Perfume - Concentration

Concentration

Perfume types reflect the concentration of aromatic compounds in a solvent, which in fine fragrance is typically ethanol or a mix of water and ethanol. Various sources differ considerably in the definitions of perfume types. The intensity and longevity of a perfume is based on the concentration, intensity and longevity of the aromatic compounds (natural essential oils / perfume oils) used: As the percentage of aromatic compounds increases, so does the intensity and longevity of the scent created. Specific terms are used to describe a fragrance's approximate concentration by percent/volume of perfume oil, which are typically vague or imprecise. A list of common terms (Perfume-Classification) is as follows:

• Perfume extract, or simply perfume (extrait): 15-40% (IFRA: typical 20%) aromatic compounds
• Esprit de Parfum (ESdP): 15-30% aromatic compounds, a seldom used strength concentration in between EdP and perfume
• Eau de Parfum (EdP), Parfum de Toilette (PdT): 10-20% (typical ~15%) aromatic compounds, sometimes listed as "eau de perfume" or "millésime." Parfum de Toilette is a less common term that is generally analogous to Eau de Parfum.
• Eau de Toilette (EdT): 5-15% (typical ~10%) aromatic compounds
• Eau de Cologne (EdC): Chypre citrus type perfumes with 3-8% (typical ~5%) aromatic compounds. "Original Eau de Cologne" is a registered trademark.
• Perfume mist: 3-8% aromatic compounds (typical non-alcohol solvent)
• Splash (EdS) and aftershave: 1-3% aromatic compounds. "EdS" is a registered trademark.

A "Classical cologne" describes men's and women's fragrances "which are basically citrus blends and do not have a perfume parent". Classical colognes are different from modern colognes, where the fragrance is typically a lighter, less concentrated interpretation of a perfume. Men's colognes are also different from women's colognes. Men's colognes have a similar concentration to eau de toilette, eau de parfum, "and in some instances perfume"; women's colognes, on the other hand, are often the lightest concentration from a line of women's fragrance products.