Parfum Vs. Eau De Toilet

Fragrance Shop

Parfum and eau de toilet represent two levels in a range of fragrance intensities. Choice of parfum versus eau de toilet involves a basic understanding of fragrance intensities and must be considered in context of the environment you will wear the fragrance.

Fragrance Intensities

The palette of personal fragrance intensities includes at least six fragrance strengths, the strongest being parfum and the mildest being body spray, according to "Perfume Tips" at tips.become.com. Parfum is the strongest fragrance level. Whereas, eau de toilet is a mid-range intensity (eau de cologne and body spray being milder still.)

Fragrance Level Distinctions

Fragrance strength comes about through interaction of two factors: amount of essential oils, or extract, versus amount of filler such as coconut oil or alcohol in the specific product. The higher the level of essential oils, or extract, the stronger the fragrance; the higher relative amount of filler the milder the fragrance.

How and When

For functional purposes parfum versus eau de toilet involves personal choice and the environment in which you plan to wear the scent. Protocol may, for instance dictate a stronger fragrance level as inappropriate to an office environment.

Popular Examples

Some popular examples of parfum include: White Shoulders, Juicy Couture, and Halle Berry. Some popular examples of Eau de Toilet include: Celene Dion, Shania, and Charlie.

Final Consideration

One final consideration in making a personal choice: skin characteristics affect the intensity and retention of fragrance, according to "Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum?" at fragrancenet.com. Thus, someone with dry skin may prefer a higher fragrance intensity than someone with oily skin, since the moisture of oily skin enhances fragrance retention.

References

• Perfume Tips
• Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum