By The Eye desk · Last verified 29 September 2026
The words on a perfume bottle tell you how concentrated the fragrance is, not how good it is. Parfum (also called extrait) has the most fragrance oil, typically around 20% or more. Eau de parfum (EDP) usually has around 15% to 20%, eau de toilette (EDT) around 5% to 15%, and eau de cologne about 2% to 5%. More oil generally means a scent that lasts longer and costs more. The ranges vary by brand, because no single legal standard fixes them.
Quick facts
- Parfum or extrait: the highest concentration, around 20% or more.
- Eau de parfum: around 15% to 20%.
- Eau de toilette: around 5% to 15%.
- Eau de cologne: around 2% to 5%.
- Higher concentration usually lasts longer and costs more.
- The same scent can smell different at different concentrations.
How do they compare?
| Type | Typical oil concentration | Typical wear |
|---|---|---|
| Parfum / extrait | About 20% or more | Longest; up to a working day |
| Eau de parfum | About 15% to 20% | Several hours |
| Eau de toilette | About 5% to 15% | A few hours |
| Eau de cologne | About 2% to 5% | Around two hours |
How long a scent lasts also depends on the ingredients, your skin and the weather: citrus notes fade fast, while woods and resins linger.
Why does it matter in Singapore?
Heat and humidity make fragrance project more strongly and wear off faster. A strong parfum can be overpowering in a crowded MRT carriage, while a light cologne may be gone by lunch. Many people keep a lighter EDT for day and a richer EDP for evenings in air-conditioned rooms.
Is the EDP just a stronger EDT?
Not always. Brands often rebalance the formula for each concentration, so an EDP and EDT with the same name can smell noticeably different. Test both on your skin before you buy.
The WahLiao Verdict
Compare price per millilitre and concentration together, not just the bottle price. For Singapore days, a well-made EDT often wears better than a heavy parfum. Spray on skin, wait an hour, then decide.
Questions people ask
Is “cologne” only for men?
No. Eau de cologne describes concentration, not gender, though the word is often used loosely for men’s fragrance.
Why does my perfume fade quickly?
Low concentration, light top notes, dry skin and heat all shorten wear.
How should I store perfume here?
Away from heat and sunlight, with the cap on. The bathroom is the worst place for it.
Are the percentages regulated?
They’re industry conventions, and brands vary, so treat them as a guide.
Sources: Carner Barcelona on fragrance concentrations; Dave Lackie on concentration ranges and wear. Ranges differ between sources and brands; those given here are typical.
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