What is the difference between a perfume, an eau de parfum, an eau de cologne, a toilet water and a fresh water?
How is the perfume made?
The first step in creating a perfume is to obtain the raw materials through enfleurage, distillation or extraction. Once the ingredients are distilled, the perfumer will then compose his fragrance by smelling the different essences and by assembling them to give a subtle and intense result. Finally, the creator will dilute the mixture in alcohol and let it macerate to obtain the final result.
Where does the perfume come from?
Perfume is an aromatic substance used by the majority of society, it acts on our brain through different forms; anti-stress, soothing, energetic. It brings us a daily well-being. But perfume is not only an essential of the moment. Indeed, it has been recognized since antiquity and it is the Egyptians who used it mainly to serve their deities. It was a symbol of power and beauty, Cleopatra is the pioneer in using it for herself through scented baths. Since then, perfume fragrances have evolved through the ages and today a wide choice of perfume exists.
The main perfume segmentations:
Perfume has become a habit in our daily life. It was necessary to think of segmenting it into several categories to acquire a wider choice of products. Today, we can find different types of perfume compositions: Eau Fraîche, Eau de Cologne, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum and Parfum.
The difference between eau de toilette, eau de parfum, eau de cologne, eau fraîche and perfume:
What is perfume?
This product is very rich and highly concentrated in alcohol. Its alcohol concentration is 20 to 30% and lasts on the skin for an average of 6 to 8 hours.
Because of its ancient history, this water has been able to satisfy all eras. From the Middle Ages with the beginning of the trade routes for perfume in Europe and Asia. Then, in modern times with the "Sun King" who used to smear himself with perfume and impregnate his castle with the scent. Also, thanks to Napoleon and his wife who allowed the arrival of new exotic scents. And nowadays, the Eau de Parfum is an essential beauty asset that has imposed itself in our society. Eau de Parfum remains the most concentrated fragrance and the one that lasts the longest. Indeed, its olfactory concentration is stronger than that of the Eau de Cologne or the Eau de Toilette.
The Eau de Parfum is sprayed like the Eau de Toilette on the pulsatile zones but it should be known that it remains longer after vaporization and impregnates clothing and hair. No need to spray every hour, its pure perfume essences will ensure a good smell all day long. Its concentration in alcohol is 15 to 20 % and holds on the skin in average 4 to 5 hours.
Eau de Cologne, from its original name "Aqua mirabilis" (admirable water), was born in Italy towards the end of the 17th century. As soon as it entered the society, this new essence caused a real craze because of its light and invigorating notes but also because it would be therapeutic and could cure headaches. Since then, it has become a world-renowned and timeless water.
This water is a real mixture of scents while remaining sober by its alcohol content. It knows how to distinguish itself by using both extracts of Hesperides (orange, lemon, grapefruit) which gives it this sweet intensity but also it contains essences of plants such as rosemary, marjoram or lavender which gives it this light and discreet touch. The Eau de Cologne is mainly applied on pulsating areas such as the neck, behind the ears and inside the wrists. It is ideal in summer. Its alcohol concentration is 2 to 4% and lasts on the skin for an average of 2 hours.
The history of Eau de Toilette dates back to the 17th century when a Frenchman named Jean-Baptiste Grenouille had the idea of creating a fragrance for hygiene. Indeed, it was used by the wealthy elite to mask foul body odor by removing dirt and replacing soap. Over the centuries, this water has evolved and now everyone can get this refreshing and soft fragrance with a long lasting effect.
The scents of Eau de Toilette are varied: Jasmine, Vanilla, Musk, Cardamom. Its fragrances are perfectly matched with its pleasant and soft scent. The Eau de Toilette is ideal for people with sensitive skin, because its alcohol content is lower than the Eau de Parfum. It goes perfectly with your skin in the summer because its invigorating effect refreshes you on hot sunny days. The Eau de Toilette is mainly applied on the neck, behind the ears and on the wrists, but you can also spray it in the air before putting yourself in this perfumed cloud. Its alcohol concentration is 5 to 15% and lasts on the skin for an average of 2 to 3 hours.
It is from the second half of the XXth century that the fresh water made its appearance. It is thanks to the colognes that the fresh water was born. Composed of vegetable odors, their freshness and their sparkle make these waters true summer perfumes. This water is pleasant to wear especially in summer or spring. Its alcohol concentration is 1 to 3% and lasts on the skin for an average of 2 hours.
You will have understood it, the difference between the perfume, the water of Cologne, the water of toilet, the fresh water and the water of perfume is the concentration in alcohol. This concentration makes the fragrance last more or less on the skin.
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