20/11/2011
Eau De Cologne (EDC), Eau De Toilette (EDT), Eau De Parfum (EDP) and Parfum……..are you confused?????????
These are common inscriptions on our Perfume Packs and bottles. Truly, these terms get us confused most times and sometimes really annoying when prices differ between variants of a particular perfume of the same brand name because one variant is EDP and the other is EDT.
The reasons for these variations are simple: Level of Concentration.
Perfume is worn on the skin to give off a particular fragrance, mask body odours, attract the opposite s*x, (uhmmm, yes, wonder why some ladies prefer male scents? That’s the attraction effect) make a personal statement or just because it pleases the wearer.
The question now is what makes a particular perfume different? It is the perfume class. And what is it that accounts for the differences in perfume classes? The answer is the concentration of the perfume, which is the amount of scented pungent compound know as perfume oils mixed in the solvent.
Essentially, the class of a particular perfume is determined by its perfume concentration since levels of concentration in every perfume vary.
Here are the different classes of perfume based on the levels of concentration by percent/volume that they have:
This classification is in descending order based on level of concentration
1. Parfum Extrait ( Perfume Extract)
This class has the highest intensity and most long-lasting effect. Perfumes in this class are the most expensive. The concentration level is between 15% to 30% and up to 40% in some cases. It is considered the purest form of scented products. Parfum extrait is stronger and lasts longer on the wearer. It also comes in smaller bottles and does not have a spray head. An example I can think of, is the Terre D’hermes Pure Perfume Spray which comes in a 75ml bottle. It is priced higher than the 100ml Eau De Toilette version of the same perfume brand.
2. Eau de Parfum
This class contains between 10% to 15% and up to 20% in some cases but commonly 15%. It is long lasting though not as the Parfum extrait. Usually, female perfumes come in this version and the Eau De Toillete version. The reason is simple, female perfumes are usually lighter or of flowery base notes and thus would require higher concentration for that perfect smell.
3. Eau de Toilette( Toilet Water)
This class contains between 5% to 10% and up to 15% in some cases but commonly 10%. Light scents of this version stay for very short period, refreshing and quick to evaporate. Perfumes in these categories are the most common and particularly good for the tropics like Nigeria. The hot weather enhances the alcohol evaporation thus accentuating the notes by diffusion.
4. Eau de Cologne (cologne)
This class contains between 3% to 8% and up to 10% in some cases but commonly 5%. Perfumes in this version don’t last long. The scents are water-based and incorporate citrus oils such as lemon, lavender, and tangerine into the perfume responsible for the very refreshing and attractive aroma. A classical example is the Hermes D’orange vertes Concentrate.
Now you know.
The choice of scents depends on your personality and mood. Now that you have learned more about the different versions in which your favourite designer perfume could be presented, or the perfume concentration, what types of perfume do you prefer, the more or the less concentrated one?
