Perfume Strengths Explained: EDP vs. EDT vs. EDC

What Are the Different Perfume Strengths: EDP vs. EDT vs. EDC

Perfume labels (such as “EDP,” ”EDT,” and “EDC”) can be confusing but they’re just different concentrations of the same fragrance oil, which comes in the bottle. The higher the concentration, the stronger the scent (and typically the longer it lasts).


💡 The Key Difference = Fragrance Oil Concentration

Type

Full Name

Oil Concentration

Lasts For (Approx.)

Scent Strength

Parfum (Extrait)

Extrait de Parfum

20–30%

8–12+ hours

Very strong, luxurious

EDP

Eau de Parfum

15–20%

6–8 hours

Strong, rich

EDT

Eau de Toilette

5–15%

3–6 hours

Lighter, fresher

EDC

Eau de Cologne

2–5%

1–3 hours

Very light, refreshing

Body Spray / Mist

< 2%

< 2 hours

Ultra-light, fleeting

 


🔥 Eau de Parfum (EDP)

  • Most desired for long wearing

  • Stronger and more noticeable

  • Perfect for evenings, parties or colder nights

  • Frequently pricier than EDT, but has a longer life span

Examples:



💨 Eau de Toilette (EDT)

  • Lighter and more subtle

  • More suitable for daytime, office or hot time periods

  • More affordable than EDP

  • Requires to be reapplied to stay all day

Examples:



💧 Eau de Cologne (EDC)

  • Fresh, citrusy, often unisex

  • Most commonly sold in splash bottles or spray

  • Great for in-between showers, gym bags, or hot days

  • Very short-lived on the skin

Examples:



🧴 Parfum (Extrait de Parfum)

  • Most concentrated and luxurious

  • Long-lasting rich fragrance, with minimal need for touch-ups

  • Great for occasions and scent signature types

  • Comes in smaller bottles because of strength

Examples:



🧠
Choosing the Right Type for You

If you want...

Go for...

Long-lasting scent

Eau de Parfum (EDP)

Light, casual, everyday wear

Eau de Toilette (EDT)

Very fresh, short-term scent

Eau de Cologne (EDC)

Ultimate luxury and intensity

Parfum (Extrait)

Budget-friendly body scent

Body Mist / Splash

 



🎯 Final Tips

  • EDP is perfect for fragrance-wearers hoping for the lingering sensation.

  • EDT is good for beginners or casual wear.

  • EDC is stellar in the summer but good for layering too.

  • Keep all perfumes in a place away from sunlight and heat to maintain the quality of the fragrances.


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