Perfume concentration determines how strong a fragrance is, how long it lasts, and how far it projects. Here's the complete breakdown from lightest to heaviest.
Eau Fraîche (1-3% concentration)
The lightest option. Barely there — think body splash. Lasts 1-2 hours at most. Examples: Versace Man Eau Fraiche (despite the name, it's technically an EDT).
Eau de Cologne (2-4%)
Light and refreshing, designed for liberal application. Lasts 2-3 hours. Traditional colognes with citrus-heavy profiles. The word "cologne" now refers to any men's fragrance, but technically it's the lightest concentration.
Eau de Toilette (5-15%)
The most common concentration for men's fragrances. Good balance of scent strength and wearability. Lasts 4-7 hours typically. Examples: Versace Eros EDT, Sauvage EDT, Cool Water.
Eau de Parfum (15-20%)
Richer, longer lasting, and more expensive. The sweet spot for most fragrance enthusiasts. Lasts 6-10 hours. Examples: Sauvage EDP, Bleu de Chanel EDP, CDNI EDP.
Parfum / Extrait de Parfum (20-30%+)
The most concentrated and expensive. Smoother, more refined, with excellent longevity (8-12+ hours). Lower projection but incredible staying power as a skin scent. Examples: Sauvage Parfum, Versace Eros Parfum.
What Should You Buy?
EDP is the best value for most people — you get strong performance without the premium price of Parfum. EDT works great in warm weather when you want something lighter. Parfum is best for cold weather and intimate settings.