Each fragrance is a unique marriage of essential oils (derived from various flowers and plants) and an alcohol base to create classic and unforgettable or new and modern scents. As you choose a new fragrance, you’ll notice several concentrations of fragrance, such as eau de toilette or eau de parfum. Or that men’s fragrances are available in only a few concentrations. You may ask yourself, what is the difference between each type and how long will it last? A quick guide to decipher the fragrance concentration, from highest amount of essential oils to lowest:

Women’s Fragrances

·           Perfume, Parfum and Extract – contain the highest amount of essential oils (18-30%) and therefore have more longevity. It is the purest form of fragrance and is ideal for individuals with dry skin, is mature or is fragrance savvy.

·           Solid Perfume – also contains 18-30% of essential oils and is the original form of fragrance.   Ideal for travelers or on-the-go use.

·           Eau de Parfum – contains 12-18% essential oils and is almost considered perfume. Ideal for all skin types, and can be used on sensitive skin.

·           Eau de Toilette – contains 5-12% of essential oils and is ideal for teenagers, men’s fragrances and liberal users.

·           Ancillary products – products that help “layer” a fragrance, such as body lotions, shower gels, dusting powders, deodorants and soaps.   Contain 1-5% of essential oils.

Men’s Fragrances

·           Eau de Parfum or Cologne – contain 20-24% and is the most concentrated and long lasting of men’s fragrances.

·           Eau de Toilette – contains 12-19% and can almost last as long as parfum and cologne. Ideal for liberal users.

·           After Shave – contains 2-4% of essential oils and is the lightest form of men’s fragrance that consist of two formulations:

1.        Lotion – has a high concentration of alcohol to help heal nicks and cuts.

2.        Balm – contains an aloe base to help moisturize and soothe skin.

Each after-shave scent is designed to last for a short time only.

·           Ancillary products – 1-4% of essential oils and include deodorants, shower gels and body moisturizers.

Men’s fragrances usually contain less essential oils since men have a higher skin acid content and larger oil glands than women do.

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