Perfume is more than just a fragrance – it is a reflection of personality, mood, and occasion. When shopping for a new scent, you’ve probably noticed labels like EDT, EDP, and Parfum. But what do these terms actually mean, and how do they affect the way your perfume smells, lasts, and performs?
In this guide, we’ll break down the difference between Eau de Toilette (EDT), Eau de Parfum (EDP), and Parfum (Extrait de Parfum), explore their meanings, concentration levels, longevity, and price differences, and help you decide which one is right for you.
What Does EDT Mean?
EDT (Eau de Toilette) comes from the French term “faire sa toilette”, meaning grooming water. EDT perfumes are light, refreshing, and perfect for daily wear.
- Concentration: Typically, 5% to 15% fragrance oils.
- Longevity: Lasts 4–6 hours on skin, sometimes longer on clothes.
- Projection: Moderate, with a noticeable scent trail in the first couple of hours.
- Best For: Daytime use, hot weather, office environments.
- Price: Usually the most affordable option.
EDT meaning: A lighter concentration designed for casual everyday use. If you want a fresh burst of fragrance that doesn’t overwhelm, EDT perfume is your go-to.
What is EDP Perfume?
EDP (Eau de Parfum) is richer and longer-lasting compared to EDT. This is why EDP perfume is one of the most popular choices in the fragrance market.
- Concentration: 15% to 20% fragrance oils.
- Longevity: Lasts 6–10 hours on skin and can remain on clothes for a full day.
- Projection: Stronger and more noticeable than EDT, with a richer scent profile.
- Best For: Evenings, cooler weather, romantic dates, and special events.
- Price: Mid-range, more expensive than EDT but less than parfum.
EDP perfume meaning: A more intense fragrance with better staying power. If you ask, “EDP or EDT – which lasts longer?”, the answer is EDP.
What is Parfum (Extrait de Parfum)?
Parfum, also known as Extrait de Parfum or pure perfume, is the most concentrated and luxurious form.
- Concentration: 20% to 40% fragrance oils (sometimes even higher).
- Longevity: Can last 12–24 hours or more on skin, and days on clothing.
- Projection: Strong, rich, and enveloping – little is needed for a big impact.
- Best For: Special occasions, cold weather, and when you want your scent to last all day and night.
- Price: Highest among the three, due to the high concentration of perfume oils.
Parfum vs Eau de Parfum: Parfum is more concentrated, heavier, and longer-lasting, while EDP is slightly lighter and more versatile.
EDP vs EDT Perfume – Which One Lasts Longer?
A common question is: EDP or EDT – which lasts longer?
- EDT → Lasts about 4–6 hours.
- EDP → Lasts about 6–10 hours.
- Parfum → Lasts 12+ hours.
If you’re looking for a fragrance that survives long office days or evening outings, EDP is a safe choice. For all-day wear, Parfum is unmatched.
Eau de Toilette vs Eau de Parfum – The Key Difference
The main difference between Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum lies in their oil concentration:
- Eau de Toilette (EDT): 5–15% oils → lighter, fresher, short-lived.
- Eau de Parfum (EDP): 15–20% oils → richer, stronger, longer-lasting.
Difference between Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum: Think of EDT as light and refreshing for day use, while EDP is deep and long-lasting for evenings or cooler climates.
Extrait de Parfum vs Eau de Parfum
If you’ve come across Extrait de Parfum, you might wonder how it differs from EDP:
- Extrait de Parfum: 20–40% oil concentration → ultra-long lasting.
- Eau de Parfum: 15–20% oils → strong but slightly lighter.
This makes Extrait de Parfum more luxurious, powerful, and expensive.
Types of Perfume – Beyond EDT, EDP, and Parfum
Perfumes come in different strengths. Here’s a quick overview:
- Cologne (Eau de Cologne): 2–5% concentration, very light, lasts 2–3 hours.
- Eau de Toilette (EDT): 5–15% oils, fresh and affordable, lasts 4–6 hours.
- Eau de Parfum (EDP): 15–20% oils, rich and long-lasting, lasts 6–10 hours.
- Parfum (Extrait): 20–40% oils, luxurious and powerful, lasts 12–24 hours.
Perfume definition: A fragrant liquid made of essential oils, aroma compounds, and solvents.
Regional Terms – Beza EDP dan EDT (Malay Explanation)
In Malaysia and SE Asia, many people search using Malay terms like:
- Beza EDT dengan EDP → Difference between EDT and EDP.
- Maksud Eau de Parfum → Meaning of Eau de Parfum.
- Maksud EDP Perfume → Meaning of EDP perfume.
Whether you say “EDP vs EDT perfume” or “Beza EDP dan EDT”, the answer is the same: EDP is stronger, longer-lasting, and richer than EDT.
Price Comparison – Why Parfum Costs More
Perfume prices are tied to oil concentration:
- EDT: Affordable, as it contains more alcohol and less oil.
- EDP: Mid-range, balanced between concentration and value.
- Parfum: Premium, due to its richness and higher raw material content.
While Parfum is expensive, it also requires fewer sprays, making it economical over time.
Quick Comparison – EDT vs EDP vs Parfum
EDT (Eau de Toilette)
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- Oil concentration: 5–15%
- Longevity: 4–6 hours on skin
- Best for: daytime, office, hot weather
- Price: affordable and entry-level
EDP (Eau de Parfum)
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- Oil concentration: 15–20%
- Longevity: 6–10 hours on skin, lasts longer on clothes.
- Best for: evenings, dates, cooler seasons
- Price: mid-range, more expensive than EDT
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Parfum (Extrait de Parfum)
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- Oil concentration: 20–40%
- Longevity: 12–24+ hours, strongest staying power
- Best for: luxury wear, special occasions, all-day scent
- Price: premium, most expensive of the three
Conclusion
Choosing between EDT, EDP, and Parfum depends on your lifestyle, budget, and personal taste:
- EDT if you want a fresh, affordable fragrance for everyday wear.
- EDP if you need something versatile, longer-lasting, and balanced.
- Parfum if you prefer luxury, intensity, and all-day presence.
Perfume is more than a scent – it’s your identity, confidence, and mood booster. Whether you’re shopping for men’s perfumes in Malaysia or luxury women’s fragrances, always pick the concentration that matches your personality and occasion.
Explore 100% original perfumes in Malaysia at The Scent Alchemist – your trusted online perfume store with the best brands, from Chanel and Dior to Prada and Valentino.
