Antonio Mcgowan
Eau de toilette, or toilet water, is a lightly scented perfume with a high alcohol content. It is typically applied directly to the skin after bathing or shaving. The term toilet water comes from the French eau de toilette, meaning grooming water. Eau de toilette has a weaker concentration of fragrance than perfume (eau de parfum) but more than cologne (eau de cologne). It usually contains about 2–8% perfume oil and 60–80% alcohol, with water making up the difference.
Characteristics and Values of Perfume Toilet Water
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Alcohol and various volatile oils |
| Alcohol content | High |
| Other ingredients | Various, including citrus oils, rosemary, floral extracts, spices, etc. |
| Application | Applied directly to the skin after bathing or shaving |
| Fragrance concentration | Weaker than perfume, stronger than cologne |
| Percentage of perfume oil | 2-8% |
| Percentage of alcohol | 60-80% |
| Water content | Makes up the difference |
| Historical uses | Restorative skin toner, plague preventative, energy restorer |
| Modern uses | Personal fragrance, air freshener |
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What You'll Learn
- Eau de toilette is a less concentrated form of perfume with a high alcohol content
- It typically consists of 2-8% perfume oil, 60-80% alcohol, and water
- Traditional eau de toilettes were named after a principal ingredient, e.g. geranium water, lilac water
- Hungarian eau de toilette is an alcohol-based predecessor of eau de cologne, first produced in the 14th century
- Some eau de toilettes were once considered restorative skin toners with medical benefits
Eau de toilette is a less concentrated form of perfume with a high alcohol content
Eau de toilette, derived from the French phrase "faire sa toilette", which means getting ready, is a less concentrated form of perfume with a high alcohol content. It is also referred to as aromatic or grooming water. Eau de toilette typically has a fragrance concentration of between 5% to 15%, with about 2–8% of perfume oil and 60–80% alcohol dispersant, with water making up the difference. It is cheaper than eau de parfum and is one of the most popular types of fragrances available.
Eau de toilette is usually applied directly to the skin after bathing or shaving. It is composed of alcohol and various volatile oils. Traditionally, these products were named after a principal ingredient, like geranium water, lavender water, lilac water, violet water, spirit of myrcia, and "eau de Bretfeld". Because of this, eau de toilette was sometimes referred to as "toilet water".
In modern perfumery, eau de toilette has a less concentrated fragrance than perfume (eau de parfum) and more than cologne (eau de cologne). The concentration of aromatic ingredients is typically in ascending order, starting with eau de toilette, followed by eau de parfum, and finally parfum.
Eau de toilettes are a less concentrated form of alcohol-based perfumes. Traditionally, colognes are made using citrus oils and fragrances, while eau de toilettes are not limited to this specification. Hungarian eau de toilette, an alcohol-based predecessor of eau de cologne, was first produced in the 14th century, supposedly by a Hungarian man for Queen Elizabeth of Hungary.
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It typically consists of 2-8% perfume oil, 60-80% alcohol, and water
Toilet water, or eau de toilette, is a lightly scented perfume with a high alcohol content. It is usually applied directly to the skin after bathing or shaving.
Eau de toilette typically consists of 2-8% perfume oil, 60-80% alcohol, and water. This makes it a less concentrated form of alcohol-based perfumes. The perfume oil is often diluted with a solvent, the most common being ethanol or a mixture of ethanol and water.
The concentration of aromatic ingredients in eau de toilette is less than that of perfume (eau de parfum) but more than cologne (eau de cologne). Colognes typically contain about 3-5% perfume oil and 80-90% alcohol, with 5-15% water.
In comparison, perfumes have a higher concentration of perfume oils, typically containing about 10-20% perfume oils mixed with alcohol and a trace of water.
The name "toilette" or "toilet" refers to personal grooming and predates the modern sense of the word "toilet".
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Traditional eau de toilettes were named after a principal ingredient, e.g. geranium water, lilac water
The French term "toilette" refers to the ritual of preparing oneself for the day ahead, encompassing activities such as washing, performing beauty rituals, and applying fragrances. Eau de toilette, or "toilet water," is a type of lightly scented perfume with a high alcohol content. It is typically composed of alcohol and volatile oils, and is applied directly to the skin after bathing or shaving.
