Understanding the difference between eau de cologne (EDC), eau de toilette (EDT), eau de parfum (EDP) and perfume is not always easy! The world of fragrances is wide and complex, offering a multitude of options to satisfy individual tastes and preferences. It is essential to understand these types of perfumes in order to choose the fragrance that best suits your needs. So let’s explore the differences between EDC, EDT, EDP and perfume to highlight the characteristics of each kind of fragrance.
Different types of perfumes: the concentration matters
It is actually quite simple. When we create a perfume, we define its concentration of raw materials according to the character and personality we want to give it. The more concentrated in raw materials it is, the longer the fragrance should last on your skin. The difference between EDC, EDT, EDP and perfume is therefore mainly explained by their concentration in raw materials. It is worth remembering that a fragrance’s staying power is also directly influenced by its ingredients. We shall come back to this…
The difference between EDC, EDT, EDP and perfume
The Eau de Cologne (EDC)
Eau de Cologne is generally a very light, sober, unisex fragrance. It can be worn in summer or during sportive activities for example. EDC are often composed of citrus fruits, with their tonic facets belonging to the hesperidia olfactory family. They may also contain lavender and herbaceous plants with aromatic notes. Designed to provide a clean, refreshing sensation, EDC has a shorter lifespan on the skin. This is partly because their formula is less concentrated, but also because the ingredients they contain are fairly volatile.
The eau de toilette (EDT)
An eau de toilette is more concentrated than an eau de Cologne. With its light sillage, it is the type of fragrance often found in perfume stores. EDT are longer-lasting on the skin than EDC and can last for several hours. This category is often considered an excellent compromise between the lightness of EDC and the intensity of EDT. An eau de toilette should last about half a day on your skin. It all depends on the formula, the concentration and your skin!
The eau de parfum (EDP)
More concentrated in raw materials and therefore more intense than an eau de toilette, the eau de parfum (EDP) is perfect for everyday use. Thanks to its greater concentration, the notes of each ingredient are deeper and reveal more facets, playing with a complex olfactory palette. Depending on the type of fragrance, EDP may need to be applied in moderation to avoid olfactory saturation.
Perfume, Perfume Extract or Perfume Essence
Finally, perfume (also known as extract, pure perfume or perfume essence) is even more powerful and subtle than the eau de parfum. It is generally reserved for precious moments. A few touches are all it takes to leave an olfactory trace in your wake…
Perfume staying power: the stronger, the longer?
Perfume longevity is an experience intimately linked to the way it is applied and the nature of the skin on which it rests. The way a fragrance is applied can considerably influence its olfactory persistence. Uniform spraying onto pulse points such as the cuffs, neck and behind the ears allows the fragrance to diffuse in a balanced way, offering a more consistent and persistent hold.
However, excessive friction after application can alter the olfactory composition by accelerating the evaporation of volatile components. It is therefore not advisable, for example, to rub your wrists when testing or applying a fragrance.
The skin, as a unique canvas, reacts individually to each fragrance. As a result, the same fragrance may give off slightly different notes or last longer from one person to another.
Eaux de parfum and pure perfumes in the spotlight at Carrément Belle
Since 1988, we have been creating a rich and varied collection of fragrances, to take full advantage of the vastness of the ingredients and suit the different tastes of our customers. The different olfactory families are represented in our collection, through our many eaux de parfum and pure perfumes. A wide range of scents to satisfy all your olfactory preferences!
Some of our fragrances are discreet and subtle, like our eau de parfum musc. Other creations, such as ippi patchouli, ippi patchouli clair or kilim captivate with a more pronounced sillage. Each fragrance is a unique expression, designed to accompany and enhance the personality of those who wear it. Our commitment to creative perfumery is reflected in our choice of ingredients, bold combinations and ideal concentrations to ensure you enjoy your fragrance over time.
Discover the fragrances mentioned in the article






¡Gracias por el artículo! Me lo guardo a favoritos para tenerlo presente en un futuro.
Vorrei acquistare dei campioncino per poter conoscere questi profumi .grazie
Ciao Letizia,
Proponiamo sul nostro eshop un Discovery Set che permette di scoprire la nostra intera Collezione per soli 5€ (costo di spedizione incluso). Questo kit contiene i campioni del nostro 13 eaux de parfum, un opuscolo per saperne di più su ciascuna fragranza e alcuni blotter per provarli. Se sei interessato, clicca qui per ordinarlo facilmente: https://carrementbelle.com/en/samples/27-samples.html
Saluti,
The CB team
I wrote a blog about this in Turkish thanks to your post. Thanks for your help. https://googleamcamasordum.rehitu.com/2019/07/edt-ile-edp-parfumler-arasndaki-farklar.html
I have worn Estee Launder Red Door since 1988, the last bottle I bought was not the same that I had alway’s wore the smell was as if it was watered down or changed also it does not last as long. I used to put it on when I started to work and last until I got home for the evening. Can you please tell me what to buy to replace this perfume ? Thank’s Kathern
Hello Kathern and thank you for taking the time to read and write. Sometimes the formulations or concentrations of certain fragrances change over time. At Carrément Belle, our formulas are always the same since their creation and they are made to accompany you throughout the day! You can discover our eaux de parfum here: https://carrementbelle.com/en/3-eaux-de-parfum
Thank you and see you soon!
Great post.
I truly appreciate the way you explained efficiently and to the point.
By the way, the link to the “Where to Apply Perfume” in the last paragraph is outdated, and we’re getting the “404 – ooops! That page can not be found” error.
The updated link is:
https://carrementbelle.com/blog/en/2020/11/25/where-to-apply-perfume-advices/
Please fix this so others will be able to find it.
Thank you
Thank you so much for taking the time to read us and point out the link problem we just fixed!
See you soon for new articles!
The Carrément Belle Team
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Thanks for reading and see you soon for new articles!
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hola it es verry good perfume choice. i like know the difference between each other so thank you for post