Baskadia

The main differentiator between body spray, cologne, and perfume is the concentration of essential aromatic oils in each solution. In fact, perfume types are separated by tiers based on the percentage of essential oils. 

• Parfum: Topping the concentration list is this solution, which usually contains between 20 and 30% perfume oils. You’ll usually pay more for this product, which doesn’t contain much alcohol.
  

• Eau de Parfum: One rung down from parfum is eau de parfum, or EDP. It often contains fragrances people regard as unisex. EDP usually has a fragrant oil concentration between 15 and 20% and contains more alcohol than parfum.
  

• Eau de Toilette: Less expensive than EDP is eau de toilette, which is considered typical for daytime application. EDT is typically a light spray consisting of 5 to 15% aromatic essence.
  

• Eau de Cologne: This type of perfume consists of 2 to 4% aromatic oils and a significant amount of alcohol. Users generally need a liberal application of cologne for the scent to come through. 
  

• Eau Fraiche: Even lower than cologne is eau fraiche, which has an aromatic oil concentration between 1 and 3%. It usually has less alcohol than cologne, as it’s mostly water and may not last longer than an hour. Some body sprays fit in this category.
  

So, what’s the difference between body spray and perfume? In most cases, it’s the product’s strength, which is determined by its formula.

Greater concentration, longer scent

Generally speaking, the scent of a parfum lasts longer than one of an eau fraiche due to its higher concentration of aromatic essential oils. It’s common for parfums to last up to six hours. In the middle of the concentration lists, an eau de toilette product often lasts between two and three hours. 

There are plenty of exceptions, though. Depending on the application, the scent of some body sprays can last as long as those of parfums.