Eau de Parfum vs Eau de Toilette: Why Higher Concentration Means Better Value
Walk into any department store and you'll see both on the shelf. EdP. EdT. Sometimes EDP and EDT. You might not know what the letters mean — but they matter more than the brand name on the bottle.
This guide explains the difference, and why choosing Eau de Parfum almost always gives you better value for money — especially when you're buying British indie fragrance at an honest price.
What Do the Terms Actually Mean?
Fragrance concentration refers to how much pure aromatic compound (the "juice") is mixed into the final product:
| Type | Concentration | Longevity | Typical UK Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eau de Cologne (EdC) | 2–4% | 2–3 hours | £15–£30 |
| Eau de Toilette (EdT) | 5–15% | 3–5 hours | £30–£60 |
| Eau de Parfum (EdP) | 15–20% | 8–12 hours | £40–£120 |
| Parfum / Extrait | 20–30% | 12–24 hours | £80–£300+ |
The higher the concentration, the fewer applications you need, and the longer the scent lasts on your skin.
Why Most Men Default to EdT — and Why It's a Mistake
Eau de Toilette dominates supermarket shelves and gift sets because it's cheaper to produce. That lower price point looks attractive at first glance. But consider the real-world comparison:
- A 100ml EdT at £40 fades by mid-afternoon. You're reapplying. The bottle runs out faster because you use more.
- A 50ml EdP at £22 lasts all day from a single application. The smaller volume goes further.
When you calculate cost-per-hour of wear, the EdP wins every time.
How Common Scents EdP Compares to High Street Brands
Common Scents First Edition is an Eau de Parfum — 50ml, handcrafted in the UK, at £22. That's the same concentration as fragrance brands charging £65–£120 for equivalent volume.
The difference isn't in the formula. It's in the brand tax. Designer names, celebrity collaborations, and department store shelf fees all inflate the retail price of high street fragrance. When you cut those out, an EdP at £22 is entirely achievable — and that's exactly the point Common Scents was founded on.
The Right Way to Apply Eau de Parfum
Because EdP is more concentrated, less is more. Two or three sprays is enough for all-day wear:
- Apply to pulse points: wrists, neck, behind the ears
- Don't rub — let it dry naturally and oxidise on the skin
- Apply before dressing so the scent layers with your body heat
- Avoid applying to clothes — the oils can stain
Bottom Line
If you're choosing between EdP and EdT, choose EdP. Higher concentration, longer wear, better value per spray. And if you're spending more than £25 for a 50ml EdP in the UK, it's worth asking what exactly you're paying for.
Shop Common Scents First Edition Eau de Parfum — £22 for 50ml. UK-made, all-day longevity.
