Extrait de Parfum vs Eau de Parfum vs Eau de Toilette: What's the Difference?

It's all about concentration

Every perfume is a blend of fragrance oils diluted in alcohol. The more oil, the richer the fragrance. Exact percentages vary from house to house, but the categories follow a broad pattern.

• Extrait de parfum: the most concentrated, often around 20% fragrance oil or more
• Eau de parfum (EDP): roughly 15–20%, the most popular balance of richness and projection
• Eau de toilette (EDT): roughly 5–15%, lighter, brighter and fresher

How each one wears

An extrait de parfum wears close to the skin and evolves slowly. Its heart and base notes are pronounced, and it generally lasts the longest. One or two sprays are usually enough.

An eau de parfum projects more in the first hours and still lasts well, which makes it a versatile everyday choice. An eau de toilette opens brightly and feels airy, ideal for daytime, the office and hot weather, though you may want to reapply later in the day.

Which should you choose?

Think about when and where you will wear it. In Pakistan's summer heat, lighter concentrations and fresh notes feel more comfortable, while heat also makes any fragrance project more. In winter and at evening events, the depth of an extrait or EDP comes into its own.

• Weddings, evenings and winter: extrait de parfum or eau de parfum
• Office and everyday wear: eau de parfum or eau de toilette
• Hot days and the gym: eau de toilette

Concentration at Scenses

Our extraits are Midnight Oud, Heritage Blend and L'Architecture No. 1. Obsidian Drift and Silk Petals are eaux de parfum, and Citrus Monolith is a fresh eau de toilette. Every fragrance is Rs. 2,000 for 30ml and Rs. 3,000 for 50ml.