Toilette Or Cologne: Understanding The Fragrance Difference

There are many different types of fragrances available on the market, including perfume, cologne, and eau de toilette. The difference between these fragrances is the concentration of fragrance oils. Perfume is the most concentrated form of fragrance, typically made with 20-30% aromatic compounds, and can last up to 24 hours. Cologne is a lighter form of fragrance, containing 2-8% aromatic oils, and is perfect for everyday wear. Eau de toilette has a fragrance concentration of 5-15% and will usually last for 2-3 hours.

Concentration of oils and longevity

The concentration of oils in a fragrance determines its category, and this, in turn, affects its longevity.

The least concentrated form of fragrance has one to three per cent perfume oil in alcohol and water. Known as "splash and after shave", it usually lasts for less than an hour.

Eau de cologne (EdC) is the next least concentrated fragrance, with a perfume oil concentration of around two to four per cent. Sometimes referred to as simply "cologne", it typically lasts for about two hours.

Eau de toilette (EdT) has a higher concentration of perfume oil, at between five and 15 per cent. This fragrance usually lasts for about three hours.

Eau de parfum (EdP) has a perfume oil concentration of 15 to 20 per cent. It usually lasts for about five to eight hours.

Perfume, or parfum, is the most concentrated and expensive fragrance option. It contains 20 to 30 per cent perfume oil and can last for up to 12 hours.

The concentration of oils in a fragrance not only affects its longevity but also its price. Generally, the higher the concentration of perfume oil, the higher the price of the fragrance.

It's worth noting that the concentration of oils can also affect the fragrance's projection, or how far it can be smelled from the wearer's body. However, this is not always the case, and other factors, such as the quality of the fragrance, can also play a role.

In addition, companies may release the same fragrance in different concentrations, altering the scent slightly to better suit each concentration.

Finally, while fragrance categories are determined by concentration, the specific concentration of a particular fragrance may vary depending on the manufacturer.

Unisex fragrances

The term "fragrance" is generally used as a unisex term for any substance with a certain amount of fragrance oil diluted in alcohol and water. The difference between fragrances is in their concentration (and lasting power).

Perfumes, or parfums, have the highest fragrance concentration, with 20-30% oil concentration, and are the most expensive. They will last up to 8 hours and are suitable for people with sensitive skin as they have a low alcohol content.

Eau de parfum (EDP) has the next highest concentration, with 15-20% oil concentration, and will last for 4-5 hours. They are suitable for day or night wear and are relatively inexpensive.

Eau de toilette (EDT) has a concentration of 5-15% and will last for 2-3 hours. The term comes from the French "faire sa toilette", which means "getting ready".

Eau de cologne (EDC) has a much lower concentration of 2-4% and a high alcohol content. It is the cheapest option and usually comes in bigger bottles. It will last for up to 2 hours.

When choosing a unisex fragrance, it is important to consider the concentration and longevity of the scent, as well as the notes that determine the final scent.

Masculine scents

Colognes are often characterised by their use of herbal and citrus notes, with little anchoring base notes. Base notes generally provide a fragrance with longevity, and so colognes are typically only designed to last for a couple of hours. The lower concentration of perfume oils in colognes also makes them much more affordable than eau de toilettes or eau de parfums.

The term 'cologne' comes from a traditional recipe that used a mixture of citrus oils from fruits such as lemons, oranges, tangerines, limes, and grapefruits, combined with substances like lavender and neroli (orange-flower oil).

French term 'faire sa toilette'

The French term "faire sa toilette" translates as 'to do one's toilet' or 'to get ready'. It means to wash with water and soap, or to clean, groom, or preen yourself. The term is used for both people and their pets, especially cats.

The word toilette originally meant a cloth or wrapper, used as a cover for a dressing table. By the 19th century, it referred to a dressing room or washing area. The French expression is a bit traditional and is more likely to be used by older people. Instead, you might hear "se laver" (to wash) or "prendre une douche" (to take a shower).

The term "eau de toilette" comes from "faire sa toilette" and means 'grooming water'. It is a lightly scented perfume with a high alcohol content, usually applied directly to the skin after bathing or shaving. It is a weaker concentration of fragrance than perfume and is typically composed of alcohol and various volatile oils.

The difference between perfume, cologne, and eau de toilette is the concentration of fragrance and how long the smell lasts. Perfume has the highest concentration and will last the longest, followed by eau de toilette, and then cologne.

History of Eau de Cologne

The original Eau de Cologne is a citrus-based perfume created by Giovanni Maria Farina (also known as Johann Maria Farina) in 1709. Farina was an Italian perfumer living in Cologne, Germany, at the time. He named the scent Eau de Cologne, which means "Water from Cologne" in French, in honour of his new hometown.

Farina's Eau de Cologne was a unisex fragrance, and it was delivered to nearly all royal houses in Europe. Its ability to produce a constantly homogeneous fragrance consisting of dozens of monoessences was considered a sensation at the time. A single vial of this aqua mirabilis (Latin for miracle water) cost half the annual salary of a civil servant.

When free trade was established in Cologne by the French in 1797, the success of Eau de Cologne prompted countless other businessmen to sell their own fragrances under the name of Eau de Cologne.

The Original Eau de Cologne 4711, created by Wilhelm Mülhens in Cologne in the late 1700s, is probably one of the oldest fragrances still produced in the world. It was named after its location at Glockengasse No. 4711.

In modern times, colognes have become associated with men, particularly in American English. However, through the decades, it has been adopted to be unisex once more.

Frequently asked questions