Perfume vs Eau de Parfum vs Eau de toilette: What's the different?
Share
When shopping for fragrances, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by terms like perfume, eau de parfum, and eau de toilette. What do they really mean? And more importantly, how do they affect the way a fragrance smells and lasts on your skin?
At Sniff Box, we specialize in authentic perfume decants in the UK, and we’re here to make the world of fragrance a little less mysterious.
---
What Do These Terms Actually Mean?
The key difference comes down to concentration of fragrance oils. This affects everything from intensity and longevity to price. Let’s break it down:
---
1. Perfume (Parfum / Extrait de Parfum)
Fragrance Oil Concentration: 20%–30%
Longevity: 8–12+ hours
Best For: Long-lasting scent with strong projection
Price: Usually, the most expensive
Perfume, also called extrait de parfum, is the most concentrated form. Just a couple of dabs can last all day. If you want something bold and luxurious, this is your go-to.
---
2. Eau de Parfum (EDP)
Fragrance Oil Concentration: 15%–20%
Longevity: 6–8 hours
Best For: Everyday wear with great staying power
Price: Mid-range
Eau de Parfum is the most common choice and strikes a perfect balance between strength and wearability. Many niche and designer scents fall into this category—think Baccarat Rouge 540 or Creed Aventus.
---
3. Eau de Toilette (EDT)
Fragrance Oil Concentration: 5%–15%
Longevity: 3–5 hours
Best For: Lighter, more refreshing scent for daytime use
Price: Usually more affordable
Eau de Toilette is often more subtle and works well for warmer weather or when you want something light and breezy. Great for office wear or casual settings.
---
Which One Should You Choose?
It depends on:
How long you want the scent to last
Your budget
When and where you’ll wear it
Not sure what suits you best? That’s where perfume decants come in.
---
Try Before You Buy With Sniff Box
We offer a wide range of perfume decants in the UK, including:
Perfumes and Extraits for maximum impact
EDPs for versatile, all-day wear
EDTs for fresh, lighter options
With our sample sizes, you can explore and compare different concentrations without committing to a full bottle.
---
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between perfume, eau de parfum, and eau de toilette helps you make smarter fragrance choices. Whether you're looking for intensity, subtlety, or something in between, Sniff Box has you covered.
---
Ready to explore?
Shop our perfume decants now or check out our Mystery Sample Box to begin your scent discovery journey today.