Eau de Parfum vs Aftershave vs EDT: Concentrations Explained

If you have ever stood in front of a fragrance shelf wondering why one bottle says "eau de toilette" and the next says "eau de parfum", you are not alone. The wording isn't marketing fluff. It tells you how strong a scent is, how long it lasts and, usually, what it costs. Here's the plain-English version.

It all comes down to concentration

Every fragrance is perfume oil dissolved in alcohol. The more oil, the stronger and longer-lasting the scent. That single percentage is what separates the categories:

• Aftershave / splash: the lightest, typically around 1 to 3% oil. Originally made to soothe skin after shaving, so it's fresh, gentle and fades quickly.
• Eau de Cologne (EDC): roughly 2 to 4%. Bright and short-lived; a quick refresh.
• Eau de Toilette (EDT): around 5 to 15%. The everyday standard: noticeable but not overpowering, lasting a few hours.
• Eau de Parfum (EDP): around 15 to 20%. Richer and considerably longer-lasting, comfortably seeing out a working day.
• Parfum / Extrait: the strongest, 20 to 30% or more. Intense and long-wearing, and usually the priciest.

A quick word on "aftershave"

In the UK we tend to call any men's fragrance "aftershave", but technically aftershave is that low-concentration, post-shave product. It's why a splash can smell wonderful for an hour and then quietly vanish. If you want all-day wear, you want an Eau de Parfum rather than a true aftershave. Our aftershave collection is deliberately lighter and fresher for that clean, everyday feel, while our men's Eau de Parfums are built to last.

Which should you choose?

• Want a fresh, easy splash for the gym or a hot day? An aftershave or a lighter fresh scent is perfect.
• Want one signature that lasts morning to night? Choose an Eau de Parfum.
• Want maximum impact for an evening out? Reach for the heaviest EDPs, see our long-lasting collection.

Does stronger always mean better?

Not necessarily. A well-made EDT can outperform a poorly-balanced parfum, and plenty of occasions call for something light and unobtrusive. Concentration tells you the ceiling for strength and longevity, not the quality of the scent itself.

How we keep it simple

Nearly everything we make is a full-strength Eau de Parfum, so you get strong, all-day wear at a fraction of the designer price, with no guessing at labels. Not sure where to start? Our guide to finding your scent family is the easiest first step.