Cologne is commonly described as being either "EDT" or "EDP."
Aside from sounding like confusing directions at a French train station, the difference between EDT and EDP is important for cologne lovers to know about.
So read on, and take a walk into the light and may you never be discombobulated at the cologne counter (or website *1000 Scents*) again...
"EDT" and "EDP" indicate the concentration of the actual "perfume" in the fragrance (not to worry, gents, we're using perfume inclusively here). Essentially, the labels EDT and EDP describe the ratio of the oils (the actual "perfume") to the remaining liquid (alcohol, and oftentimes water). On 1000 Scents bottles the colour of label indicates whether the scent is an EDP or EDT! It is quite simple, the grey labels indicate that the scent is an EDP while the white labels indicate that the scent is an EDT! For example, the cover photo for this blog shows that Prada Luna Rossa, JPG Cologne, and Givenchy Pi are EDTs while the Coach Platinum is an EDP.
The greater the concentration of the oils, and the less diluted the fragrance, oils, the stronger and longer lasting the fragrance.
Why would fragrance makers water down their own creation? Because otherwise the fragrance can be quite potent.
Very potent.
Diluting the fragrance also makes it easier to actually spray.
In addition to the common EDT and EDP, there are other labels you may have come across. We'll begin by breaking down the least concentrated to the most concentrated...
Eau Fraiche
Eau Fraiche is the least concentrated of all fragrances, typically with about 1-3% concentration. This type of fragrance is highly uncommon and we wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve never actually came across a cologne that was labelled Eau Fraiche.
Eau De Cologne (EDC)
Although not exclusively applied to cologne, EDC has the lowest oil concentrations of the five major fragrance classifiers, and is noted for often containing strong notes of citrus. Eau De Cologne has a concentration of around 2-5%, and therefore, lasts approximately 2 hours, depending of course on the number of sprays applied, among other factors.
EDC isn't as common, and despite the word "cologne" in the name, most colognes aren't typically EDC. In fact, in 1000 Scent's over 250+ cologne selections that we carry, little to none are actually EDC.
You're far more likely to find the following name on the colognes we offer as well as in stores...
Eau De Toilette (EDT)
EDT is a much more popular type of fragrance. With a concentration ranging between 10 -15%, EDTs tend to dissipate faster than other, more concentrated types of fragrance on this list. That being said, EDTs tend to offer the best bang for a wearer’s buck, as they tend to be cheaper than other types.
Along with EDPs, EDTs are the most common types of cologne and we guarantee that you’ve at least owned a bottle of EDT, or are currently wearing a cologne with this concentration.
Paco Rabanne Invictus Aqua is just one example of many EDTs that we carry!
Eau De Parfum (EDP)
Eau De Parfum is a very common concentration of cologne (or perfume). EDP is more concentrated than Eau De Toilette (EDT), with a concentration between 15-20%. EDPs tend to last between four to five hours, depending of course on the number of sprays. They also aren’t often that much more expensive than their slightly less concentrated EDT counterparts.
Interestingly, EDPs tend to be slightly nicer on sensitive skin.
Dolce & Gabbana Intenso is just one example of many EDPs that we carry!
And now, with the most concentrated type of fragrance...
Parfum
With a concentration of 20% or higher, generally within the 20-30% range, Parfums make up the most concentrated type of fragrance on this list. And no, Parfums aren’t just for the ladies, but for gents, too!
Parfums may last anywhere around six to eight hours due to their high concentration.
Interestingly, EDPs tend to be slightly nicer on sensitive skin. Why? Because Parfums are less diluted, thereby having less alcohol, which can make the scent easier on those with sensitive skin.
Now, with your knowledge of all the major fragrance classifiers you can go out armed with this knowledge to test and amass various colognes of your choosing.
Which is where 1000 Scents comes in.
Receive a high-quality cologne each month, and enjoy a variety of the greatest scents known to man.
And don’t worry, we won’t send you any Eau Fraiche (ha)!
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