The Difference Between Perfume, Cologne and Body Spray

Perfume, cologne and body spray are often used interchangeably but each product is unique and serves a specific function. You might find yourself confused and asking what is the difference between cologne and body spray? You might also ask why perfume tends to be more expensive than body spray.

In order to know the difference between perfume vs cologne vs body spray, it is important to understand the purpose of each product. Let’s take a look.

Perfume Explained

What Is a Perfume?

Perfume is a combination of alcohol, water and fragrance oils applied to the body to create a pleasant fragrance. Perfume is divided into categories based on the concentration of fragrance oil in the mixture. Simply put, the type of perfume is determined by the ratio of water, fragrance oil and alcohol in the mixture.

Nowadays, these categories can vary among different brands. Some perfume makers bend the ratios to experiment with and create different scents. A range of fragrance oils such as jasmine, rosemary, citrus oils, lavender is used in perfumes. Those with higher concentrations of oil have stronger scents that last longer.

Three Different Types of Perfumes:

• Parfum
• Eau De Toilette
• Eau de Cologne

Let’s take a look at these different types of perfume.

What Is Parfum?

What is typically described as perfume is more specifically known as parfum, or sometimes, pure perfume. Parfum is the most luxurious type of perfume and has the highest concentration of oils, about 20% to 30%. This can be higher especially in pure perfume. Parfum is long-lasting and the scent will typically last between six to eight hours.

What Is Eau De Toilette?

You might notice that your perfume is labelled as “eau de toilette”. This is a more subtle perfume with a fragrance oil concentration of 5% and 15%. The scent will typically last two to three hours on you.

What Is A Cologne?

Cologne is sometimes understood as men’s perfume but it is really just a lighter version of parfum and eau de toilette. If you’re wondering what is the difference between a perfume and a cologne? It primarily comes down to the concentration of oils. Eau de cologne, simply referred to as cologne, contains a lower concentration of oil than parfum and eau de toilette, usually between 2% to 4%. The scent of cologne does not last too long. It usually lingers for about two to three hours.

What Is A Body Spray?

The difference between body spray and perfume is that body spray is more diluted and has a significantly lower concentration of fragrance oils than all types of perfumes. When comparing body spray vs cologne or body spray vs eau de toilette, you will notice that the scent of body spray is milder and lasts a shorter time.

Body spray is applied directly to your body, not to your clothes. You not only smell good but also feel fresh. It is also typically a more affordable option for daily use than perfume.

Deodorant and Antiperspirant Body Sprays

What is the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant body sprays?

Deodorant is applied directly to the body to mask any unpleasant odours. You can target sweaty areas such as your underarms. Unlike antiperspirants, deodorant does not prevent you from sweating. Antiperspirant, on the other hand, is applied to reduce the amount of sweat released from your body.

The Shield Solution

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