the difference between perfume, eau de parfum, and eau de toilette

when exploring fragrance, you may notice different terms used on perfume bottles: perfume, eau de parfum, and eau de toilette. these names refer to fragrance concentration — the percentage of fragrance oils diluted in alcohol.

the concentration affects how long a scent lasts, how strongly it projects, and how it develops throughout the day.

perfume (parfum) has the highest concentration of fragrance oils, typically between 20–30%. because of this, parfum tends to last the longest on the skin and requires only a small amount to create a noticeable scent. these fragrances are often richer and more intense.

eau de parfum sits just below parfum in concentration, usually containing around 15–20% fragrance oils. this balance allows the scent to last for several hours while still feeling smooth and wearable. eau de parfum fragrances tend to have strong longevity without becoming overpowering.

eau de toilette is lighter, typically containing around 5–15% fragrance oils. these scents are often brighter and more airy, but they tend to fade more quickly and may require reapplication throughout the day.

many modern fragrance houses choose eau de parfum because it offers the ideal balance between depth and wearability.

at bloorhaus, every fragrance in our collection is crafted as an eau de parfum. this concentration allows our scents to develop slowly on the skin while maintaining presence throughout the day.

fragrances like yorkville days, distillery nights, and quiet hours are designed to sit close to the skin and evolve gradually as the notes unfold. the eau de parfum format ensures that each scent retains its warmth, structure, and atmosphere without feeling heavy.

understanding fragrance concentrations helps explain why some perfumes feel richer or longer-lasting than others. choosing the right concentration ultimately depends on how you want a scent to behave — whether light and fleeting, or deeper and more enduring.