Fragrance Strengths Decoded

Not all sprays are created equal. One scent clings to your clothes all day, another disappears before you finish your coffee. The secret? Fragrance concentration — or how much actual perfume oil is in the bottle.

In this guide, we break down the five main types of fragrance strengths — so you’ll know exactly what you’re buying, how long it’ll last, and which type makes the most of your money. Spoiler: it’s Eau de Parfum. Always has been.

Quick Guide

• Parfum – Concentration of perfume oils: 20–40%
• Eau de Parfum – Concentration of perfume oils: 15–20%
• Eau de Toilette – Concentration of perfume oils: 5–15%
• Eau de Cologne – Concentration of perfume oils: 2–5%
• Eau Fraîche – Concentration of perfume oils: 1–3%

What Does “Fragrance Concentration” Mean?

It’s simple: the higher the percentage of perfume oil, the stronger and longer-lasting the scent. The rest is usually alcohol or water, acting as a carrier. A higher oil concentration doesn’t just smell more intense — it sticks around longer and projects better. But that doesn’t always mean it’s the best option. Balance matters.

Parfum (Extrait de Parfum)
20–40% perfume oil concentration

Parfum has the highest oil content of all — up to 40% — which means it’s incredibly rich, dense, and long-lasting. But this strength can often feel overwhelming, especially in warmer weather or close spaces. The scent tends to sit heavier on the skin, and at this price point, you’re paying for potency, not necessarily wearability.

Great if you want something bold and singular, but it’s not always practical for everyday wear.

Eau de Parfum (EDP)
15–20% perfume oil concentration

This is the sweet spot. With 15–20% perfume oil, Eau de Parfum offers a rich, expressive scent profile that lasts for 4 to 6 hours and evolves beautifully throughout the day — without being too overpowering.

It’s the signature strength used in all Delune perfumes, striking the ideal balance between staying power and comfort. Layer it, live in it, let it linger. Whether for everyday elegance or night-out glamour, EDP gives you presence — not perfume fatigue.

Eau de Toilette (EDT)
5–15% perfume oil concentration

A lighter, more affordable option with a cleaner, breezier feel. Eau de Toilette usually contains 5–15% perfume oil and lasts about 3 to 4 hours. It’s often top-note heavy, meaning the scent starts strong but fades quicker and lacks depth.

Best suited for daytime wear or when you want something noncommittal. Think of it as a casual fling, not a long-term romance.

Eau de Cologne (EDC)
2–5% perfume oil concentration

With only 2–5% perfume oil, Eau de Cologne is extremely diluted. The scent fades within 1 to 2 hours, tops. It’s mostly alcohol with a whisper of fragrance — more splash than spritz.

While once traditional in men’s grooming, today EDC is more nostalgia than necessity. If you're after performance and longevity, look higher up the scale.

Eau Fraîche
1–3% perfume oil concentration

The lowest concentration of all. Eau Fraîche contains just 1–3% perfume oil — and instead of alcohol, it’s largely made up of water. It’s light, refreshing, and honestly, barely there.

Best used like a body mist or post-shower splash, but don’t expect it to hang around. This is fragrance at its faintest — and cheapest — form.

Why Eau de Parfum Is the Goldilocks Choice

Not too heavy. Not too faint. Eau de Parfum hits the mark for daily wear, event dressing, and everything in between. It carries richness and depth, without the overkill of pure Parfum or the throwaway feel of Cologne. That’s why all Delune’s perfumes are created at Eau de Parfum strength — it’s where luxury meets longevity.

If you want to smell like yourself — just elevated — this is the way.

Final Notes

Understanding perfume strength means you’re no longer shopping blind. You know what to expect from the bottle before the first spray hits skin. So next time someone says, “Why doesn’t this one last?” you’ll know — it’s not them. It’s the oil content.

At Delune, we believe scent should be wearable art. Choose fragrance with intention — and let your scent story unfold in full strength.