The Edt Fragrance: What You Need To Know

EDT, or Eau de Toilette, is a fragrance with a concentration of aromatic essence ranging from 5% to 15%. It is softer and more subtly fragranced than Eau de Parfum, making it perfect for everyday wear and a great choice for a quick perfume touch-up on the go. The term Eau de Toilette comes from the French expression faire sa toilette, which refers to the process of getting ready for the day.

EDT fragrance concentration

EDT stands for Eau de Toilette, which is a type of fragrance with a specific concentration of aromatic compounds. It is a popular fragrance option due to its balance between subtlety and longevity.

The concentration of aromatic compounds in a fragrance determines its strength and how long it lasts. EDT typically contains 5-15% aromatic compounds, with 10% being the most common concentration. This concentration level places it between Eau de Cologne (EdC), which has a lower concentration of 2-6%, and Eau de Parfum (EdP), which has a higher concentration of 10-20%.

The higher the concentration of aromatic compounds, the stronger the scent and the longer it lasts. As such, EDT has a weaker concentration than perfume but more than cologne. It is considered a good compromise between the lightness of EdC and the intensity of EdP.

EDT fragrances usually last around 4-7 hours, making them suitable for everyday wear. They are perfect for spritzing before starting your day and can be reapplied throughout the day if needed. The light and refreshing nature of EDT makes it ideal for the summer months and for touch-ups on the go.

In terms of application, EDT is typically applied directly to the skin after bathing or shaving. It is recommended to hold the bottle 5 inches away from the skin and apply 1-2 sprays to the neck and wrists, which are known as ''pulse points'. These areas have warmer skin due to the proximity of blood vessels to the surface, intensifying the scent.

EDT vs EDP

The difference between Eau de Toilette (EDT) and Eau de Parfum (EDP) lies in the concentration of aromatic essence or perfume oil in the fragrance. EDT has a fragrance concentration of between 5-15%, while EDP contains a higher concentration of scent, ranging from 15-20% or 15-30%.

Because of its higher concentration, EDP is generally a stronger and longer-lasting fragrance than EDT. EDP typically lasts between 4-8 hours or 8-12 hours, while EDT lasts for 3-4 hours or 4-7 hours. The higher concentration in EDP also means it usually contains less alcohol than EDT, making it a better option for those with sensitive or dry skin.

In terms of usage, EDT is often considered an everyday fragrance, suitable for the office or casual wear. Its lighter intensity makes it perfect for those who want a subtle scent that isn't too overpowering. On the other hand, EDP is traditionally reserved for evening wear or special occasions. The richer and fuller-bodied scent of EDP makes a bold statement and leaves a lasting impression.

While EDT and EDP have different strengths and are suited for different occasions, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some people may prefer the lighter and fresher scent of EDT, while others may opt for the stronger and longer-lasting EDP. It's important to test both EDT and EDP forms of a fragrance to find the one that suits your needs and preferences.

EDT application

EDT, or Eau de Toilette, is a fragrance that contains between 5% and 15% of the aromatic essence used to make up the scent. It is softer and more subtly fragranced than Eau de Parfum, making it perfect for everyday wear. It is typically applied in the morning and can be topped up throughout the day.

To apply EDT, hold the bottle around 5 inches away from your skin and apply one to two sprays around your neck, followed by a few spritzes on your wrists for a stronger scent. These 'pulse points' are where blood vessels are closer to the skin and will make your skin warmer, intensifying the fragrance.

EDT is best applied directly to the skin after bathing or shaving. It is usually composed of alcohol and various volatile oils.

EDT is longer-lasting on the skin than Eau de Cologne and can last for several hours, typically around three to four hours. However, due to its lighter scent, it may need to be reapplied for a long-lasting effect.

EDT history

EDT, or Eau de Toilette, is the predecessor of all perfume types. The term originated in France around 1380, and is derived from the French term "faire sa toilette", which means getting ready. "Eau" means "water" in French, and toilette" refers to the process of washing, dressing, or attending to one's appearance for a special event.

In modern perfumery, Eau de Toilette has a less concentrated fragrance than perfume (Eau de Parfum) and more than cologne (Eau de Cologne). It typically contains between 5% and 15% of the aromatic essence used to make up the scent, although some sources state that it can contain up to 20% aromatic compounds. Eau de Toilette is usually applied directly to the skin after bathing or shaving, and is perfect for everyday wear, leaving a subtle mark without being too overpowering. It is typically longer-lasting than Eau de Cologne, and can last for several hours or about half a day, depending on the formula, concentration, and the wearer's skin.

In the fourteenth century, an alcohol-based perfume that was the predecessor of Eau de Cologne was first produced, supposedly by a Hungarian man for Queen Elisabeth of Hungary. This fragrance, called "Hungary Water", contained rosemary, which allowed the scent to evaporate slowly on the skin. During the fourteenth to sixteenth centuries, a type of Eau de Toilette called "plague water" was believed to drive away the bubonic plague. Other early examples of Eau de Toilette include Carmelite Water, which was prepared for Charles V of France in 1379, and "heavenly water", a concoction of scents used by the King of France, Louis XIV, to perfume his shirts.

EDT alternatives

EDT, or Eau de Toilette, is a fragrance that typically contains between 5% and 15% of the aromatic essence used to create the scent. This places it in the middle of the fragrance concentration spectrum, with Eau de Cologne (2%-4% concentration) being less concentrated, and Eau de Parfum (15%-20%) being more concentrated.

Due to its lower concentration, EDT is usually cheaper than Eau de Parfum and is considered ideal for everyday use. Its subtle fragrance means it can be applied liberally throughout the day, making it perfect for a quick perfume touch-up on the go.

If you're looking for alternatives to EDT, there are several options with different fragrance concentrations.

Firstly, for an even lighter option, consider Eau Fraiche, which has an extremely low concentration of just 1%-3%. This type of fragrance is also a good choice for those with sensitive skin, as it contains less alcohol than other fragrances.

On the other end of the spectrum, Eau de Parfum offers a much stronger blend with a longer-lasting scent. With a concentration of 15%-20%, these fragrances can last up to 8 hours and are often reserved for evening or special occasions.

Finally, for an even stronger and longer-lasting option, Perfume or Parfum contains the highest fragrance concentration of any mainstream fragrance, at 20%-30%. This means your scent can last for up to 8 hours, and sometimes even longer. However, this high concentration comes at a cost, as Parfum is the most expensive type of fragrance.

In summary, while EDT is a popular choice for its subtlety and affordability, there are several alternatives available depending on your desired fragrance concentration and longevity.

Frequently asked questions