The Core Difference: Perfume Oil Concentration

The primary distinction between any fragrance category is the concentration of aromatic oils it contains. The rest of the formula is typically a blend of perfumer's alcohol and a small amount of water.

• Eau de Parfum (EDP): This is one of the most common concentrations on the market. An EDP typically contains between 15% and 20% pure perfume oil.
• Extrait de Parfum (Extrait): Also known as Pure Perfume or Perfume Extract, this is the highest concentration available. An Extrait de Parfum contains anywhere from 20% to 40% perfume oil.

Longevity & Sillage: How It Wears

How long a fragrance lasts (longevity) and how far it projects (sillage) are directly impacted by its oil concentration.

An Eau de Parfum is the standard for a full-day experience, typically lasting a solid 6 to 8 hours on the skin. It has a noticeable but not overwhelming sillage, making it a perfect choice for work and social settings.

Extrait de Parfum, with its higher oil content, is built for endurance. It can last well over 10-12 hours and sometimes even lingers after a shower. Interestingly, its sillage is often more intimate. Instead of projecting loudly, it creates a rich, dense scent bubble that stays closer to you, inviting people in rather than announcing your arrival from across the room.

The Scent Experience: Development on Skin

Because there is less alcohol in an Extrait, the scent develops differently. The initial "opening" notes might feel less sharp or pronounced compared to an EDP. However, the heart and base notes are richer, deeper, and last significantly longer. You get less of an initial blast and more of a slow, luxurious evolution of the scent over many hours.

Price: Why the Big Difference?

As you'd expect, the price reflects the concentration. The aromatic oils are the most expensive ingredients in any perfume. Since Extraits contain a much higher percentage of these precious oils, they command a higher price tag. However, it's worth noting that you often need to apply far less of an Extrait—just a dab or two—compared to an EDP, so a bottle can last a very long time.

Which One Should You Choose?

Your choice depends entirely on your needs and preferences:

• Choose Eau de Parfum (EDP) for: Daily wear, office environments, and when you want a reliable, noticeable fragrance that lasts through a typical workday.
• Choose Extrait de Parfum for: Special occasions, intimate evenings, or when you want a long-lasting, luxurious scent that wears closer to the skin. It's for the wearer to enjoy as much as those who get close to them.

The Alexandria UK Commitment

At Alexandria UK, we specialise in crafting fragrances with exceptional longevity and richness. Many of our creations are formulated at Extrait de Parfum concentration to provide you with the most luxurious and long-lasting experience possible.