Extrait de Parfum (also called Parfum or pure perfume) is the highest concentration of fragrance available, containing 20–30% aromatic compounds in an alcohol base. It lasts the longest (8–16+ hours), projects moderately, and costs the most per bottle — but less per hour of wear. Here's how every concentration level compares.
| Concentration | Aromatic % | Longevity | Projection | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extrait de Parfum | 20–30% | 8–16+ hours | Moderate to heavy | €€€€ |
| Eau de Parfum (EDP) | 15–20% | 6–10 hours | Moderate | €€€ |
| Eau de Toilette (EDT) | 5–15% | 3–6 hours | Light to moderate | €€ |
| Eau de Cologne (EDC) | 2–5% | 1–3 hours | Light | € |
| Eau Fraîche | 1–3% | 1–2 hours | Very light | € |
The concentration percentage determines how many fragrance molecules are deposited on your skin per spray. Higher concentration means more molecules, which means longer longevity and (usually) greater projection. But it also changes the character of the scent — higher concentrations reveal deeper base notes that get lost at lower concentrations.
An EDT version of a fragrance and an Extrait of the same fragrance are not the same scent at different volumes. The Extrait will have a richer, deeper, more complex character because molecules that are too scarce to perceive at 10% concentration become fully expressed at 30%.
Extrait de Parfum looks expensive per bottle but is often cheaper per hour of wear. A €150 Extrait that lasts 12 hours costs €0.50 per hour of wear. A €80 EDT that lasts 4 hours costs €0.80 per hour — and you need to reapply, using the bottle faster.
| Extrait (30%) | EDP (20%) | EDT (10%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical price/100ml | €150–300 | €80–180 | €50–120 |
| Sprays per application | 2–3 | 3–4 | 4–6 |
| Applications per 100ml | ~400 | ~300 | ~200 |
| Hours per application | 10–14 | 6–8 | 3–5 |
| Total wear hours/bottle | ~4,000–5,600 | ~1,800–2,400 | ~600–1,000 |
| Cost per hour | €0.03–0.08 | €0.03–0.10 | €0.05–0.20 |
Concentration isn't the only factor — the carrier matters too. Alcohol-based fragrances (sprays) project into the room because alcohol evaporates quickly, carrying volatile molecules with it. Oil-based fragrances (rollers, droppers) stay close to skin because oils don't evaporate. Oil fragrances at 20% concentration can outlast alcohol fragrances at 30% — they just project less.
| Alcohol Carrier | Oil Carrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Projection | Moderate to heavy | Skin-close (0–2 feet) |
| Longevity | 6–14 hours | 8–24+ hours |
| Application | Spray | Roll-on, dabber, or dropper |
| Best for | Social settings, projection | Date night, intimate settings |
| Flash-off | Yes (first 5–10 min alcohol burn) | No (smooth from first second) |
Explore the full system — sprays and oils
Extrait de Parfum (also called Parfum or pure perfume) is the strongest commercially available fragrance concentration, containing 20–30% aromatic compounds. It lasts 8–16+ hours and requires fewer sprays per application than lighter concentrations.
Eau de Parfum (15–20% concentration) lasts longer (6–10 hours) and has better projection than Eau de Toilette (5–15%, 3–6 hours). EDP is better for all-day wear. EDT is better for light, refreshing applications in warm weather or short outings.
Extrait de Parfum uses 2–3x more fragrance oil per bottle than EDP or EDT. The raw materials cost more. However, because it lasts longer and requires fewer sprays, the cost per hour of wear is often comparable to or cheaper than lighter concentrations.
Two to three sprays is sufficient for Extrait de Parfum. One to the chest, one to the neck, optionally one to a wrist. The high concentration means each spray deposits significantly more fragrance molecules than an EDT spray.