Understanding Fragrance Concentrations: From Eau Fraîche to Extrait

When you pick up a bottle of perfume, you might notice a small line beneath the name: Eau de Toilette, Parfum, or perhaps Cologne. These aren’t just fancy French terms—they tell you how strong the scent is, how long it’s likely to last, and how it will evolve on your skin.

In this guide, we break down the different fragrance concentrations, explaining what they really mean, how they perform, and which one might suit your lifestyle best.

🌿 Eau Fraîche (1–3%)

The lightest and most refreshing

Derived from the French for “fresh water,” Eau Fraîche is the most diluted form of fragrance—containing just 1–3% perfume oils, usually suspended in water with minimal alcohol.

• Longevity: ~1 hour
• Sillage: Very soft, skin-close
• Ideal for: Hot climates, layering, sensitive skin
• Quick fact: Due to the high water content, Eau Fraîche is gentler on skin and fabrics than other concentrations. Perfect for freshening up post-workout or in tropical humidity.

🪒 Aftershave (up to 3%)

Functional, soothing, and lightly scented

Though often overlooked as a fragrance category, aftershaves typically contain up to 3% perfume oil—designed to scent the skin while calming it after shaving.

• Longevity: 2–3 hours
• Purpose: Combines fragrance with antiseptic and soothing agents
• Ideal for: Daily grooming, layering under stronger fragrances
• Did you know? Some luxury perfume houses release aftershave versions of their core scents with softer profiles for layering or casual wear.

🍋 Eau de Cologne (2–5%)

A heritage scent style with vibrant freshness

Originally created in 18th-century Cologne, Germany, Eau de Cologne remains known for its zesty, invigorating scent profile—often dominated by citrus, neroli, and aromatic herbs.

• Longevity: 2–3 hours
• Projection: Light but can be reapplied liberally
• Best for: Daytime, summer, full-body application
• Fragrance profile: Bright, clean, often unisex
• Fun fact: Though "cologne" is often marketed to men, true Eau de Cologne refers to the strength, not gender.

🌸 Eau de Toilette (8–12%)

The everyday balance of freshness and presence

Eau de Toilette is among the most popular fragrance formats, containing roughly 8–12% perfume oil. It offers a pleasing balance between intensity and wearability.

• Longevity: ~3–4 hours
• Projection: Moderate
• Ideal for: Daily wear, office, casual outings
• Scent development: Emphasizes top and heart notes, often lighter and fresher
• Pro tip: Eau de Toilette versions of the same scent may feel brighter and airier than their Eau de Parfum counterparts.

🌙 Eau de Parfum (15–25%)

A step up in richness, projection, and longevity

With 15–25% perfume oil, Eau de Parfum offers a more concentrated, longer-lasting experience that develops more fully on the skin over time.

• Longevity: 4–8 hours
• Projection: Noticeable but not overpowering
• Ideal for: Evening wear, signature scents, layering
• Fragrance evolution: Deeper heart and base notes come through
• Skin science: Oily or moisturized skin helps extend the wear of EDPs; dry skin may cause faster evaporation.

🔥 Extrait de Parfum / Parfum (25–40%)

The most intense and luxurious expression of scent

Extrait de Parfum (also called Parfum) boasts the highest perfume oil concentration—often 25–40%, sometimes more. These scents are potent, long-lasting, and evolve slowly, revealing their depth over hours.

• Longevity: 8–12+ hours
• Projection: Often soft and intimate, despite the strength
• Ideal for: Special occasions, cold weather, close encounters
• Good to know: Extraits tend to use less alcohol, making them gentler on sensitive skin and slower to evaporate. Many natural oils used in extraits are expensive and rare—reflected in their higher price point.

🧬 Bonus Insight: Why Concentration Isn’t Everything

While concentration matters, it’s not the only factor that affects how long a scent lasts:

• Molecular weight: Citrus and green notes evaporate quickly regardless of concentration. Oud, musk, and amber linger longer due to heavier molecules.
• Heat and pH: Warm skin and acidic pH levels can intensify or distort how a fragrance develops.
• Note volatility: Even in Extrait, a top-heavy citrus may still disappear faster than a base-heavy Eau de Cologne.

So, while Extrait often lasts longer, a Cologne dominated by woods may outperform an EDP of fleeting florals.

✨ Choosing the Right Concentration for You

Final Word

A perfume’s concentration doesn’t just influence how long it lasts—it shapes how the scent unfolds on your skin, how often you’ll reapply, and how close it stays to your body. Whether you want an airy veil or a bold signature, understanding these levels helps you wear your scent with intention.