Because finding your perfect scent starts with knowing what’s inside.
Perfume isn’t just about concentration. Every bottle you see on the shelf, from Eau de Cologne to Parfum, contains a different balance of essential oils, alcohol, and water. That balance determines how long a scent lasts, how strong it smells, and how it reacts on your skin.
Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the different perfume concentrations so you can choose what suits you best.
1. Eau Fraîche
Oil Concentration: 1% – 3%
Longevity: Up to 2 hours
Eau Fraîche (French for “fresh water”) is the lightest concentration. It contains the least amount of perfume oils and the highest amount of water, making it refreshing and subtle. Perfect for quick spritzes, gym bags, or hot summer days when you want a clean, breezy scent.
Best For: A quick refresh or layering under a stronger fragrance.
2. Eau de Cologne (EDC)
Oil Concentration: 2% – 5%
Longevity: Around 2 to 3 hours
Eau de Cologne is known for its light citrus and herbal tones. It’s designed to be applied more generously and refreshed throughout the day. The concentration is unisex.
Best For: Daytime use or anyone who prefers soft, fleeting scents.
3. Eau de Toilette (EDT)
Oil Concentration: 5% – 15%
Longevity: 3 to 5 hours
Eau de Toilette is one of the most common concentrations on the market. It’s light, wearable, and great for everyday use, with a brighter opening that fades to a softer finish.
Best For: Daily wear, office use, and warm climates.
4. Eau de Parfum (EDP)
Oil Concentration: 15% – 20%
Longevity: 6 to 8 hours
Eau de Parfum is richer and more long-lasting than EDT. It has stronger projection and complexity — a few sprays go a long way and the scent develops in layers on your skin.
Best For: Evening wear or anyone who prefers a more noticeable, long-lasting scent.
5. Extrait de Parfum
Oil Concentration: 20% – 40%
Longevity: 8 to 12 hours
Extrait de Parfum (Perfume Extract) is intense and luxurious, containing the highest concentration of essential oils in alcohol-based perfumes. Only a small dab or spray is needed.
Best For: Special occasions, cooler weather, or those who love depth and sophistication.
6. Parfum (Pure Perfume)
Oil Concentration: 30% – 40%
Longevity: Up to 24 hours
Parfum, often called “Pure Perfume,” is the richest form of scent. It’s dense, complex, and highly concentrated — you only need a drop or two. The scent unfolds slowly throughout the day.
Best For: Formal events, nighttime wear, or collectors who appreciate craftsmanship.
7. Attar or Perfume Oil
Oil Concentration: 100% natural oil (no alcohol)
Longevity: 10+ hours
Attar, or perfume oil, is the oldest form of fragrance. Traditionally handcrafted from botanical extracts and essential oils, it contains no alcohol and is applied directly to the skin. It evolves with body heat and is especially popular in the Middle East for its purity and lasting power.
Best For: Anyone who prefers alcohol-free, traditional, and long-lasting scents.
Choosing the Right Concentration
Your perfect perfume concentration depends on your lifestyle, skin type, and personal preference.
| Preference | Recommended Type |
|---|---|
| Light, refreshing scent | Eau Fraîche or Eau de Cologne |
| Everyday use | Eau de Toilette |
| Long-lasting fragrance | Eau de Parfum |
| Rich, luxurious scent | Extrait de Parfum or Parfum |
| Alcohol-free and natural | Attar or Perfume Oil |
Tip: You can layer different concentrations to create a unique, lasting scent that adapts throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
Understanding perfume concentrations helps you make smarter choices and enjoy your fragrances the way they were meant to be experienced. Whether you prefer a soft Eau de Toilette or a bold Parfum, always choose authenticity and quality.
At Moda Body Shop, every fragrance is 100% genuine and sourced from trusted distributors, ensuring you experience each perfume exactly as the creator intended.
