Perfume shopping becomes a breeze once you understand the difference between an eau de parfum (EDP) and an eau de toilette (EDT). These two fragrance concentrations are by far the most popular in perfumery, and the simple difference is that an EDP contains more perfume oil than an EDT.
Each of these perfume concentrations has its own unique appeal. Eau de parfums are rich and luxurious and will last longer on your skin, while eau de toilettes are vibrant and more luminous — with slightly less staying power.
Perfume houses often sell the same fragrance in an EDP and EDT version. Sometimes the perfume concentration is the only difference, but — more and more — perfumers make slight changes to the formulations, adding and taking away notes to ensure the formula is perfectly aligned with the perfume concentration.
This means that when an EDT goes head-to-head with its EDP version, it is one of the ultimate battles in perfumery. We’ve taken some of the best-known fragrances and compared their EDT and EDP versions to see which ones came out on top.
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Going head-to-head: Eau de parfum vs eau de toilette
Eau de parfum vs eau de toilette — let’s find the most popular version.
1. Gucci Bloom: Eau de parfum vs eau de toilette
Gucci Bloom EDP wins you over with a simple yet powerful fragrance formula of jasmine, tuberose, and Rangoon creeper. This unique eau de parfum is intense and charming, and became an instant hit after its launch in 2017. The Gucci Bloom eau de toilette followed in 2022, featuring the same alluring notes of the original…but this time with neroli, bergamot, and sandalwood. The eau de parfum is described as “authentic and iconic” while the eau de toilette is “joyful and lively” — each version uniquely showcasing its one-of-a-kind aromas. And the winner in the eau de parfum vs eau de toilette battle? It’s a close call, but the original EDP still outsells the EDT. Try Gucci Bloom EDP NOW!
2. Narciso Rodriguez For Her: Eau de parfum vs eau de toilette
Narciso Rodriguez For Her EDT single-handedly reinvented musk when it launched 20 years ago. The award-winning scent charmed women with its musky mix of vanilla, amber, and patchouli. The overwhelming success made devotees crave an EDP version with an even higher perfume concentration, and Narciso Rodriguez For Her EDP was born. The EDP version enhances the aromas of the original with additional notes of rose and peach. Both versions are exquisite musk scents, but in the eau de parfum vs eau de toilette battle, many women will stay true to the original EDT. Try Narciso Rodriguez For Her EDP NOW!
3. Issey Miyake L’eau D’Issey: Eau de parfum vs eau de toilette
Japanese designer Issey Miyake created his fragrance masterpiece — L’eau D’Issey eau de toilette — in 1992. The unique fragrance captivated women with its unique mix of white florals, exotic woods, musk, and amber. When the eau de parfum version followed 14 years later, it delighted with the added brightness of yellow flowers — creating a feeling of sun-kissed florals. Both versions are mesmerizing, but the original award-winning Issey Miyake L’eau D’Issey walks away with the honors in the eau de parfum vs eau de toilette contest. Try Issey Miyake L’eau D’Issey EDT NOW!
4. Versace Bright Crystal: Eau de parfum vs eau de toilette
Versace Bright Crystal eau de toilette is one of those must-have scents that appeal to many women. The scent has stood the test of time with its iconic aromas of magnolia, lotus, and peony blending into a comforting base of woods and musk. The mass appeal of eau de toilet quickly led to a demand for an eau de parfum version and Versace Bright Crystal Absolu EDP was launched. The newer version is a more decadent take on the bright florals of the eau de toilette, adding alluring raspberry to the blend. Both versions have managed to amass a loyal following, but in the eau de parfum vs eau de toilette debate, the eau de toilette gets the honors for its enduring appeal of almost two decades. Try Versace Bright Crystal EDT or Versace Bright Crystal Absolu EDP NOW!
5. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue: Eau de parfum vs eau de toilette
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue eau de toilette was an overnight success with its award-winning aromas of vibrant lemon, apple, and cedar. The scent takes your senses on an olfactive journey to the south of Italy, allowing you to smell the vibrant aromas of Capri on a hot summer’s day. The addition of the Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue EDP Intense provides a more sensual take on the original with added marigold. The eau de parfum version also enhances the musky notes for added depth and allure. Both fragrances are masterpieces, but if we have to choose, the EDT is the frontrunner in the eau de parfum vs eau de toilette race. Try Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue EDT NOW!
6. Burberry Brit For Her: Eau de parfum vs eau de toilette
Burberry Brit For Her EDP launched in 2003, brimming with irresistible aromas of frosted pear, white almond, vanilla, mahogany, and tonka bean. The sweet and alluring eau de parfum had a dominant vanilla accord that women adored. The hypnotic eau de toilette version followed a year later, featuring vibrant lemongrass in the top notes and leaving out tonka bean in the base. The result is a vibrant yet sexy scent with slightly more citrusy aromas. In the battle of eau de parfum vs eau de toilette, this one remains a sprint to the finish line, with the eau de toilette clinching the victory. Try Burberry Brit For Her EDT NOW!
* Now that you’ve the answer to the eau de parfum vs eau de toilette debate, find more mesmerizing scents on our blogs. Read about interesting fragrances like pistachio scents, sweet perfumes, peach fragrances, spicy perfumes, and cherry blossom fragrances. Or, explore indie perfume brands like Arquiste, Acqua di Parma, Etat Libre d’Orange, and Edeniste.
