A perfume extract is the most concentrated form a fragrance can take: the most intense, the most lasting, the most precious too. Here is what sets it apart from an eau de parfum, how to wear it, and how to store it.
What is a perfume extract?
A perfume extract is the most concentrated form of a fragrance. It holds the highest proportion of odorant raw materials, and therefore the lowest proportion of alcohol. That concentration gives it an intensity and a hold well above those of an eau de parfum.
It is also called perfume essence, or simply perfume. At Carrement Belle, we use the term perfume extract, which says exactly what it is: the most concentrated version of a composition.
A few drops are enough to make it present, on the skin and around you. Its richness in raw materials releases the notes gradually as it meets the warmth of the body: top, heart and base notes then blend with a particular depth.
A perfume extract is the highest concentration of a fragrance, the one that holds the most odorant raw materials and the least alcohol.
The same formula, a different concentration
At Carrement Belle, the ippi patchouli eau de parfum and the ippi patchouli perfume extract share exactly the same formula. The second is simply more concentrated, and therefore more intense. The scent stays the same, even if trained noses sometimes pick up subtle differences: raising the concentration reveals some ingredients more than others.
ippi patchouli also comes as a diffuser, to enjoy that accord at home.
A measured use
Because of its high concentration, a perfume extract needs fewer sprays than an eau de toilette or an eau de parfum. One to three touches are usually enough, but you set the rule: the chemistry with your skin remains decisive, and the best test is always the one you run on yourself.
Perfume extract or eau de parfum: what is the difference?
The difference lies in the concentration of raw materials. An eau de parfum holds roughly 10 to 20%. A perfume extract goes further: it is more intense, longer lasting, and worn in smaller quantity. The eau de parfum remains the most versatile day to day, the extract takes over when you want a presence that lingers.
- Concentration of roughly 10 to 20%
- The balance between intensity and versatility
- Worn from morning to evening
- Easily refreshed during the day
- The highest concentration in the range
- The most raw materials, the least alcohol
- One to three touches are enough
- Greater hold and depth
Eau de parfum or perfume extract, the answer depends mostly on the occasion. Many people own both: the eau de parfum by day, the perfume extract in the evening or for moments that call for a bolder signature.
The concentration scale, from eau de Cologne to perfume extract
What sets all these fragrances apart is their share of odorant concentrate. The higher it is, the more intense and lasting the perfume. From the lightest to the most powerful, here is how the family of concentrations is ordered.
The lightest and freshest. A bright, fleeting burst, perfect for an immediate sense of cleanliness, happily renewed through the day.
Light and sparkling, ideal every day. It dresses without imposing and refreshes easily as the hours pass.
The right balance between intensity and versatility. This is the reference concentration, the one worn from morning to evening.
The most concentrated in raw materials, the most intense and the most lasting. A few touches are enough: the olfactory signature in its most precious form.
Want the detail of each concentration? Our guide to the differences between eau de Cologne, eau de toilette, eau de parfum and perfume covers them all.
How long does a perfume extract last?
A perfume extract lasts longer than an eau de parfum, and well beyond an eau de toilette. Its high concentration lets it settle closest to the skin and release its notes slowly, carried by the warmth of the body. Depending on its formula and your skin, it can stay with you half a day or more.
To make the most of it, apply it to clean, moisturised skin, on the pulse points, without rubbing. All our tips to make a perfume last longer apply here beautifully.
How to apply a perfume extract
A perfume extract is applied in small touches, on the pulse points. Wrists, base of the neck, behind the ears: body heat makes the fragrance evolve there. One to three touches are enough, and you never rub the skin.
- Prepare the skin
Clean, moisturised skin holds the notes better. An unscented care product before applying naturally extends the hold.
- Aim for the pulse points
Wrists, base of the throat, behind the ears. These are the warmest areas of the body, the ones that diffuse best.
- Dose sparingly
One to three touches depending on the intensity you want. A perfume extract is enough on its own, no need to add more.
- Do not rub
Rubbing your wrists together breaks the finest notes and shortens the way the fragrance unfolds.
How to store a perfume extract
A perfume extract should be kept away from light, heat and humidity. Its original case is ideal, in a room at steady temperature, far from a window or a bathroom. Those three factors alter the composition over time.
You will find all our tips to store a perfume properly in our dedicated article.
Our perfume extracts
At Carrement Belle, a few of our fragrances come as a perfume extract. Each also exists as an eau de parfum, and most as a diffuser to scent your home.
- ippi patchouli: our very first creation, born in 1988. An earthy, woody patchouli lighting up a sweet tuberose before melting into labdanum. Also available as a diffuser.
- kilim: a patchouli from the East, where the sweet zest of an orange sets resinous shades sparkling. Also available as a diffuser.
- also: a modern amber, warm and spicy. Also available as a diffuser.
- ïōdé: a marine chypre, fresh and mineral. Also available as a diffuser.
- label rose: a floral bouquet, delicate and luminous.
To place each of these fragrances in its world, our guide to the seven olfactory families gives you the landmarks. And if patchouli intrigues you, its story in the seventies is worth the detour.
Your questions about perfume extracts
Perfume extract or eau de parfum: which should I choose?
It depends on the occasion. The eau de parfum is the most versatile day to day. The perfume extract, more concentrated, offers greater intensity and hold for moments that call for a bolder signature. Many people like having both.
What is the definition of a perfume extract?
It is the most concentrated form of a fragrance: the proportion of odorant raw materials is the highest, and that of alcohol the lowest. It is also called perfume essence, or simply perfume.
Does a perfume extract really last longer?
Yes. Its high concentration in raw materials lets it release slowly and stay closest to the skin. Depending on its formula and your skin, it can last half a day or more.
How many sprays of perfume extract are needed?
One to three touches are enough, on the pulse points: wrists, base of the neck, behind the ears. There is no need for more, and you do not rub the skin.
Can you layer a perfume extract and an eau de parfum?
Yes, and it is a lovely trick: a veil of eau de parfum first, then a touch of extract of the same fragrance, to intensify and extend the sillage without overdoing it. More ideas in our guide to perfume layering.
Does a perfume extract contain alcohol?
Yes, but in a lower proportion than other concentrations, since the share of odorant concentrate is higher. We use a natural alcohol of vegetable origin, made from beet. Our article on alcohol in perfume explains its role.
Are perfume extract and perfume essence the same thing?
Yes. Perfume extract, perfume essence and perfume all describe the same thing: the highest concentration of a fragrance. Perfume extract is simply the clearest way to say it.
Samples of all our eaux de parfum, to explore the collection on your own skin, at your own pace, and find the fragrance that suits you. Your first set is even refunded as a voucher towards your next order.
The Discovery Set
