Eau de toilette, eau de parfum, extrait: what is the difference?

The same perfume often comes in several versions: eau de toilette, eau de parfum, parfum or extrait. The name mainly tells you the concentration of perfume oils, but the difference does not stop there.

Concentration

As a rough guide, an eau de toilette usually contains around 5 to 15% perfume concentrate, an eau de parfum around 15 to 20%, and an extrait more still. These figures vary from house to house: there is no official rule.

What changes on the skin

• Longevity: the higher the concentration, the longer the perfume usually lasts.
• Projection: an eau de toilette often radiates more at first, while an extrait sits closer to the skin.
• Character: versions are not always simple dilutions. Perfumers often adjust the formula, which changes the balance of the notes.

Two examples

Dior Sauvage comes as an eau de toilette, an eau de parfum and a parfum. The eau de toilette focuses on peppery freshness, while the later versions become rounder and warmer.

Baccarat Rouge 540 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian comes as an eau de parfum and an extrait. The extrait adds a bitter almond note that makes it denser.

Which one to choose?

• For summer, the office, or if you like lightness: the eau de toilette.
• For everyday wear with good longevity: the eau de parfum.
• For evenings and a closer but lasting presence: the extrait.

Trying it on your skin is still best. On Fragist, each version has its own page, so you can compare prices for each.