What is the difference between Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, and Eau de Cologne? You might get confused with the difference between a Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette or the difference between Eau de Cologne and Eau de Toilette. The abbreviation 'scent' usually covers it. But there is indeed a difference between Eau de Cologne and Eau de Parfum for men.
And then we also have something like aftershave. It is often mistakenly confused with Eau de Parfum. But we are going to help you so that in a few minutes you will know exactly what the differences are between all these fragrant and popular products.
What is Eau de Cologne?
Great-aunts raved about Eau de Cologne. It sounds quite vintage, but it is now also hip among the men's corps. Eau de Cologne is a wonderfully sparkling water for men with generally a light (very) refreshing scent.
In our current time, Eau de Cologne (EDC) is a tender, softly scented refreshing water with a low percentage of fragrance ingredients and relatively high in alcohol. You use it in between activities to freshen up if you feel a bit sluggish and drowsy. Eau de Cologne is always lightly refreshing, and that has to do with the following crisp ingredients that always serve as a base:
- Orange
- Bergamot
- Citrus notes
- Lime
- Lavender
- Rosemary
A Eau de Cologne can be smelled for up to 2 hours.
What is Eau de Parfum?
An Eau de Parfum is the heaviest sibling of a Eau de Cologne and Eau de Toilette and contains the highest concentration of fragrance (about 15% to 20%). In terms of fragrance components, that is. In a Eau de Cologne, only up to 5% of fragrance is processed. This sparkling scent will therefore evaporate (much) sooner than with a Eau de Parfum. With the latter, the scent lingers all day. That is precisely the purpose of a Eau de Parfum.
In principle, you only need to apply Eau de Parfum (EDP) once. A Eau de Cologne is usually used more frequently throughout the day or evening. You apply it to your wrists and behind your ears. Another difference between Eau de Cologne and Eau de Parfum is the price. The latter is obviously much more expensive due to the much higher percentage of fragrance components than a Eau de Cologne.
The difference between Eau de Cologne and Eau de Parfum? You use cologne to freshen up, and fragrance gives you a seductive scent that lingers around you all day (and evening).
What is Eau de Toilette?
An Eau de Toilette is exactly between the Eau de Cologne and the Eau de Parfum. The difference between Eau de Cologne and Eau de Toilette is that in the latter there is more fragrance components are present. The percentage of fragrance oils in a Eau de Toilette (EDT) is between 5 and 15%.
Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum therefore smell significantly stronger and also last longer than the lighter variant, Eau de Cologne. You can smell a Eau de Toilette for an average of about 3 hours.
What is the difference between Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette?
The difference between Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette mainly lies in the higher concentration of fragrance components. It is highest in a Eau de Parfum. At least between 15 and 20%. As a result, a Eau de Parfum has the highest concentration of fragrance components and the scent remains active for at least 8 hours. While you need to spray the least of it because 2 to 3 sprays are enough.
Another difference between Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette is the price. The former is almost always more expensive than the lighter Eau de Toilette variant. This is purely due to the fact that the concentration of fragrance is (much) higher than in a Eau de Toilette or Eau de Cologne.
The difference between eau de toilette and aftershave is even greater. A aftershave is purely intended to disinfect the skin of your face after shaving and to close your pores. A good aftershave contains little to no fragrance, reducing the chance of irritation after shaving.
Note: never apply Eau de Cologne, Eau de Toilette, or fragrance to your face after shaving! Only use a good aftershave.
Fragrance components:
- Eau de Cologne: 2-4%
- Eau de Toilette: 5-15%
- Eau de Parfum: 15-20%
Fragrance performance:
- Eau de Cologne: up to 2 hours
- Eau de Toilette: up to 3 hours
- Eau de Parfum: up to 5 hours
Will you experience the differences yourself?
Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, and Eau de Cologne all get their specific scent from the fragrance oils they contain. The fragrance version contains the highest concentration of fragrance which you can enjoy all day long. In Eau de Toilette and especially the Eau de Cologne, there is more water, causing the scent to dissipate sooner. The prices are also based on this.