cologne (EDC): a low-concentration fragrance containing around 2–4% fragrance oil. Eau de cologne has the shortest staying power, but it is refreshing and a great choice in summer – for example Chanel Allure Homme Sport Cologne.
  • Solid perfume: this is not a separate concentration level but a perfume format in which the fragrance is mixed into a wax or balm base. Solid perfume is compact and convenient to carry.

How to choose the right concentration

The right concentration depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you want a scent that lasts a long time, extrait de parfum or eau de parfum is the best choice. If you want a fragrance that is easy to carry with you, small travel bottles, roll-on bottles or solid perfume are a good fit.

A few tips for choosing a concentration

  • If you are looking for a long-lasting scent, choose a higher-concentration perfume such as extrait de parfum or eau de parfum.
  • If you want a fragrance that is easy to carry, choose a travel size, for example Chanel Coco Mademoiselle EDP 3 × 20 ml, or a solid perfume.
  • If you are new to the world of perfume, start with a lighter concentration such as eau de toilette.

Perfume concentrations

Wearing perfume

For a perfume to last longer, it is important to apply it correctly. Perfume should be applied to warm areas of the body, such as the wrists, neck and behind the ears. It is also best to avoid overdoing it, because too much can make a scent heavy and overpowering.

Learn more about how to wear perfume in our post The art of wearing perfume: tips, tutorials and concentrations.

Summary: tips for wearing perfume

  • Apply perfume to warm areas of the body, where it lasts longer.
  • Don't apply too much perfume, as the scent can become heavy and overpowering.
  • Apply perfume before dressing to avoid stains.
  • Store perfume in a cool, dark place so that it keeps longer. You will find more advice in the post Perfume care guide.

We hope this post has helped you understand perfume concentrations better.