What is the difference between an eau de toilette , an extract of perfume , an eau de Cologne or an eau de parfum ?
Many of us do not know the difference between the categories of perfume compositions. In reality, this is quite simple: the amount of perfume concentrate determines the nomenclature. This article will help you shed light on the concentration of perfumes and the reasons for these differences.
Let us first remember that a perfume is composed of two main liquids which mix to constitute the final perfume:
- The perfume concentrate
Perfume concentrate is also called perfume essence . This is the recipe that the perfumer manages to create from different raw materials, and which is specific to each fragrance. It is the perfume's own signature, authentic and unique. This perfume concentrate is composed of substances entirely from Monsieur Arsène. Since this concentrate absolutely cannot be used as such on the skin, it is diluted with alcohol, the second essential component of the perfume.
- Ethyl alcohol
Ethyl alcohol is the main component of perfumes in terms of concentration. This is the substance that allows the perfume concentrate to be diluted so that it can be applied to the skin. Generally present in 60% to 95% of cases, its volatility allows it to evaporate a few moments after spraying and allows the odors of the perfume to emerge. Alcohol is denatured in the majority of cases in order to make its consumption impossible and to combat illegal alcohol trafficking.
- Other possible components
Some perfumes contain a slight quantity of water and others, more specific, are created without alcohol: the perfume concentrate is in this case diluted in a vegetable oil.
- The different categories
Eau de Cologne is the least concentrated perfume composition, since the perfume concentrate only constitutes 2% to 5% of the total mixture. It therefore remains very light and only remains on the skin for around four hours. Eaux de Cologne were very fashionable in the 18th century, they reflect a clean and neat look with their fresh and light smell. Mostly composed of citrus notes such as mandarin, bergamot or orange blossom, light and volatile tangy notes. Eau de Cologne is generally worn in summer because of its invigorating nature.
Eau de toilette is composed of citrus and floral notes, but can also be a less concentrated version of a perfume extract. Due to its low concentration which makes it more pleasant to smell during hot summer days, eau de toilette is very often worn in the morning for a unique touch of freshness. It can be applied to the skin as well as to clothing and even in addition to a perfume extract.
Eau de parfum has one of the largest dosages: the essence represents between 12% and 20% of the total mixture. The eau de parfum lasts for more than 6 hours, and their concentration means that they are neither too heady nor too light: their trail is significant without being too strong. Obviously their price is higher than eau de Cologne or eau de toilette, due to the more concentrated essence. Eau de parfum is worn during the work day, during walks and outings with friends. It evaporates slowly due to often powerful base notes such as cedar, vetiver or patchouli. At Monsieur Arsène, we have chosen to only develop eau de parfums.
The perfume extract or perfume contains an essence concentration rate which varies from 20 to 40%. They are very powerful and have very powerful hold and sillage. It happens that a perfume persists for several days. Perfume extracts do not go unnoticed and should be used in small quantities. For this reason, they are used for well-marked events, where you want to stand out. It is entirely possible to choose the perfume extract as a daily fragrance, in complete elegance.