Exploring La Toilette Perfumes And Colognes: What's The Difference?

Fragrances are largely the same, but they are given a name based on their concentration of oil in alcohol and water. The difference between perfume and cologne is based on the concentration of fragrance oils. Perfume is the most concentrated form of fragrance, so a small amount goes a long way. It is typically made with 20-30% aromatic compounds in an oil or alcohol base and can last up to 24 hours on the skin. Cologne is considered a lighter form of fragrance than perfume because it typically contains only 2–8% aromatic oils in an alcohol base. Cologne is the most diluted version of perfume. Eau de toilette has a fragrance concentration of between 5% to 15%. It is cheaper than eau de parfum and is one of the most popular types of fragrances available. It will normally last two to three hours and is considered by some as daywear.

Concentration of oils and longevity

The difference between perfume, cologne, and eau de toilette lies in the concentration of oils and, as a result, their longevity. The higher the concentration of oils, the longer the fragrance will last.

Perfumes have the highest concentration of fragrance, typically containing 20-30% aromatic compounds in an oil or alcohol base. This means that a small amount goes a long way and the scent can last up to 24 hours on the skin. Due to its high concentration, perfume is the most expensive type of fragrance.

Eau de parfum (EDP) has the next highest concentration, with oil concentrations between 15-20%. This fragrance type can last around 8 hours and is considered more reliable for all occasions, making it the most common fragrance category.

Eau de toilette (EDT) has a lower concentration of oils, typically containing 5-15% aromatic compounds. It is cheaper than EDP and is one of the most popular types of fragrances. EDT will normally last for 2-5 hours and is considered daywear.

Cologne, or eau de cologne (EDC), has the lowest concentration of oils, typically containing only 2-4% aromatic oils in an alcohol base. This makes it perfect for everyday wear and it is usually cheaper than EDT. However, due to its low concentration, cologne generally fades much faster and may only last for a couple of hours after application.

Therefore, the main difference between these fragrances is the concentration of oils, which affects their longevity and price. Higher concentrations of oils result in longer-lasting fragrances that are more expensive, while lower concentrations are less expensive and require more frequent reapplication.

Price

The price of a fragrance is largely determined by its concentration of perfume oil. As a result, perfume oil is the most expensive ingredient in fragrances, and products with a higher concentration of perfume oil will be sold at a higher price.

Perfumes, or parfums, have the highest concentration of fragrance, with more than 20% oil concentration. This means that perfumes are likely to be the most expensive type of fragrance, demanding the highest price. Eau de parfum (EDP) has the next highest concentration, with an oil concentration of between 15-20%. This type of fragrance is also likely to be more expensive than eau de toilette (EDT), which has a lower concentration of perfume oil. EDTs have a concentration of between 5-15% and are one of the most popular types of fragrances available. Due to their lower concentration of perfume oil, EDTs are cheaper than EDPs and are suitable options for those seeking a lighter, everyday scent.

Eau de colognes (EDCs) have a much lower concentration of perfume oil, at about 2-4%, and a high alcohol content. As a result, they are considerably cheaper than perfumes, EDPs, and EDTs. EDCs are typically marketed towards men and are often used in fragrances for younger people.

Gendered marketing

History of Gender in Fragrance Marketing

The association of fragrances with gender is a relatively modern concept. In ancient times, wearing perfume was a sign of status and wealth, with no distinction made between the genders. It was only in the 19th century, with the rise of the middle class and changing gender roles, that the fragrance industry began to arbitrarily classify their products as either masculine or feminine. The middle-class man worked outside the home, while the woman's domain was the domestic sphere. Fragrance companies capitalised on these evolving gender roles, positioning their products to align with these new social norms.

Marketing Strategies and Gender Stereotypes

The marketing of fragrances to men and women often relied on and reinforced gender stereotypes. For women, delicate floral fragrances were packaged in elegant, curved bottles and marketed with images of the feminine ideal. For men, bold and sophisticated scents were presented in streamlined, no-frills bottles, with advertisements featuring successful, aspirational men. These gendered marketing strategies served to reinforce societal expectations of how men and women should present themselves.

Impact of Advertising

Advertising played a significant role in perpetuating and amplifying these gender stereotypes. Ads targeted at women often featured sensualised images and emphasised idealised femininity. On the other hand, ads for men's fragrances emphasised boldness and strength, appealing to the aspirational working man. The language used in these ads also contributed to the gendering of fragrances, with terms like "sensuality", "eroticism", and "mystery" often associated with women's perfumes, while "bold", "fresh", and "spicy" were used to describe men's colognes.

Challenging Gender Norms

In recent years, there has been a pushback against these rigid gender norms in the fragrance industry. The rise of LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance has brought gender fluidity into the social consciousness. Younger generations are challenging the restrictions of toxic masculinity and patriarchal gender roles, and this is reflected in their consumption choices. There is a growing trend towards unisex and genderless fragrances, with consumers seeking scents that reflect their individuality and values beyond binary gender roles.

While the fragrance industry has historically reinforced gender norms through its marketing strategies, societal changes and evolving consumer preferences are challenging these norms. The modern consumer is less concerned with which scent is for whom and more focused on finding a fragrance that aligns with their personal expression. This shift has forced fragrance companies to rethink their commercial strategies and create products that cater to a broader spectrum of identities and preferences.

Skin sensitivity

Parfums typically contain 20-30% fragrance oil, with a very low amount of alcohol, and can last up to eight hours. Eau de toilettes have a fragrance concentration of 5-15%, a lower alcohol content than parfums, and last around two to five hours. Eaux de cologne have an even lower fragrance concentration, typically 2-4%, and a high alcohol content, lasting for up to two hours. Eau fraiche is similar to eau de cologne in longevity but contains very little alcohol and is mostly water, making it a good option for sensitive skin.

In addition to alcohol content, the specific ingredients in a fragrance can affect skin sensitivity. Perfumes containing natural ingredients, such as essential oils, may be better tolerated by sensitive skin compared to those with synthetic components. Reading labels carefully and choosing products formulated for sensitive skin can help reduce the risk of skin irritation.

Fragrance notes

Citrus and herb notes are commonly found in colognes, while perfumes tend to have more precious and rare natural ingredients, making them more expensive. Perfumes also have a higher concentration of oil, which can be better for those with sensitive skin as they are less likely to dry it out.

The scent of a perfume can also vary according to the climate and temperature. For instance, if it is too hot outside, a strong fragrance may be discordant. The pH of the skin can also affect the persistence of a fragrance. Oily skin is perfect for a perfume as it helps it to persist, whereas dry or acidic skin can make a perfume evaporate faster.

Frequently asked questions