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:
-
YSL Libre EDP
-
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle EDP
💨 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:
-
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue EDT
-
Dior Homme EDT
💧 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:
-
4711 Original Cologne
-
Tom Ford Neroli Portofino EDC
🧴 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:
-
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait
🧠 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
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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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