Perfumes are categorized using different factors. There are categories based on their concentration, notes, families and sub-groups. These categories all play an important role in the composition of a fragrance. This article classifies the types of perfumes based on their concentration. Perfumes are made with a mixture of pure extracted fragrance oils, alcohol and water. The percentage of these solutions in the mix accounts for their concentration and the reason for the difference in how poignant their scents turn out to be. This classification based on concentration is divided into seven categories;

• After Shave or Splash ~ These types of perfumes have between 0-1% concentration of fragrance oil and they can last up to 1 hour on clothes or skin when used.
• Eau Fraiche ~ Perfumes under this class have between 3-5% concentration of fragrance and they last up to 3 hours on clothes or skin when used.
• Eau de Cologne (EDC) ~ They are light and refreshing with between 3-5% concentration of fragrance oil in a mixture of alcohol and water and they can last up to 3-4 hours when used. EDCs are typically used with citrus oil components.
• Eau de Toilette (EDC) ~ These types of perfumes have between 5-15% concentration of fragrance oil mixed with alcohol instead of water and they can last up to 4-6 hours.
• Eau de Parfum (EDP) ~ It is usually more expensive than EDCs and EDPs. They have a concentration of between 15-20% of fragrance oil, mixed with a high quantity of alcohol. They can last between 6-8 hours when applied.
• Perfume (Parfume) ~ Parfumes are at the top of the classification with about 20-50% concentration in the oil-to-alcohol mix. They last up to 12 hours and even more. They are far stronger and more expensive in comparison to EDCs, EDT and EDPs.
• Absolute ~ This is the pure natural essence extracted in a liquid form mostly oily. It has the strongest aromatic material from a plant, flower or fruit. It is mixed with alcohol or water or both to make other types of perfumes.

A perfumer is someone that formulates or sells perfumes. As of the time this article was written, I am only a seller but with intentions of formulating soon. Perfumers that mix has to understand what type of concentration they are aiming for to know the percentage of oils, alcohol or water to add to their composition.

As buyers also, with the knowledge of these types of perfumes, you have an idea as to what you are buying, their concentration, how long they tend to last, and what your budget should be for each as higher concentrations perfumes are more expensive. Lower concentration perfumes should be considered as body mists, for perfume layering or refreshing resprays instead of them being your main daily fragrance as they don’t last as long.