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 men.
And then we also have something like aftershave. Often mistakenly confused with Eau de Parfum. But we are going to help you so that you know exactly what the differences are between all these fragrant and popular products in just a few minutes.
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, above all, 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 substances and relatively high in alcohol. You use it between activities to freshen up if you are feeling a bit sluggish and drowsy. Eau de Cologne is always lightly refreshing, and this is due to 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 brother 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 a maximum of 5% of Fragrance is processed. This sparkling scent will therefore dissipate (much) earlier than with a Eau de Parfum. With this last one, the scent also lingers all day. That's exactly the purpose of a Eau de Parfum.
In principle, you only need to apply Eau de Parfum (EDP) once. A Eau de Cologne you usually use more often 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, of course, 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? Cologne is used to freshen up, and Fragrance gives you a seductive scent that stays around you all day (and evening).
What is Eau de Toilette?
An Eau de Toilette is exactly in between Eau de Cologne and Eau de Parfum. The difference between Eau de Cologne and Eau de Toilette is that there is in the last more fragrance components are present. The percentage of fragrance oils in an Eau de Toilette (EDT) is between 5 and 15%.
Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum therefore smell significantly stronger and also linger longer than the lighter variant, Eau de Cologne. You can smell an 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%. This gives a Eau de Parfum the highest concentration of fragrance components and keeps the scent active for at least 8 hours. While you need to spray the least of it because 2 to 3 puffs are enough.
Another difference between Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette is the Price. The first is almost always more expensive than the lighter Eau de Toilette variant. This again purely has to do with 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 your skin after Shaving and close your pores. A good aftershave contains little to no Fragrance which greatly reduces the chance of irritation after Shaving.
Note: never apply Eau de Cologne, Eau de Toilette or Fragrance on your Face after Shaving! Only use a good aftershave then.
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
Are you going to experience the differences yourself?
Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette and Eau de Cologne all get their specific scent from the Fragrance oils contained in them. The Fragrance version has the highest concentration of Fragrance which you can enjoy all day. In Eau de Toilette and especially the Eau de Cologne, there is more water, causing the scent to fade sooner. Prices are also based on this.