EDP vs EDT vs Parfum: Which Perfume Type Lasts Longer?
Walk into any perfume store and you'll see bottles labeled EDT, EDP, or Parfum. These abbreviations refer to perfume concentration—the percentage of fragrance oils in the formula. Understanding the difference helps you choose perfumes that match your budget, lifestyle, and desired longevity.
The Concentration Hierarchy
All perfumes are made from the same basic formula: fragrance oils + alcohol + water. The ratio of these ingredients determines the concentration category and, consequently, the price, longevity, and intensity.
Perfume Concentration Scale (Weakest to Strongest)
1. Eau Fraîche (1-3%)
Longevity: 1-2 hours
Mostly water and alcohol, minimal fragrance. Think body splashes and mists.
2. Eau de Cologne (EDC) (3-5%)
Longevity: 2-3 hours
Light, fresh fragrances often used for casual wear or hot weather.
3. Eau de Toilette (EDT) (5-12%)
Longevity: 3-5 hours
Most common concentration. Affordable, everyday fragrances with moderate projection.
4. Eau de Parfum (EDP) (12-18%)
Longevity: 6-8 hours
The sweet spot for luxury perfumes. Rich, long-lasting, and versatile for any occasion. This is where our Signature No. 1 sits at 18%+.
5. Parfum / Extrait (18-30%)
Longevity: 8-12+ hours
The most concentrated and expensive. Used sparingly, lasts all day with strong sillage.
EDP vs EDT: The Detailed Comparison
Most people shopping for perfume choose between EDT and EDP. Here's how they compare:
Why EDP is the Sweet Spot
At Shansillage, we exclusively create EDPs because they offer the best balance of quality, longevity, and value. Here's why:
1. Better Value Per Spray
While EDT bottles might be cheaper upfront, you'll use 2-3x more product because of frequent reapplication. An EDP that lasts 8 hours vs an EDT that lasts 3 hours means you're getting nearly 3x the longevity per spray.
Cost Analysis Example:
EDT (₹3,000 for 100ml): 3-4 sprays per application, 2-3 applications/day = 6-12 sprays/day
EDP (₹5,000 for 50ml): 2-3 sprays per application, 1 application/day = 2-3 sprays/day
Result: The "expensive" EDP actually costs less per day of use.
2. Richer, More Complex Scent
Higher concentration means perfumers can use more expensive base notes like sandalwood, amber, and musk. These ingredients are costly but create depth and sophistication that EDTs simply can't match.
3. Suitable for All Occasions
EDTs are often too light for evening events, while pure Parfum can be overwhelming in office settings. EDPs work beautifully from boardroom to ballroom—versatile enough for daily wear yet sophisticated enough for special occasions.
When to Choose Each Type
Choose EDT If:
- You're on a tight budget and buying mass-market fragrances
- You live in very hot, humid climates where heavy fragrances feel oppressive
- You prefer light, fresh citrus or aquatic scents
- You like changing fragrances multiple times per day
Choose EDP If:
- You want luxury quality and are willing to invest in it
- You prefer not reapplying perfume throughout the day
- You appreciate complex, evolving fragrances
- You're looking for a premium gift
- You want strong sillage that leaves an impression
Choose Pure Parfum If:
- Money is no object and you want the absolute best
- You prefer applying perfume once and forgetting about it
- You want maximum longevity (12+ hours)
- You're a serious fragrance collector
Why Signature No. 1 is 18%+ EDP
Our Signature No. 1 sits at the highest end of the EDP spectrum with 18%+ oil concentration. This isn't arbitrary—it's the concentration we found creates the perfect balance:
- Not too heavy: Can be worn to the office without overwhelming colleagues
- Not too light: Lasts 8-12 hours without reapplication
- Rich enough: Allows full expression of sandalwood, amber, and musk base notes
- Versatile: Works from morning meetings to evening dinners
This concentration also allows us to create exceptional sillage—the dignified trail (Shan-sillage) that's noticeable but never aggressive.
Common Misconceptions
❌ "EDT is always cheaper"
Not when you factor in longevity. You'll buy EDT more frequently, making EDP the better long-term investment.
❌ "Higher concentration = better"
Not always. Pure Parfum can be overwhelming. The "best" concentration depends on your lifestyle and preferences.
❌ "All EDPs are the same concentration"
False. EDP ranges from 12-18%. A 12% EDP performs very differently from an 18% EDP like ours.
Experience 18%+ EDP Quality
Signature No. 1 represents the pinnacle of EDP concentration—rich, long-lasting, and perfectly balanced.
Discover Signature No. 1