Is Eau de Cologne a type of perfume? Details explored

Modified Mar 04, 2024 14:14 IST

Eau de Cologne, typically known as cologne is a blend of 2% to 4% of perfume oils, which combine with alcohol and water. Italian fragrance expert Giovanni Maria Farina from the royal courts of Europe invented Eau de Cologne in the 18th century. Through time, the product has been redefined multiple times and its composition has been changed with varying the amount of perfume essence.

The product, same as perfume, is used to scent the skin and has been heavily relying on the men's fragrance market to be marketed out by luxury labels such as Chanel, Dior, and more.

Can Eau de Cologne be considered a type of perfume?

Eau de Colognes are considered a type of perfume, which is a blend of a lower percentage of essential oils and a product to give one's body a pleasant smell. In comparison to perfumes, cologne is given more fresh and citrusy notes to enhance and make it mild.

All fragrances that have low essential oil concentrations of up to five percent fall under the umbrella of 'cologne'. Meanwhile, perfumes are formed from aromatic essential oils, synthetic or absolute aromatic compounds, and contain the highest concentration of essential oils up to 30 percent.

As such, Eau de Colognes are mild and less potent. They must be reapplied more frequently and generously for the scent to last long. A larger concentration of essential oils in perfumes makes them heavier and more long-lasting, and a good four sprays do the trick.

Essential oils are one of the most important components of a fragrance and are mostly found in its notes. The concentration level of aromatic ingredients in the oil and water blend is the biggest differentiator among different types of fragrances.

Most fragrances have an oil, water, or alcohol base. It is important to note that Eau de colognes are marketed towards men and perfume towards women but both can be used interchangeably. Scents do not follow any gender rules.

5 main types of fragrances

1) Perfume or pure parfum, also known as extrait de parfum, is the most pure form of fragrance. These are priced higher because of their long-lasting effect.

2) Eau de parfum, which comes second, is comparatively less expensive. Always be careful with EDPs, these might leave stains on delicate garments like silk and satin.

Dolce amd Gabbana Eau de Toilette (Image via Amazon)

3) Eau de toilette is a light spray composition and is priced lower than EDPs. These are everyday-wear scents and last up to 2-3 hours.

4) Colognes stand fourth with their very lightweight formulation and a longevity of up to two hours.

5) Eau Fraîche is the most diluted version of EDP. It is also low in alcohol content and serves as a quick refresher.

Which type of perfume should one choose?

One can select your favorite bottle of perfumes based on your individual preferences. Throughout the day, our body produces heat that warms the fragrances and diffuses them to blend with our skin. Use the fragrance on the neck, chest, and crease of arms.

Choosing a fragrance and build a collection is a very personal process and one should choose it according to the scent one associates with. Choosing long-lasting scents is one way to make sure you smell fresh throughout the day, while still picking up the right note to match one's vibe.

With a large market of perfume samples, one can be recommended to try buying samples of different fragrances to then buy a bigger bottle of the product. Remember to do a patch test before buying. If due to sensitive skin, a high concentration of essential oils irritates one's skin, Eau de Cologne and Eau Fraîche would be a better pick for them.

Edited by Prem Deshpande