Difference between cologne, perfume, eau de toilette and eau de parfum

In the world of perfumery, there are not only thousands of scents, but also different types of fragrances: cologne, perfume, eau de toilette, and eau de parfum. While their names may sound familiar, you might not know the difference between them, or you might even think they're the same. But they're not!

At divain we want to make things easier for you, so we'll explain the difference between perfume, cologne, and eau de toiletteso you can choose the one that best suits your needs at any given time.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EAU DE TOILETTE, EAU DE PARFUM, AND PERFUME

Let's start by pointing out the differences between eau de toilette, eau de parfum (EDP), and perfume because it's undoubtedly the million-dollar question in the world of perfumery. And that's understandable, because these three formats are the most widespread on the market. Let's see exactly what each of them consists of.

EAU DE TOILETTE

The formula known aseau de toilette or cologne, has a concentration of between 8 and 15% essential oil diluted in ethyl alcohol.

Having a relatively low concentration of essence, its price is much lower than that of EDP while offering similar performance.

Among its most striking characteristics are that its aromas are usually Citrusy and fresh, as its main objective is to create that refreshing feeling you get after a dip in icy water. It's a very common format because it's very economical, and it's sold mainly in pharmacies and supermarkets. An example is .

EAU DE PARFUM

The eau de parfum (EDP) is the middle scale between the eau de toilette and the perfumeSince its concentration is between 16-18% essence diluted in water and alcohol, which makes the fragrance last much longer, up to 6 hours

This type of format is the ideal alternative to perfumes, as they are much more economical but have a very acceptable intensity.

Perfume is the pinnacle of the perfume world. The authentic one, since the other formats we've discussed are derived from it. Its origins date back to Roman times, when they used it to mask the strong body odor caused by a lack of bathing.

Perfume concentrations reach a remarkable 20-30% essential oil, giving it the longest-lasting and most intense scent on the market. Furthermore, the essence is diluted with less alcohol, which considerably reduces negative effects on sensitive skin. Currently, there are very exclusive perfume brands specializing in niche perfumes, for both men and women. These are clear examples of this, as they produce perfumes of excellent quality with a completely unique delicacy and aromatic composition.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COLOGNE AND EAU DE TOILETTE (OR COLOGNE WATER)

It's easy to think they're the same, but cologne and cologne water are very, very different. The concentration percentage of the essence varies considerably from one product to another.

Invented in the German city of the same name, this composition stands out for having one of the lowest concentrations of essential oils on the market, ranging from 1% to 8% depending on the brand. This essential oil is diluted in ethyl alcohol (ethanol), resulting in rapid volatility and a short duration of scent. Its scents tend towards freshness, a result of the use of citrus oils. As you can see, the cologne is a super lightweight format, making it the perfect companion for sleeping or for use during the summer months when the heat is relentless.

Eau de toilette is also light and fresh, but it has a major advantage over cologne: it lasts much longer, since, as we mentioned earlier, its concentration ranges from 8 to 15%. Its scent can last up to three hours on your skin.

And don't worry, because if you're in love with the scent of a perfume but can't spend a lot of money, it's quite likely that it has a version in both eau de parfum and eau de toilette. Although the best option is always to take a look at our catalog of imitation perfumes. That way you're sure to find your favorite perfume at the best price!