Parfum vs EDP vs EDT vs EDC: Perfume Concentrations Guide

Parfum, EDP, EDT, EDC — the smallest words on the box make the biggest difference to how a fragrance performs. They describe concentration: the percentage of pure fragrance oil dissolved in the alcohol base. More oil means more intensity, more hours, and usually more money.

The four main concentrations

Parfum (Extrait de Parfum) — 20 to 40 percent oil

The richest form. Parfum sits close to the skin, projects gently, and can last twelve hours or more. It is usually dabbed rather than sprayed and priced at the very top of a line. Best for special occasions and fragrance devotees.

Eau de Parfum (EDP) — 15 to 20 percent oil

The modern sweet spot. An EDP gives you six to eight hours of wear, confident but controlled projection, and a full development from top notes to dry-down. Most contemporary releases — including every fragrance in the iLAVIN collection — are EDP strength, because it balances performance and versatility best.

Eau de Toilette (EDT) — 5 to 15 percent oil

Lighter and brighter. EDTs push the fresh top notes forward, last around three to five hours, and suit daytime, hot weather and office environments where subtlety matters. Expect to reapply after lunch.

Eau de Cologne (EDC) — 2 to 5 percent oil

The lightest traditional form: a splash of citrus freshness that lasts an hour or two. Think of it as a refresher, not an all-day scent.

Quick comparison

• Parfum: 20-40 percent oil · 10-12+ hours · intimate projection
• EDP: 15-20 percent oil · 6-8 hours · moderate-strong projection
• EDT: 5-15 percent oil · 3-5 hours · light-moderate projection
• EDC: 2-5 percent oil · 1-2 hours · very light projection

Concentration is not the whole story

Two EDPs can perform very differently. Why?

• Note composition. Heavy base materials — amber, tonka, oud, musks — outlast citrus regardless of concentration. A woody oriental EDT can outlive a citrus EDP.
• Formula quality. How much is spent on fragrance oil versus packaging varies wildly between houses; the label cannot tell you that part.
• Your skin. Dry skin releases scent faster; oily skin holds it longer. Technique helps too — see our tips for making perfume last longer.

Which should you buy?

• Daily office wear: EDP applied lightly, or an EDT if your workplace prefers subtlety
• Evenings and events: EDP or parfum in an oriental, woody or gourmand profile — something like Smoked Amber at EDP strength easily carries a winter evening
• Hot, humid climates: fresh EDPs used sparingly beat weak EDCs — two sprays, not six
• Value per wear: EDP almost always wins; the extra hours outweigh the modest price difference over an EDT

Reading the label like a pro

Concentration bands are conventions, not legal standards, so treat them as a guide. A trustworthy house will tell you the concentration plainly. When a price looks too high for what is in the bottle, remember you may be paying for the box — our article on why price does not equal quality breaks down where the money really goes.