What is the difference between eau de parfum and eau de toilette?

|Lucía Poyo Vallina

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between eau de parfum and eau de toilette? It is clear that Fragrance is usually more lasting or intense than the ‘toilette’ version. However, do you know exactly where the limit lies between one formula and the other? And above all, what are their characteristics and uses to choose the one that best suits you? We tell you here below!

What is an eau de parfum?

Although generally we use the word ‘Fragrance’ as a synonym for what we buy in the market as eau de Parfum (perfume water), the truth is that the Fragrance itself is the maximum essence of the fragrance (around 20-30%). A very concentrated aroma that is not usually marketed so commonly, but rather is diluted in lower concentrations.

In the case of the classic ‘Eau de Parfum’ that we usually buy in perfumeries, this concentration is found between 16 and 18%, combined with ethyl alcohol between 80º and 89º.

In the case of eau de parfum, they usually have a long durability, between 6 and 8 hours of duration. They easily fix to the skin and have quite intense aromas.

If we compare it with the essence of Fragrance, its duration is longer, but its intensity also increases considerably. Because of this, it is not usually a very used concentration in the world of commercial perfumery.

What is an eau de toilette?

In the case of Eau de toilette (bath water), the concentration of the Fragrance is lower and is found between 8% and 15%, combined with ethyl alcohol of 90 to 96º.

The duration of this type of fragrances is more limited, being between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the quality of the product. Normally, it is a type of concentration that requires reapplication throughout the day, recommended for users who prefer a fresh and light fragrance.

The great advantage of ‘eau de toilette’ is that due to its low concentration of Fragrance essence, the price is more affordable, so if we like to change Fragrance throughout the day, it is a very good alternative due to its short duration and the lower investment it requires.

Difference between Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette

The big difference between an Eau de Parfum and an Eau de Toilette is precisely the difference in Fragrance concentration from one type of fragrance to another.

As we have already mentioned, Eau de Parfum has a concentration ranging between 16% and 18% essence, while Eau de Toilette is between 8% and 15%.

This difference impacts both the durability of the fragrance and the fixation level, as in the final price that we will pay for the product; while the eau de parfum has a higher fixation level, more intensity, durability and therefore, a higher price, the Eau de Toilette is lighter and lasts less, also lowering its purchase price.

Which is better: eau de parfum or eau de toilette?

A difficult question to answer, since the response will depend on each person's taste and also on the product and the manufacturer's quality.

There are ‘eau de toilettes’ with higher quality than some ‘eau de parfum’. On the other hand, not everyone likes the intensity of Fragrances, and prefers fresher scents that are less overwhelming.

In general terms, it is usually considered athe ‘eau de parfum’ as the higher quality option, since its essence concentration is higher and therefore, its market value and price are also higher.

However, you should not make the mistake of thinking that an eau de toilette is a second-rate product. Even the major fashion brands have versions of their Fragrances in ‘eau de toilette’, which means it is a more affordable product for different uses or preferences but not, therefore, worse than the other options.

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