Extrait vs. Parfum: Deciphering Scent Concentrations

July 5, 2026

When shopping for luxury fragrances, you will encounter terms like Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, and Extrait de Parfum. These designations are not marketing buzzwords; they represent the precise concentration of pure fragrance oils dissolved in alcohol, which dictates how the scent behaves.

Deciphering the Concentration Scale

The longevity, sillage, and price of a perfume are heavily determined by its concentration percentage:

Eau de Cologne (EDC): 2% to 4% oil concentration. Light, refreshing, lasting 1-2 hours.
Eau de Toilette (EDT): 5% to 15% oil concentration. Bright and projective, lasting 3-4 hours.
Eau de Parfum (EDP): 15% to 20% oil concentration. Rich and balanced, lasting 5-8 hours.
Extrait de Parfum / Pure Parfum: 20% to 40% oil concentration. Extremely rich, intimate, and long-lasting, staying on the skin for 12 to 24+ hours.

"An Extrait de Parfum is not merely stronger; it is richer, closer to the skin, and designed to whisper rather than shout."

The intimate sillage of Extraits

Many believe that a higher concentration means a louder scent. In reality, it is the opposite. Lighter concentrations (like EDT) contain more alcohol, which evaporates rapidly, launching the scent notes forcefully into the air (high sillage). High concentrations (like Extrait de Parfum) have less alcohol, evaporating slowly and staying closer to the skin, creating an intimate, luxurious scent bubble that only those close to you can perceive.

At Fragreto, we specialize in high-concentration blends that deliver exceptional longevity and a subtle, sophisticated presence.