A to Z List of Perfume Types - Scent Index

Core Perfume Types by Concentration

These are the primary categories, ranked from highest to lowest concentration of fragrance oils, influencing scent strength and duration.

• Parfum (Extrait de Parfum) - The most concentrated type, with 20-30% (sometimes up to 40%) fragrance oils. Rich, intense, and long-lasting (6-8 hours or more), it’s luxurious and often the priciest. Ideal for special occasions, applied sparingly to pulse points like wrists and neck.
• Eau de Parfum (EDP) - A popular choice with 15-20% fragrance oils, offering strong scent and longevity (4-6 hours). Versatile for day or night, it’s a go-to for many brands, balancing intensity and affordability. Dab on skin for best effect.
• Eau de Toilette (EDT) - Lighter, with 5-15% fragrance oils, lasting 3-4 hours. Fresh and subtle, it’s perfect for daily wear, warm weather, or casual settings. Spritz on skin or clothing for a breezy feel.
• Eau de Cologne (EDC) - A classic type with 2-5% fragrance oils, lasting 2-3 hours. Originating from Cologne, Germany, it’s light, citrusy, and refreshing, ideal for a quick, uplifting splash after a shower or for summer days.
• Eau Fraîche - The lightest, with 1-3% fragrance oils, lasting 1-2 hours. Mostly water-based, it’s delicate and subtle, great for a gentle, refreshing touch, often used in hot climates or post-gym.

Specialized and Niche Perfume Types

Beyond concentration, these types cater to unique forms, uses, or cultural traditions, reflecting the diversity of the fragrance market.

• Solid Perfume - A waxy, balm-like blend of fragrance oils (often 10-20%) in a solid base like beeswax or jojoba. Portable and long-lasting, it’s applied by rubbing onto skin, popular for travel or subtle, personal use.
• Oil-Based Perfume - Concentrated fragrance oils (10-30%) in a carrier oil like almond or grapeseed. Rich and skin-friendly, it clings closely, lasting 6-8 hours. Common in Middle Eastern perfumery, rolled or dabbed on pulse points.
• Attar (Ittar) - A traditional, oil-based type from the Middle East and South Asia, often 100% natural, with concentrated botanical essences (rose, oud, saffron). Intense and long-lasting (8+ hours), it’s applied sparingly to skin for cultural or spiritual use.
• Body Mist - A light, water-based spray with 1-5% fragrance oils, often mixed with hydrating ingredients. Subtle and refreshing, lasting 1-2 hours, it’s sprayed generously on body or hair for a casual, airy scent.
• Splash Perfume - A low-concentration (1-5%) liquid, often akin to EDC or Eau Fraîche, designed for splashing generously after bathing. Light and fleeting, it’s a classic, carefree application style.
• Aftershave - A men’s grooming product with 1-5% fragrance oils, blended with soothing agents like aloe. Short-lived (1-2 hours), it’s splashed on post-shave to calm skin and add a subtle scent.
• Perfume Mist - Similar to body mist, with 2-5% fragrance oils, often in a fine spray for all-over use. Light and hydrating, lasting 1-3 hours, it’s perfect for a quick, refreshing boost.
• Roll-On Perfume - Typically an oil or EDP-style blend (10-20% oils) in a rollerball bottle. Precise and portable, it’s rolled onto pulse points, offering lasting scent in a travel-friendly form.
• Powder Perfume - A rare type, blending fragrance oils with a powdery base like talc or cornstarch. Subtle and dry, it’s dusted on skin for a soft, vintage-inspired scent, lasting 2-4 hours.
• Alcohol-Free Perfume - Fragrance oils (5-20%) in water or oil bases, designed for sensitive skin or cultural preferences. Varies in longevity, applied via spray or dab for a gentle effect.
• Layering Fragrances - Not a single type but a trend—multiple scents (EDP, EDT, oils, etc.) sold as sets or used together to customize a unique profile. Longevity varies, applied to skin in sequence.
• Niche Perfumes - High-quality blends, often Parfum or EDP strength (15-30%), from artisanal houses. Unique and bold, they last 6-8 hours, applied to pulse points for a bespoke experience.
• Extrait de Cologne - A modern hybrid, blending EDC’s freshness (citrus, herbs) with Parfum’s intensity (15-25% oils). Lasts 4-6 hours, spritzed for a bold yet light feel.
• Chypre - A structural type, not concentration-based, with a citrus top, floral heart, and mossy-woody base (often 10-20% oils). Complex and lasting, it’s sprayed for a sophisticated effect.
• Fougère - Another family-based type, blending lavender, oakmoss, and coumarin (5-20% oils). Aromatic and fresh, lasting 3-6 hours, common in men’s scents, applied via spray.

Understanding Perfume Types

Perfume types vary by concentration, application, and cultural origin. Higher concentrations (Parfum, EDP) offer richer, longer-lasting scents, while lighter ones (EDT, Eau Fraîche) suit casual or frequent use. Niche and traditional types like attars or solid perfumes cater to unique preferences. Longevity and strength depend on oil percentage, skin chemistry, and environment—warmth and humidity can intensify a scent. Application varies: spray for broad coverage, dab or roll for precision.

Our Commitment

Our team, passionate about fragrance, has crafted this list with expertise, drawing from perfumery standards, brand offerings, and market insights as of June 08, 2025. We aim to deliver an authoritative, trustworthy guide to help you navigate the market. Note: Availability may vary by region, brand, and formulation—check with retailers or perfumers for exact options.