Traditional eau de toilettes were often named after their principal ingredient. For example, geranium water, lilac water, lavender water, violet water, and spirit of myrcia are all varieties of eau de toilette named for their key components. This naming convention reflects the historical practice of creating fragrances centred around a specific, dominant scent. These eau de toilettes were essentially scented waters used to perfume the body and hair.
Geranium water, for instance, would feature the aroma of geranium flowers as its central note. Similarly, lilac water would be characterised by the scent of lilac blossoms. These fragrances were crafted to showcase the natural essence of the named ingredient, creating a simple yet evocative olfactory experience.
In addition to their delightful aromas, some eau de toilettes were once believed to possess restorative and medicinal properties. For instance, during the 14th to 16th centuries, a type of eau de toilette known as "plague water" was thought to ward off the bubonic plague. Another example is Carmelite Water, prepared for Charles V of France in 1379, which contained lemon balm, orange flower, angelica root, and spices.
Today, eau de toilettes continue to be valued for their delicate fragrances, offering a lighter and less concentrated alternative to perfumes and colognes. They are perfect for everyday wear, providing a subtle scent that gradually unfolds over the course of several hours.
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Hungarian eau de toilette is an alcohol-based predecessor of eau de cologne, first produced in the 14th century
Hungarian eau de toilette, also known as Hungary Water, is an alcohol-based perfume and the predecessor of eau de cologne. It was first produced in the 14th century, supposedly by a Hungarian man for Queen Elisabeth of Hungary. However, the exact date of its invention and its creator are unknown. According to legend, it was formulated at the command of Queen Elizabeth of Hungary, sometimes identified as Queen Isabella of Hungary or, in one document, "Saint Elisabeth, Queen of Hungary".
The eau de toilette was called "eau de la reine de hongrie" or the Queen of Hungary's Water, and it contained the herb rosemary, which allowed the scent to evaporate slowly on the skin. It is considered one of the first alcohol-based perfumes in Europe, with the oldest surviving recipes calling for the distillation of fresh rosemary and thyme with brandy. Later formulations contain additional ingredients such as wine, lavender, mint, sage, marjoram, costus, orange blossom, and lemon.
Hungary Water was made through a distillation process that included concentrating the ingredients. It was used by men, women, and children, and its dosage varied depending on the ailment it was being used for. It was also recommended to be added to other prepared distilled waters and used when washing the face to prevent irritation and breakouts. It was even believed to help maintain a youthful appearance and beauty.
The use of Hungary Water became popular across Europe, and it was first introduced outside of Hungary in 1370 when Charles V of France received some. Until Eau de Cologne appeared in the 18th century, Hungary Water was the most popular fragrance.
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Some eau de toilettes were once considered restorative skin toners with medical benefits
Eau de toilette, or "grooming water" in French, is a lightly scented perfume with a high alcohol content. It is typically applied directly to the skin after bathing or shaving. Traditionally, eau de toilettes were named after their principal ingredient, such as geranium water, lavender water, or lilac water. Due to this, they were sometimes referred to as "toilet water".
Historically, some eau de toilettes were considered to have restorative and medicinal properties. For example, during the 14th to 16th centuries, a type of eau de toilette known as "plague water" was believed to ward off the bubonic plague. Another variety, called "Carmelite Water", was prepared for Charles V of France in 1379 by nuns in a Carmelite abbey. It contained lemon balm, orange flower, angelica root, and spices.
The "Medical Record", a journal, reported in 1905 that a toilet water spray could restore energy lost in various situations. Eau de toilettes were also used by royalty to perfume their clothing. For instance, King Louis XIV of France used a mixture of scents called "heavenly water", which included aloewood, musk, orange flower, rose water, and spices.
Today, eau de toilettes are primarily valued for their fragrance rather than medicinal properties. However, some modern toners also have restorative properties for the skin. These typically fall into two categories: exfoliating and hydrating. For instance, the Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray is recommended for all skin types and can soothe inflammation and prevent breakouts. Similarly, the CeraVe Hydrating Toner is an affordable option that helps to remove residue and lock in moisture, leaving the skin hydrated.
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