Cologne / Eau de Parfum / Parfum / Attar
Formats
Concentration tells you how much aromatic material a fragrance contains, but it does not explain everything. Formula, notes, skin, climate and application also matter.
More aromatic oil does not always mean a better perfume, but it usually adds body and fixation.
It depends on formula, skin, climate, dose and raw materials; percentage is only a guide.
Lighter versions often open fresher; denser ones tend to sit closer to the skin.
The higher the concentration, the fewer sprays and the more care needed in enclosed spaces.
Quick comparison
Main types and estimated duration
| Type | Typical concentration | Estimated duration | Effect in real use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eau Fraiche | 1-3% | 1-2 hours | Ideal for extreme heat, sport or reapplying without intruding. The trail fades quickly. |
| Eau de Cologne | 2-5% | 2-4 hours | It lasts briefly on skin, but is comfortable for summer, close office settings or generous use. |
| Eau de Toilette | 5-15% | 3-6 hours | It can project more than an Eau de Parfum at first, although it usually fades sooner. |
| Eau de Parfum | 15-20% | 5-8 hours | A strong balance between presence and duration; adjust the dose indoors. |
| Parfum / Extrait | 20-40% | 8-12+ hours | It lasts a long time, but does not always project more. It often creates an intimate and persistent bubble. |
| Attar / Ittar | Concentrated oil | 6-12+ hours | High fixation and slow evolution. It projects less than an alcoholic spray but remains for a long time. |
| Perfume oil | Perfumed oil | 4-10 hours | It stays close to the skin and lasts well, although it creates less aromatic cloud around you. |
Format description
What to expect from each concentration
Eau Fraiche
The lightest option. A strong impression of perfumed water, citrus or clean notes, with little persistence.
Duration: 1-2 hours. Ideal for extreme heat, sport or reapplying without intruding. The trail fades quickly.
Eau de Cologne
Traditionally fresh, citrus and aromatic. It usually feels bright at first and very transparent afterwards.
Duration: 2-4 hours. It lasts briefly on skin, but is comfortable for summer, close office settings or generous use.
Eau de Toilette
A versátile daily format. It keeps a noticeable opening, good initial diffusion and moderate body.
Duration: 3-6 hours. It can project more than an Eau de Parfum at first, although it usually fades sooner.
Eau de Parfum
A very common concentration in modern perfumery. It usually has more base, sweetness, wood, amber or musk.
Duration: 5-8 hours. A strong balance between presence and duration; adjust the dose indoors.
Parfum / Extrait
The most concentrated version in alcoholic perfumery. It can feel richer, denser and closer to the skin.
Duration: 8-12+ hours. It lasts a long time, but does not always project more. It often creates an intimate and persistent bubble.
Attar / Ittar
Oil perfume, common in Arab and Indían traditions. It is applied in small amounts on skin.
Duration: 6-12+ hours. High fixation and slow evolution. It projects less than an alcoholic spray but remains for a long time.
Perfume oil
Oil format with a carrier base. It can be minimalist, clean, sweet or inspired by known perfumes.
Duration: 4-10 hours. It stays close to the skin and lasts well, although it creates less aromatic cloud around you.
Practical reading
How it really affects duration
Do not buy by percentage alone
Two perfumes at the same 18% can last differently if one uses light citrus and the other uses resins, woods or musks.
Skin changes duration
Dry skin, heat, sweat and clothing friction can shorten perfume life. Moisturizing first helps fixation.
Fabric retains more
A spray on clothing usually lasts longer than on skin, but test first to avoid stains on delicate fabrics.
Intensity is not linear
An extrait can feel softer than an EDT if it is formulated to stay close to the skin.