What is the difference between Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum and Eau de Cologne? You may be confused with the difference between an Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette or the difference between Eau de Cologne and Eau de Toilette. In that case, the abbreviation "fragrance" usually covers it. But there is indeed a difference between Eau de Cologne and Eau de Parfum men.
And then we also have such a thing as aftershave. Also quite often mistakenly confused with Eau de Parfum. But we are going to help you out so that in a few minutes you will know exactly what are those differences between all these scented and popular products.
What is Eau de Cologne?
Great aunts used to swear by Eau de Cologne. It sounds quite vintage, but now it's also hip among the male fraternity. Eau de C ologne is a wonderful sparkling water for men with generally, a light (very) refreshing scent.
In our present age, Eau de Cologne (EDC) is a tender soft-smelling refreshing water with a low percentage of fragrance and relatively high in alcohol. You use it between business, to refresh yourself when you are a bit languid and dull. Eau de Cologne is always slightly refreshing and that is due to the following crisp ingredients that actually always serve as the base:
- Orange
- Bergamot
- Citrus notes
- Lime
- Lavender
- Rosemary
You can smell an Eau de Cologne for up to 2 hours.
What is Eau de Parfum?
An Eau de Parfum is the heaviest brother of an Eau de Cologne and Eau de Toilette and contains the highest concentration of perfume (about 15% to 20%). In terms of fragrance ingredients, that is. An Eau de Cologne only contains up to 5% of perfume. So this sparkling scent will dissipate (much) sooner than with an Eau de Parfum. With the latter, the scent lingers all day. This is exactly the purpose of an Eau de Parfum.
In principle, you only need to apply Eau de Parfum (EDP) once. An Eau de Cologne is usually used more often during the day or evening. You apply it on your wrists and behind your ears. Other difference between Eau de Cologne and Eau de Parfum is the price. The latter is obviously much more expensive than an Eau de Cologne due to the much higher percentage of perfume ingredients.
The difference Eau de Cologne and Eau de Parfum? Cologne you use to refresh yourself and perfume gives you a seductive scent that lingers around you all day (and evening).
What is Eau de Toilette?
An Eau de Toilette is right in between Eau de Cologne and Eau de Parfum. Difference between Eau de Cologne and Eau de Toilette is that there are more fragrance ingredients in the latter. In fact, the percentage of fragrance oils in an Eau de Toilette (EDT) is between 5 and 15%.
Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum thus smell considerably stronger and also linger longer than the lighter variant, Eau de Cologne. On average, an Eau de Toilette lasts 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 is mainly in the higher concentration of fragrance ingredients. This is highest in an Eau de Parfum. At least between 15 and 20%. As a result, an Eau de Parfum has the highest concentration of fragrance ingredients and the scent remains active for at least 8 hours. While you need to spray the least of it because 2 to 3 puffs is enough.
Another difference between Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette is the price. The former is actually always more expensive than the lighter Eau de Toilette variant. Again, this has purely to do with the fact that the concentration of perfume is (much) higher than in an Eau de Toilette or Eau de Cologne.
The difference between eau de toilette and aftershave is even greater. An aftershave is purely meant to disinfect the skin of your face after shaving and close your pores. A good aftershave contains little to no perfume which makes you much less likely to experience irritation after shaving.
Note: Never apply Eau de Cologne, Eau de Toilette or perfume to your face after shaving! In that case, only use a good aftershave.
Fragrance ingredients:
- 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 for yourself?
Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette and Eau de Cologne all get their specific smell because of the perfume oils in them. The perfume version contains the most concentration of perfume that you can enjoy all day long. The Eau de Toilette and especially the Eau de Cologne contain more water so the scent will evaporate sooner. The prices are also based on that.