What Is Eau de Parfum? The Complete Guide to Fragrance Concentrations
Walk into any department store and you'll see bottles labelled EDT, EDP, Parfum—sometimes even EDC. What do these abbreviations mean? And which one is actually worth your money?
This guide explains everything about fragrance concentrations, so you can shop with confidence and get exactly the performance you're paying for.
The Basics: What Is Fragrance Concentration?
Every perfume is a solution of fragrance oil diluted in alcohol (and sometimes water). The concentration refers to the percentage of fragrance oil in that solution. Higher concentration = stronger, longer-lasting scent.
| Type | Concentration | Typical Longevity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parfum (Extrait) | 20–40% | 8–12+ hours | Special occasions |
| Eau de Parfum (EDP) | 15–20% | 6–8 hours | All-day wear |
| Eau de Toilette (EDT) | 5–15% | 3–5 hours | Everyday, office |
| Eau de Cologne (EDC) | 2–4% | 1–2 hours | Refreshing, casual |
Eau de Toilette (EDT): The Everyday Classic
EDT is the most popular fragrance format globally. It's light enough for warm weather and daily office wear, yet complex enough to express genuine personality. The lower oil concentration means it typically costs less, making it ideal for building a fragrance wardrobe.
STETMN's EDT Range: All five of our Eau de Toilette fragrances—Heartland, British Green, Ashes of Memory, Emerald Valley, and Unyielding Belief—offer 3–5 hours of projection. Reapplication around midday keeps you fresh through the evening.
Eau de Parfum (EDP): When Longevity Matters
EDP sits in the sweet spot between EDT and pure Parfum. With 15–20% fragrance oil, it delivers deeper character and typically lasts 6–8 hours from application. One or two sprays in the morning and you're set for the whole day.
EDP tends to have a richer, denser profile on the skin—the same fragrance DNA as an EDT, but with more body and depth. Think of it as the same song, played by a full orchestra instead of a quartet.
STETMN's EDP: Blackcurrant Island EDP is our only Eau de Parfum. Blackcurrant, pink grapefruit, and violet open on a lush fruit accord before settling into a warm musk and vanilla base. Available in 15ml ($44), 50ml ($112), and 100ml ($162).
Which Should You Choose?
Choose EDT if you:
- Want something lighter for daily wear
- Work in an enclosed office (lower projection = more considerate)
- Prefer to reapply through the day
- Want to explore multiple scents without heavy investment
Choose EDP if you:
- Need your fragrance to last through a full 8-hour day
- Want deeper, richer character on the skin
- Prefer fewer applications
- Dress for evenings and events frequently
Pro Tip: Start With a Sample
Fragrance behaves differently on different skin chemistry. Before committing to a full bottle—whether EDT or EDP—try before you buy. STETMN's Discovery Sample Set includes 1.2ml of all our fragrances for $19.99. It's the smartest first purchase in your STETMN journey.
Use code WELCOME10 for 10% off your first order.
The STETMN Philosophy on Concentration
We believe fragrance should be worn with intention. Our EDT line is crafted for presence without imposition—perfect for the everyday moments of life. Our EDP was formulated for those days when you need your scent to carry you through the night.
Developed in collaboration with crafted through contemporary perfumery expertise perfumers in London, every STETMN fragrance is engineered to perform beautifully at its stated concentration. No filler, no shortcuts.