What is the difference between eau de parfum and eau de toilette?
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between eau de parfum and eau de toilette? It's clear that the perfume is usually longer lasting or more intense than the toilette version. However, do you know where exactly the line is between one formula and the other? And above all, what are their characteristics and uses so you can choose the one that best suits you? We'll tell you below!
What is an eau de parfum?
Although we generally use the word 'perfume' as a synonym for what we buy on the market as eau de parfum (perfume water), the truth is that the perfume itself is the maximum essence of the fragrance (around 20-30%). A highly concentrated aroma that is not usually marketed so frequently, but is diluted in lower concentrations .
In the case of the classic 'Eau de Parfum' that we usually buy in perfumeries, this concentration is between 16 and 18% , combined with an ethyl alcohol between 80º and 89º.
Eau de parfums tend to last for a long time, lasting between 6 and 8 hours. They adhere easily to the skin and have quite intense aromas. Some well-known examples of Eau de Parfums are Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent , Terre by Hermès or J'adore Dior.
Compared to perfume essence, the duration of the latter is longer, but its intensity is also considerably increased. Because of this, it is not a concentration that is often used 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 perfume is low and is between 8% and 15% , combined with ethyl alcohol of 90 to 96º.
The duration of this type of fragrance is more limited, ranging from 3 to 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 perfume essence, the price is cheaper , 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.
Most major brands usually have 'Eau de Toilette' fragrance options, such as Bloom Eau de Toilette by Gucci , Burberry Her EDT by Burberry or Gentleman EDT Intense by Givenchy .
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 perfume concentration from one type of fragrance to another.
As we have already mentioned, the Eau de Parfum has a concentration that ranges between 16% and 18% of essence, while the Eau de Toilette is between 8% and 15%.
This difference has an impact on both the fragrance's durability and level of fixation , as well as the final price we pay for the product; while the Eau de Parfum has a higher level of fixation, more intensity, durability and therefore, a higher price, the Eau de Toilette is lighter and lasts less, also reducing its purchase price.
Which is better: eau de parfum or eau de toilette?
A difficult question to answer, as the answer will depend on each person's taste and also on the product and the quality of the manufacturer.
There are some eau de toilettes that are better quality than some eau de parfums. On the other hand, not everyone likes the intensity of perfumes and prefers fresher fragrances that are less intoxicating.
Generally speaking, eau de parfum is usually considered the highest quality option, as its concentration of essence is higher and therefore, so is its value and market price.
However, you should not make the mistake of believing that an eau de toilette is a second-rate product. Even the big fashion brands have versions of their perfumes in 'eau de toilette', which means that it is a cheaper product and for other types of use or preferences, but not necessarily worse than the rest of the options.
