Eau de parfum (EDP) contains a higher concentration of perfume oil than eau de toilette (EDT), typically around 12–20% against 8–15%. That usually makes an EDP feel richer and last longer on the skin, while an EDT is lighter and brighter. There is no official standard, though, and brands often adjust the formula between versions, so an EDP and EDT with the same name can smell noticeably different. Choose by how you want it to wear, not just by strength.
The words on the bottle are among the most confusing parts of buying perfume. This guide explains what each label means, how the main types wear in real life, and how to decide which is right for you before you spend money on a full bottle.
The Fragrance Concentration Ladder
| Type | Typical perfume oil | How it tends to wear |
|---|---|---|
| Parfum or extrait de parfum | About 20–40% | The richest form; a little goes a long way and it often sits closer to the skin |
| Eau de parfum (EDP) | About 12–20% | Full and rounded, the most popular choice for all-day wear |
| Eau de toilette (EDT) | About 8–15% | Lighter and fresher, well suited to daytime and warm weather |
| Eau de cologne | About 2–6% | A brief, refreshing splash, traditionally citrus-led |
| Body mist | Usually lower still | Very light; expect to reapply |
| Perfume oil or attar | Fragrance in oil, not alcohol | Often long lasting but less diffusive, wearing close to the skin |
The ranges overlap because nobody regulates them. Perfumers Pia Long and Nick Gilbert told Marie Claire UK that there is no official standard separating the two terms, so the label is partly down to each brand. The cologne figure comes from Britannica, which describes cologne as mostly alcohol with roughly 2–6% perfume concentrate.
How EDP and EDT Differ in Practice
Strength
An EDP generally projects more and needs fewer sprays. An EDT is easier to wear lightly in a shared office or a warm room.
Longevity
More oil usually means longer wear, but the ingredients matter too. Heavy materials such as oud can last a long time even in lighter versions.
Character
Brands often rebalance the recipe, so an EDT may be brighter or more citrusy rather than simply a weaker EDP. As Pia Long puts it, they are a different experience, not necessarily interchangeable.
Price
EDPs usually cost more per millilitre. Because you may need fewer sprays, the cost per wear can be closer than the price tag suggests.
EDP or EDT: Which Should You Choose?
| If you… | Consider |
|---|---|
| Want one application to carry you through a working day | Eau de parfum |
| Prefer a light, fresh scent for the office, gym or summer | Eau de toilette |
| Work closely with people or share a small space | EDT, or an EDP applied sparingly |
| Like a scent that feels personal and close to the skin | Perfume oil or extrait |
| Want a quick refresh after the gym or on holiday | Eau de cologne or a body mist |
A common myth: EDT is not “for men” and EDP is not “for women”. The names describe concentration only, and both are made for every kind of scent.
How to Compare Them Before You Buy
- Test on skin, not just paper. Your skin changes how a perfume develops.
- Try the EDT on one wrist and the EDP on the other if both versions exist.
- Wait at least 30 minutes. The first burst fades quickly; the heart and base are what you live with.
- Check again after a few hours to see which you still enjoy and which you can still smell.
- Limit yourself to two or three scents per session so your nose does not tire.
An Eau de Parfum to Try
Oasis Eau de Parfum, 50ml
From Atenai London, a fruity and woody blend of bergamot and sandalwood, described by the brand as a balancing, relaxing scent. A good example of how an EDP pairs a bright opening with a warm, lasting base.
View ProductShop Fragrance
Eau de parfum, eau de toilette, perfume oils and solid perfumes in one place.
Shop FragranceFrequently Asked Questions
Is eau de parfum stronger than eau de toilette?
Usually, yes. An EDP contains more perfume oil, so it tends to smell fuller and last longer. The exact strength still depends on the brand and the ingredients.
Is parfum the same as eau de parfum?
No. Parfum, also called extrait de parfum, is a higher concentration than eau de parfum and is usually sold in smaller bottles at a higher price.
Can you wear eau de parfum in summer?
Yes. Choose a fresher scent and use fewer sprays, as heat makes fragrance project more strongly.
Do EDP and EDT versions of the same perfume smell the same?
Not always. Brands often adjust the formula between versions, so it is worth trying both rather than assuming the EDT is just a lighter copy.
Sources: Marie Claire UK, The real difference between eau de toilette and eau de parfum, according to perfumers; Encyclopædia Britannica, Cologne.