EDT vs EDP vs Parfum: What's the Difference?

Every fragrance is a mixture of aromatic oils (the 'juice') and a solvent (usually alcohol and water). The concentration refers to the percentage of pure aromatic oil in that mixture. As a general rule: Eau de Cologne (EDC) is 2-4%, Eau de Toilette (EDT) is 5-15%, Eau de Parfum (EDP) is 15-20%, and Parfum or Extrait is 20-30% or more.

Here is a secret the fragrance industry rarely explains: higher concentration does not mean the fragrance will project more. In fact, the opposite is often true. Because alcohol evaporates quickly, EDTs often project further and feel 'louder' in the first hour. Parfums contain less alcohol and more oil, meaning they sit closer to the skin but last significantly longer.

When a brand releases an EDP version of an existing EDT (like Bleu de Chanel or Dior Sauvage), they don't just add more oil. The perfumer completely reworks the formula. The EDP will often feature heavier base notes like amber or woods to support the higher concentration, making it an entirely different fragrance rather than just a stronger version of the original.