What is the difference between eau de parfum and eau de toilette?

Previously, I thought eau de toilette was a bathroom spray and eau de parfum was just a fancy way of saying perfume. Spoiler alert: I was very wrong.

But it got me thinking, I can’t be the only one who has struggled with these perfume terms.

So let’s break them down together...

How should I pronounce them?

If we’re going to be experts, we can’t keep butchering eau de toilette it into ‘eh de toilet’. It should actually be pronounced as ‘oh duh twah’let’.

Eau de parfum is a little more straightforward. But just for safety, it shoud be pronounced as ‘oh duh pah’foom’.

What do they mean?

All of these names refer to the fragrance concentration. A high fragrance concentration means that there is more perfume oils and less alcohol. While eau de toilette and eau de parfum are the most commonly confused, fragrances can also categorised as parfum, eau de cologne and eau fraiche.

It's a good idea to pay attention to these names because they can be an indication of the intensity, price and how long the perfume will last.

What’s the difference?

Basically, eau de parfum is a stronger perfume than eau de toilette.

Eau de parfum usually has a fragrance concentration of between 15 and 20 per cent and will generally last for four to five hours. On the other hand, eau de toilette has a fragrance concentration of between five and 15 per cent. On average, it will last for about two to three hours.

If you’re looking for an eau de parfum, our members love the Lancôme Trésor Eau de Parfum, Chi Chi Marshmallow Eau De Parfum and Estée Lauder Beautiful.

If you would rather an eau de toilette, our members also love the Ermenegildo Zegna Z Zegna, Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme Eau de Toilette and Crabtree & Evelyn Rosewater Eau de Toilette.

Do you have a preference between eau de toilette and eau de parfum? What is your go-to fragrance?

58 Member Comments

Laura M 6 Feb 2018 5:12 PM

omg I learnt something today - quality article!

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shannonkrueger 16 Nov 2017 5:25 PM

Really useful article. Not sure it will change what I buy though!

Susmat 18 Sep 2017 9:46 AM

I prefer EDP most of the time, year round but if it's really hot then an EDT is more refreshing and not as heavy. My favourite perfume is Estee Lauders Beyond Paradise EDP.

Ellelily 17 Sep 2017 8:48 PM

I love to wear Frankincense Oil and it's lovely I always get comments when I wear it

Jessica712 17 Sep 2017 7:44 PM

I love both. EDT is usually a bit cheaper so that's a bonus.

Sally10 17 Sep 2017 5:08 PM

I love perfume and wear it most days.

Meedee 17 Sep 2017 10:19 AM

I wear scent daily and if im going out at night which isnt often then i will wear a different scent to my daytime one. When i travel I love to take a collection of sample vials with me which means I can change my scent often without having to carry huge bottles of scent around with me. EDP is my favorite as I love a scent to last.

Shop A Everyday 16 Sep 2017 8:22 PM

I always prefer EDP, it is stronger, so it does last longer plus the true notes of the perfume really come through

MelissaFay89 16 Sep 2017 6:37 PM

I haven't been wearing much perfume of late, far too busy to remember

AndreaJW 16 Sep 2017 2:53 PM

This was very informative as i didn't know the difference so thanks.

jillian206 16 Sep 2017 2:15 PM

This is quite eductional. I never know the difference.

duality 16 Sep 2017 12:38 PM

Easy way to tell EDP from EDT is the price! I use EDT in warmer weather and EDP in cooler weather or at night.

Ellyloves 16 Sep 2017 12:05 PM

I've stopped wearing perfumes for awhile because I am so sensitive to smells right now.

misfortune8 16 Sep 2017 1:19 AM

I prefer EDT because I'm a migraine sufferer too. I can't wear rose or white flower scents. I own four Chi Chi fragrances. They're quite mild, so I need a few squirts. Fortunately it's cheap.

Arty Girl 15 Sep 2017 7:13 PM

I like a fragrance that lasts so I prefer an eau de parfum. However, I've found that some eau de toilettes last longer than some eau de parfums. For instance, JLo's "Glow" will last practically all day on me though it's an eau de toilette whereas Sex in the City's "Excite" (the authentic version and not a fake) which is supposed to be an eau de parfum, does not. I think that longevity of an eau de toilette also depends on what kind of fragrance notes are in it.

onlyoni 15 Sep 2017 7:06 PM

I can only handle a very subtle fragrance - on me or on anyone else. My sense of smell immediately goes into overdrive as soon as I'm near someone wearing too much perfume. I get an instant headache and I have to escape as soon as possible.

Chrystalage 15 Sep 2017 6:34 PM

Not too keen on store bought EDT but when it's made (DIY) with essential oils, it smells quite nice. Bergamot or other citrus is particularly nice

Princess Perfume 15 Sep 2017 2:25 PM

I love them both! But i do like a parfum as the scent lasts longer. The downsude is they cost $$$

jewl 15 Sep 2017 11:09 AM

I would go for a stronger lasting fragrance

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thelifeoflaura 15 Sep 2017 8:17 AM

Wow there you go! I have never even thought about the differences before!

blackkittykat 14 Sep 2017 9:27 PM

I prefer an eau de parfum, if I can afford it. My absolute favourite fragrance is J'Adore by Christian Dior. I LOVE it!

bh's Ellie Goodman 15 Sep 2017 9:01 AM

I am the same blackkittykat82 - if I can splurge I go for an EDP. I have heard SO many good things about J'adore. I will have to try it out!

Goddess..... 14 Sep 2017 8:49 PM

I like the normal perfume better. The toilette one is cheap more like a spray to me.

jatz 14 Sep 2017 8:20 PM

I do have to be careful with fragrances because I end up with a migraine. I have been known to walk away in a confined area if someone is wearing very strong fragrance.

I always think of eau de toilette as something my mum used to wear.

I love the Elizabeth Arden Femme - it's just beautiful and soft.

maggieball 14 Sep 2017 8:15 PM

Good to know. I've always found eau de parfum too strong and now I know why.

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