Know the difference – Perfume, Toilette, Cologne and Fraiche

Eau de Parfum, Eau de toilette, and Eau de Cologne, are the different categories of perfume. Have you ever wondered how they are different from each other?

Well, read on to get all your answers.

Shopping for perfume is really perplexing. There are several different categories of perfume. Consequently, some are labeled as Eau de parfum, others as Eau de toilette or Eau de Cologne and etc. They cannot be distinguished by their appearance, hence it becomes difficult to choose a perfume according to your need. 

Every shopper must know everything about the product they are spending their money on.  So let’s begin.

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Perfume or Extrait de parfum

It contains the highest fragrance concentration i.e 20-40%. Thus, they are heavier and oily compared to other types of perfume. Furthermore, the method of application is dabbing it on the pulse point. It is strictly not to be used all over the body. 

Their fragrance lasts for about 8 hours. Consequently, they are the strongest perfume and are generally very expensive. You would mostly find them in overweight bottles or flasks with ostentatious stoppers. 

The literal translation of the french phrase extrait de parfum is perfume extract. 

Eau de parfum

It contains approximately 15-20% of perfumed essential oils. Thus, Eau de parfum is the second most concentrated type of perfume after extrait de parfum. Accordingly, the scent is lighter compared to Extrait de parfum, however, it is still appreciable. 

The scent lasts for around 4-6 hours. Though, less expensive than Parfum, however, they still are on the pricey side. This is the most common kind of perfume that is used. Eau de parfum is considered to be a nightwear scent rather than daywear. 

Eau de toilette

It is a lighter formulation of perfume with typically 4-15% fragrant essential oils. Besides, they have a higher alcohol content as a result it demonstrates swift dispersion. 

In general, it lasts for about 2-3 hours. Moreover, they are not very expensive, which makes them a good choice for everyday use.

The name eau de toilette originated from the French phrase “faire sa toilette” meaning the ritual of getting ready. 

Eau de cologne

They are among the diluted class of perfume with only 2-5% of fragrant content. Subsequently, eau de cologne is very light and also affordable. Cologne is typically considered a man’s perfume. However, there is enough variety for women as well. 

The cologne fragrance lasts for approximately 2 hours. They often come in bigger packing as you need to spray them more.

Eau de cologne literally translates to the water of Cologne. The cologne is a 2000 year old city in Germany. 

Eau Fraiche

They have a minimum amount of essential oils approximately 1-3%. Eau de Fraiche is extremely light and dissipates rapidly. Interestingly, the alcohol content is lower than cologne as Fraiche contains higher water content. 

The Eau Fraiche lasts not more than an hour. Furthermore, this is the most inexpensive kind of perfume.

Eau de Fraiche literally means freshwater, as it has high water content.  

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Bonus

Esprit de Parfum refers to the formulation with a concentration between extrait de parfum and eau de parfum. This is not used very often, however, Dior made it very famous in the 1980s. 

Body mist or spray refers to low alcohol content perfume with 1.5-3% essential oils. It’s very similar to Eau Fraiche, furthermore, it can be used over hair without causing dryness.

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I hope this article helped you to understand the basics of perfumes.

Eau fraiche vs Eau de toilette

Eau de parfum vs Eau de cologne

Happy Shopping!