Perfumes are named based on the concentration of the fragrance oils they contain, with the different names indicating the strength and longevity of the scent. These names can be generally found at the bottom of the front face of the box but may also be placed elsewhere on the packaging.
Below, we’ll take you through the main differences between them so you can make an informed choice when deciding on your next scent:

1. Perfume or Parfum:

This is the most concentrated form of fragrance and typically contains 20-30% fragrance oil. It has the longest lasting scent and is generally the most expensive. Depending on how much you prefer to spend on fragrance this could be reserved for special occasions. As they contain less alcohol, Parfums can be recommended for those with sensitive skin.

2. Eau de Parfum:

This form of fragrance contains 15-20% fragrance oil and is slightly less concentrated than perfume. It has a moderate lasting scent and is typically less expensive than perfume. Lasting around 6 – 8 hours, an Eau de Parfum would be a great choice for wearing to work.

3. Eau de Toilette:

An Eau de Toilette contains 5-15% fragrance oil with the a higher amount of water and alcohol in the blend. It has a lighter scent that is suitable for everyday casual wear and is usually much less expensive than Eau de Parfum, making it an extremely popular choice.

4. Eau de Cologne:

This form of fragrance contains 2-5% fragrance oil and is the least concentrated of the four. It’s common for Eau de Cologne bottles to be larger as they will be used more frequently due to the lower potency.

5. Eau Fraiche:

Eau Fraiche is a newer term and it refers to a lighter version of Eau de Toilette consisting mainly of fresh water and 1-3% of fragrance oil. They are best suited to freshen up as they last around an hour.

It's important to note that the concentration of fragrance oils is not the only factor that determines the strength and lasting power of a scent. The quality of the ingredients and the composition of a fragrance will also play a part in determining the overall power of the fragrance.

When choosing, you should consider what the fragrance will be used for and how much you will need. For instance, Parfums would not be suited to casual everyday use as they are too strong and expensive. Similarly, an Eau Fraiche does not offer enough strength to make it through a work day and so it would not be the best choice.