7 Perfume Levels: Types, Concentration & Longevity

Perfume is not only about a pleasant scent, but also about how long the fragrance lasts on the skin. This is why understanding perfume levels is important before choosing or purchasing a fragrance. Each perfume has a different concentration of fragrance oils, which directly affects scent longevity, fragrance character, and even the product’s price.

By understanding perfume levels, you can choose the type of fragrance that best suits your needs, whether for daily activities, special occasions, or specific skin conditions.

Perfume Levels Based on Concentration & Longevity

Below is a general overview of perfume levels based on their concentration and scent longevity:

This table helps you quickly and practically understand the differences in longevity and concentration for each perfume level.

1. Parfum (Extrait de Parfum)

Parfum or Extrait de Parfum is the highest perfume level in the world of fragrances. This type has the highest concentration of fragrance oils, around 20–40%, making the scent very intense, complex, and long-lasting on the skin. Due to its strength, this type of perfume is usually applied in very small amounts but is already able to create a strong and luxurious impression.

Key characteristics of Extrait de Parfum include:

• Very high fragrance oil concentration (±20–40%)

• The longest-lasting scent compared to other types

• Fragrance develops slowly with rich layers of notes

• Suitable for formal events, evening wear, or special moments

This type of perfume is often chosen by those who want an exclusive and elegant impression and who appreciate fragrance details from start to finish. To understand how perfume scents develop on the skin, you can also read articles about the differences between top, middle, and base notes in perfume.

2. Perfume Oil

Perfume oil is a fragrance form with very minimal alcohol content or even completely alcohol-free. This makes it feel gentler on the skin and ideal for those with sensitive skin. Although the scent does not project strongly, perfume oil has excellent longevity because the fragrance oil adheres directly to the skin.

Distinctive features of perfume oil include:

• Almost alcohol-free

• Safer for sensitive skin

• Long-lasting scent, can last all day

• Low scent projection (more “close to skin”)

• Generally applied by dabbing on pulse points

Perfume oil is suitable for those who enjoy a personal, subtle scent that still lasts throughout the day.

3. Eau de Parfum (EDP)

Eau de Parfum is one of the most popular perfume levels because it offers an ideal balance between fragrance longevity and comfort. With a fragrance oil concentration of around 15–20%, EDP can last quite long without feeling too heavy for daily use.

Key characteristics of Eau de Parfum:

• Fragrance oil concentration ±15–20%

• Relatively long-lasting for daily activities

• Scent is quite intense yet still comfortable

• Suitable for use from daytime to evening

If you are still unsure about choosing between EDP and EDT, an article discussing the differences between EDT and EDP perfumes can help you determine the option that best suits your needs.

4. Eau de Toilette (EDT)

Eau de Toilette has a lighter fragrance oil concentration, around 5–15%. This type is known for its fresh, light scent that evaporates more easily, giving a “fresh” feeling upon first spray. However, its longevity is shorter compared to EDP.

Characteristics of Eau de Toilette:

• Lighter fragrance concentration (±5–15%)

• Fresh scent and not too intense

• Evaporates easily, requiring reapplication

• Suitable for daytime use and hot weather

• Usually packaged in spray bottles

EDT is often chosen for casual use or light daily activities, especially for those who prefer fragrances that are not too dominant.

5. Eau de Cologne (EDC)

Eau de Cologne is a fragrance with a low fragrance oil concentration, around 2–4%. The scent is very light and refreshing but tends to fade quickly. Therefore, EDC is usually applied several times a day.

Characteristics of Eau de Cologne:

• Low fragrance concentration (±2–4%)

• Light scent that evaporates quickly

• Relatively short longevity

• Usually available in large bottle sizes

EDC is suitable for those who want instant freshness without a strong scent.

6. Eau Fraîche

Eau Fraîche has the lowest fragrance concentration, around 1–3%, with a higher water content compared to alcohol. This type provides a very light and comfortable refreshing sensation on the skin, but its scent longevity is quite short.

Key characteristics of Eau Fraîche:

• Very low fragrance concentration

• Higher water content

• Fresh and non-overpowering scent

• Suitable for sports or intense activities

Eau Fraîche is ideal when you need quick freshness without a heavy feeling on the skin.

Read Also: Types of Perfumes Based on Concentration and Aroma

How to Choose the Right Perfume Level

Choosing the right perfume level should be adjusted to your lifestyle, needs, and personal preferences. Each perfume level has its own characteristics and functions, making it important to match it with the occasion of use.

Some key considerations you can use include:

• Based on activity: For daily use or light activities, Eau de Toilette (EDT) and Eau de Parfum (EDP) are generally ideal. Meanwhile, for special occasions or formal moments that require longer-lasting fragrance, EDP or Extrait de Parfum are more suitable choices.

• Based on scent character: Pay attention to the scent profiles you enjoy most, such as floral, citrus, woody, or oriental. Choosing a scent character can reflect your personality and suit your needs, whether for women’s or men’s fragrances.

• Based on skin comfort: If you have sensitive skin, consider perfume types with lower alcohol content, such as EDP or perfume oil, to ensure comfortable wear.

For optimal results, you can also combine the right perfume level with proper application techniques, as discussed in guides on how to make perfume last longer. If you would like to explore more options, you can browse the complete L’Occitane perfume collection based on your preferences.

Recommended L’Occitane Perfumes

Below are several L’Occitane perfume options you may consider based on scent character and everyday comfort:

1. Néroli Orchidée Eau de Toilette 50ml

This fragrance offers a soft, luminous floral blend that is suitable for use from daytime to evening. The freshness feels light yet elegant, making it comfortable for daily activities as well as casual occasions.

• Top note: Mandarin

• Heart note: Neroli

• Base note: Vanilla

2. Néroli Orchidée Eau Intense Eau de Toilette 50ml

A more intense version with a warm, creamy floral-citrus character. The combination of fresh neroli and vanilla creates a feminine, sensual, and slightly luxurious impression, ideal for those who want a more pronounced yet refined scent.

• Top notes: Mandarin, bitter orange blossom, lime

• Heart notes: Fig, neroli

• Base notes: Vanilla oil, orchid extract

3. Rose Eau de Toilette 50ml

Rose Eau de Toilette showcases the elegance of Provence roses wrapped in a light, feminine floral scent. Perfect for those who love a classic yet modern fragrance, with a soft impression that remains comfortable on the skin.

• Top note: Violet leaves

• Heart note: Rose

• Base note: Musk

These three perfumes offer distinct scent profiles, allowing you to choose according to your preferences, mood, and everyday style.

Read Also: Recommended Women’s Perfumes

Conclusion

Understanding perfume levels helps you determine the type of fragrance that best suits your needs. Each level has its own advantages, from scent longevity and fragrance character to comfort during wear. By choosing the right perfume level, the fragrance performance will feel more optimal and aligned with your daily activities.

FAQs About Perfume Levels

1. Which lasts longer, EDP or EDT?

EDP lasts longer than EDT because it contains a higher concentration of fragrance oils. EDP is suitable for those who want a longer-lasting scent, while EDT is better for light freshness and shorter wear.

2. Is there any level above parfum?

No. Parfum or Extrait de Parfum is the highest fragrance level based on fragrance oil concentration. The hierarchy starts from Parfum, followed by Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, and then Eau de Cologne and Eau Fraîche.

3. What is the difference between grade A and grade B perfumes?

Grade A perfumes typically use higher-quality raw materials with more stable and longer-lasting scents. Grade B perfumes usually contain additional mixtures such as more water or artificial coloring, resulting in lower scent longevity and overall quality.