Eau de parfum, extrait de parfum: on the same shelf, these two terms appear again and again. They do not indicate the style of the perfume, but its concentration. And that changes how it is worn.
What is concentration?
A perfume is made up of a blend of fragrance materials diluted in alcohol. The concentration corresponds to the proportion of fragrance materials in the bottle. There is no official standard; each house sets its own dosages, but we generally find these ranges:
- Eau de toilette: around 5 to 15%
- Eau de parfum: around 15 to 20%
- Extrait de parfum: around 20% and above
Eau de parfum: the balance
Eau de parfum is now the most common concentration. It offers a good balance between presence, longevity, and price, and is suitable for almost any occasion, from the office to evening events. The vast majority of oriental perfumes, such as Khamrah or Yara Elixir, are available in this form.
Extrait de parfum: the intensity
More concentrated, extrait de parfum is generally richer and denser. It tends to evolve more slowly on the skin and last longer. It is often worn closer to the body: one or two sprays are enough.
With us, you will find, for example, Aether and Royal Blend Nero by French Avenue, as well as Club de Nuit Precieux I by Armaf in extrait form.
Discover Aether · Discover Royal Blend Nero · Discover Club de Nuit Precieux I
Concentration and longevity: beware of shortcuts
A higher concentration often helps with longevity, but it is not the only factor. A woody or amber perfume will naturally last longer than a very fresh and citrusy perfume, regardless of its concentration. Your skin type, the temperature, and the way you apply the perfume also play a major role.
Finally, keep in mind that the same perfume name can exist in several versions that do not smell exactly the same. An extrait version is not always simply a more concentrated copy: the perfumer often adjusts the formula.
Which one to choose?
If you are looking for a versatile everyday perfume, eau de parfum is the safest choice. If you want a richer perfume that you will wear mainly in the evening or in cold weather, the extrait is worth trying.
To make your perfume last longer regardless of its concentration, read our tips: How to apply an oriental perfume so that it lasts longer.