Understanding Edp: The Power Of Fragrance

The world of fragrances is complex, with a multitude of options to suit individual tastes and preferences. One of the most popular types of fragrances is Eau de Parfum (EDP). EDPs are highly concentrated fragrances with a long shelf life, typically lasting up to 10 hours on the skin and 16 hours on clothes. They usually contain 15-20% concentration of essential oils, although some sources state this can be as high as 30%. EDPs are often considered the strongest and longest-lasting fragrances available, aside from pure perfume, which can be very expensive.

EDP vs EDT

The main difference between Eau De Parfum (EDP) and Eau De Toilette (EDT) is their concentration of essential oils or 'aromatic' compounds diluted in water and alcohol. These varying concentrations lend the perfumes to different purposes, price points, and durations.

EDP is the second most concentrated type of fragrance, with a perfume oil concentration of 15-20%. It is a much stronger blend than EDT and can last up to 10 hours on the skin and 16 hours on clothes. EDP fragrances are typically more expensive than EDT.

EDT is the lighter of the two, usually including between 5-15% of essential perfume oil. EDT fragrances will usually last around 4-7 hours, although they can last up to 6 hours on the skin and around 10 hours on clothes. EDT is often favoured for everyday wear and is typically more affordable than EDP.

The choice between EDT and EDP depends on your preference and the occasion. If you're looking for a fragrance to wear during the day, EDT is a good choice. For a special occasion or a date night, EDP is a better option as it can have a bigger impact and will not fade through the day.

EDP vs Eau Fraiche

EDP stands for Eau de Parfum, and it is a lighter version of pure perfume, with a concentration of 15-20% (although one source places it at 15-25%). Eau Fraiche, on the other hand, is an aftershave with a concentration of just 1-3%.

The higher concentration of oils in an EDP means that it will last longer and is more intense than an Eau Fraiche. EDPs typically last for 4-5 hours, whereas an Eau Fraiche will only last for less than an hour.

As a result of their lower concentration, Eau Fraiche fragrances are also cheaper than EDPs.

In terms of application, an Eau Fraiche will need to be applied more frequently and in larger quantities than an EDP.

EDP vs Cologne

The main difference between EDP and cologne is their concentration of essential oils or 'aromatic' compounds diluted in water and alcohol. This difference in concentration leads to variances in price, scent strength, and staying power.

EDP (Eau de Parfum)

EDP contains a concentration of essential oils between 15-20%. It is a high-grade perfume with significant strength in scent and staying power, making it perfect for everyday use. It is also more affordable than parfum. Depending on the type of fragrance, EDP may need to be applied sparingly to avoid olfactory saturation.

Cologne (Eau de Cologne)

Cologne, or EDC, contains a fragrance concentration of 2-4% or up to 8%. It is a light, refreshing scent with prominent citrus head notes and herbaceous base notes. It is a good option for everyday use, especially during the summer or for sports activities. Its allure comes from its simplicity and the use of fine, natural ingredients. Cologne is typically cheaper than EDP.

While both EDP and cologne are suitable for everyday use, EDP offers a stronger scent and longer-lasting fragrance. Cologne, on the other hand, is ideal for those who prefer a lighter, more refreshing fragrance. EDP tends to be more expensive due to its higher concentration of essential oils. Cologne, with its lower concentration, is more affordable and suitable for those who want a subtle scent.

History of EDP

The term 'Eau de Parfum' or 'EDP' refers to a specific concentration of scented perfume ingredients in combination with alcohol and/or water. The history of EDP is tied to the history of perfume categorisation and the development of perfume over time.

The Origins of Fragrance Classification

The words used to describe different types of perfumes, such as "eau de toilette" and "eau de parfum," originated in France around the year 1380. The French term "eau" means water, "de" means "from," and "toilette" refers to the process of washing or dressing for a special event. Thus, "eau de toilette" can be translated as "water for attending to one's appearance for a special event," which can be simplified as "perfume."

The Development of Eau de Parfum

Eau de Parfum (EDP) is a relatively new development in the world of fragrance, having been introduced in the 1970s. It is the newest variation of perfume in the Western world. Prior to the creation of EDP, other types of perfume such as Eau de Cologne (EDC) and Eau de Toilette (EDT) were already in use.

The Evolution of Fragrance Concentration

The concentration of scented ingredients in perfumes has evolved over time. EDP contains a higher concentration of scented ingredients than EDT and EDC, falling between 15-20% on average. This makes EDP a strong scent with a longer shelf life, typically lasting up to 10 hours on the skin and up to 16 hours on clothes.

The Growing Popularity of EDP

When EDP was first introduced, it was predominantly marketed towards women. However, in recent years, more and more EDP fragrances have been made available for men as well. The growing popularity of EDP can be attributed to the desire for stronger and longer-lasting fragrances at a more accessible price point compared to pure perfume or 'Parfum'.

How to apply EDP

Applying an Eau de Parfum (EDP) is the final step in your beauty routine—a spritz here, a dab there, and you’re out the door. However, there is a correct way to apply an EDP to make your signature scent last. Here are some tips on how to apply EDP:

• Don't rub it into your skin: This causes the fragrance's top notes to fade and evaporate before they can settle. Instead, let the perfume slowly mix with your skin's natural oils.
• Spray it onto your pulse points: These are areas where your veins sit closest to your skin, so you can (literally) feel your pulse. It's places like the inside of your wrists, inner elbows, below your belly button, behind your earlobes, and the back of your knees. These warm spots on your body emit extra body heat, which helps to naturally diffuse a scent.
• Store your EDP correctly: Don't keep it in the bathroom where steam from showers can interact with it. Water, humidity, and drastic temperature changes can alter a perfume's composition and shorten its shelf life. Instead, store it in a cool, dark, dry place, like a bedroom dresser or vanity drawer.
• Spritz, then walk into your perfume: Spraying EDP all over can be overpowering. Diffuse it all over by dabbing it onto your pulse points, then spray it in front of you and walk into it and back out. This will leave a light layer on your clothes, ensuring you're covered without overdoing it.
• Apply it post-shower: Perfume absorbs better into warm skin, so it's best to apply it after a shower when your skin is dry but still warm.
• Moisturize first: Applying a light coat of unscented body lotion or Vaseline before spraying on your EDP can help the fragrance last longer. The perfume will stick to the moisturiser molecules, keeping the scent alive for a longer duration.
• Only spritz certain formulas in your hair: Alcohol-based formulas like parfum and some eau de toilette or eau de cologne can dry out your hair. Instead, only apply pure perfume oils to your hair or use a water-based formula.

Frequently asked questions