Every perfume label carries a small phrase – eau de toilette, eau de parfum, extrait – that tells you how much perfume oil is inside the bottle. It affects how strong the scent is, how close it stays to your skin and how often you will need to reapply, which matters a lot in Indian heat. This guide explains each type in plain language, with real examples and prices from our shelves.
Key takeaways
- Perfume types are named by how concentrated the perfume oils are: cologne is the lightest, then eau de toilette (EDT), eau de parfum (EDP) and extrait de parfum / parfum.
- There is no legal standard – brands set their own concentrations – so treat the percentages below as typical ranges, not rules.
- A stronger concentration usually stays on skin longer, but the notes matter just as much: woods, amber, musk and vanilla last longer than citrus.
- Price is not a guide to strength. In our store the typical EDT costs ₹4,742 while the typical EDP costs ₹2,899, because most EDTs we stock are European designer scents and most EDPs come from Arabian houses.
- Attars (perfume oils) and aqua perfumes, which are sold as alcohol-free, are alternatives to alcohol-based sprays.
The quick comparison
| Type | Typical perfume-oil content | What it feels like | Example at Fragrance Heaven |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eau de cologne (EDC) | About 2–5% | Very light and fresh; a quick splash | Rarely made today; most fresh scents now come as EDT |
| Eau de toilette (EDT) | About 5–15% | Bright and airy, good for daytime | Davidoff Cool Water EDT 125ml – ₹3,400 |
| Eau de parfum (EDP) | About 15–20% | Fuller and richer; the most popular type | Rasasi Hawas Ice EDP 100ml – ₹3,250 |
| Extrait de parfum / parfum | About 20–40% | Dense and close to the skin; a little goes a long way | Mykonos Penthouse Extrait 50ml – ₹2,649 |
| Attar / concentrated perfume oil | Perfume in oil, no alcohol | Applied in dabs; sits close to the skin | Afnan Musk Abiyad attar 20ml – ₹1,350 |
| Aqua (water-based) perfume | Water-based; sold as alcohol-free | Usually softer and closer to the skin | Naseem Ocean Enigma Aqua Parfum 75ml – ₹1,750 |
Percentages are the ranges most commonly quoted in the industry. Two EDPs from different brands can differ a lot, so read the notes as well as the label.
Eau de toilette (EDT): light, fresh and easy to wear
An EDT contains less perfume oil, so it opens brightly and wears lighter. That makes it a good choice for hot afternoons, office days and anyone who dislikes heavy scents. In Indian summers an EDT can fade sooner, so many people carry a small bottle to top up during the day.
Designer brands still make many of their classic fragrances as EDTs, which is why the EDTs in our store are, on average, more expensive than our EDPs. We currently have 240 eaux de toilette in stock.
Eau de parfum (EDP): the all-rounder
EDP is the most common type today – 1,473 of the perfumes in stock at Fragrance Heaven are eaux de parfum. It has more body than an EDT, a richer dry-down and usually lasts longer on skin. Arabian houses such as Lattafa, Armaf, Rasasi and Afnan make most of their range as EDPs, which is why so many good EDPs sit between ₹1,500 and ₹3,500.
Extrait de parfum and parfum: the most concentrated
Extrait de parfum (sometimes just “parfum” or “pure parfum”) has the highest share of perfume oil. It tends to sit closer to the skin rather than filling a room, and one or two sprays are usually enough. Our in-stock extraits have a typical price of ₹3,899, while the “parfum” versions of designer fragrances are the priciest type we sell, with a typical price of ₹8,500.
One thing to know: when a fragrance comes in several versions – say an EDT and a Parfum – brands often adjust the formula, not just the strength. Davidoff, for example, sells both Cool Water EDT (₹3,400) and Cool Water Parfum (₹5,170) as separate products. Always read the notes of the exact version you are buying.
Attar and aqua perfume: alcohol-free options
Attars are perfumes in oil rather than alcohol. India has a long attar tradition – Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh is famous for it – and Arabian houses sell “concentrated perfume oils” in small roll-on or dab-on bottles. A few drops are enough, so a 10–20ml bottle lasts a long time. Our in-stock attars have a typical price of ₹1,399. Read our full guide: Attar vs Perfume: Which Is Better for Indian Weather?
Aqua perfumes, such as those from Naseem, are sold as water-based and alcohol-free. They usually feel softer than an alcohol spray. Check the label of the exact product.
Which one should you buy?
- Daily office wear in summer: a fresh EDT or a light EDP.
- Evenings, weddings and winter: an EDP or extrait with woods, amber, vanilla or oud.
- You prefer no alcohol: an attar or an aqua perfume.
- You want to try before committing: start with miniatures and trial packs.
- Best value per spray: an EDP from an Arabian house – see our best Arabian perfumes for men under ₹3,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is parfum the same as extrait de parfum?
Usually, yes. Both names describe the most concentrated version of a fragrance. Some brands say “parfum”, others “extrait de parfum” or “pure parfum”.
Is EDP better than EDT?
Not better – different. An EDP is usually richer and lasts longer, while an EDT is lighter and fresher. In hot weather many people prefer an EDT by day and an EDP in the evening.
Which type lasts longest in Indian summers?
Higher concentrations and base-heavy notes (woods, amber, musk, vanilla) last longest. How you apply it matters too – see how to make perfume last longer in Indian heat.
Can I wear an attar and a perfume together?
Yes. Many people dab an attar on the skin and spray a perfume on top or on clothes. Test the combination on your skin first.
Related Guides
- Attar vs Perfume: Which Is Better for Indian Weather?
- How to Make Your Perfume Last Longer in Indian Heat
- How to Choose a Perfume Online Without Smelling It
About this guide: Written by Ibrahim Ashtar for Fragrance Heaven, Sadar Bazar, Delhi. Prices and stock were taken from our store on 15 October 2026 and can change – please check the product page for the current price. The format counts and typical prices come from our in-stock catalogue on the same date. AI tools helped with research and drafting; the guide was reviewed by our team before publishing.
