Perfume Strength Chart: A Complete Guide to Fragrance Concentrations
Choosing a new fragrance is about more than just the notes. The strength of your perfume decides how long it lasts, how far it projects and how it feels on your skin. This simple perfume strength chart breaks down each concentration level – from light colognes to powerful extrait de parfum and perfume oils – so you can find the perfect match for your style.
At Jannah Jasmine, we specialise in richer concentrations such as Extrait de Parfum and perfume oils, especially in our oud and Middle Eastern inspired fragrances. Use this guide to understand where they sit on the chart and how to wear them.
What Is Perfume Strength?
Perfume strength refers to the percentage of fragrance oils in a formula compared with alcohol and other carriers. The higher the concentration of oils, the richer, denser and longer-lasting the scent usually is.
Two perfumes can share similar notes but smell completely different on the skin depending on their concentration. That is why you might see the same fragrance name offered as an Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum or Extrait de Parfum.
Perfume Strength Chart
Here is a clear perfume strength chart showing the most common fragrance types, their approximate oil concentration and how long they usually last.
| Perfume Type | Approx. Oil Concentration | Typical Longevity* | Character & Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parfum / Extrait de Parfum | 20–40% fragrance oils | 8–12+ hours | Deep, rich and luxurious. A little goes a very long way. |
| Eau de Parfum (EDP) | 15–20% fragrance oils | 6–8 hours | Strong, long-lasting and versatile for day or evening wear. |
| Eau de Toilette (EDT) | 5–15% fragrance oils | 3–5 hours | Lighter and fresher. Ideal for the office and warmer weather. |
| Eau de Cologne (EDC) | 2–5% fragrance oils | 1–3 hours | Very light, often citrus-led. Needs reapplying through the day. |
| Perfume Oils / Attars | Highly concentrated, oil-based | 10–24+ hours | Alcohol-free, smooth and powerful on the skin. Perfect for oud and oriental blends. |
*Approximate ranges – exact performance varies by fragrance, skin type and environment.
Perfume Strengths Explained
Parfum & Extrait de Parfum
Extrait de Parfum (sometimes simply called Parfum) is the highest strength on the perfume strength chart. With a high percentage of fragrance oils, it offers a dense, luxurious scent that lingers for hours with minimal sprays.
Rather than shouting across the room, a good extrait creates an elegant aura close to the skin – perfect for evening wear, special occasions and anyone who loves depth and complexity.
Read more about how extrait works in our dedicated guide: How Extrait de Parfum Sets Itself Apart .
Eau de Parfum (EDP)
Eau de Parfum is one of the most popular perfume strengths. It strikes a balance between richness and wearability, giving satisfying performance without feeling overpowering.
For most people, an EDP is the ideal everyday choice for work, events and evenings out. Some of our Jannah Jasmine fragrances use Eau de Parfum strength to showcase notes like vanilla, amber, florals and oud in a refined way.
Eau de Toilette (EDT)
Eau de Toilette is lighter, fresher and often more affordable. It is great for a quick spritz before heading out or for layering with other scents.
If you enjoy changing your fragrance through the day, or prefer something that never feels too heavy, an EDT is a good option.
Eau de Cologne (EDC)
Eau de Cologne features a low concentration of perfume oils and a high percentage of alcohol and water. Traditionally bright and citrusy, it gives an instant, refreshing lift that fades relatively quickly.
Think of it as the lightest choice on the perfume strength chart – ideal for hot days, after the gym or whenever you want a subtle veil of scent.
Perfume Oils & Attars
Perfume oils and attars are blended in an oil base instead of alcohol. They sit at the higher end of the perfume strength chart in terms of richness and longevity.
A drop applied to the pulse points can last from morning to night, with the scent unfolding slowly and smoothly. This style is particularly popular in Middle Eastern perfumery, where materials like oud, amber, musk and rose are allowed to shine in all their depth.
Explore our own collection of long-lasting perfume oils for an alcohol-free, skin-hugging experience.
Where Does Oud Sit on the Perfume Strength Chart?
Oud is one of the most powerful and characterful ingredients in perfumery. While oud itself is a raw material rather than a strength, it is usually used in higher concentrations because of its complexity and price.
In alcohol-based sprays, oud is typically found in Eau de Parfum and Extrait de Parfum formulas, where it can truly develop on the skin. In oil form, oud attars and blends can last all day, offering a deep, resinous and sometimes smoky trail.
If you enjoy bold, long-lasting scents, look for oud-based perfumes in richer strengths:
- Oud Extrait de Parfum for intense, luxurious projection.
- Oud Eau de Parfum for a versatile, wearable balance.
- Oud perfume oils for the longest and smoothest experience.
Discover our Middle Eastern inspired scents in the Arabian fragrance collection.
How to Choose the Right Perfume Strength for You
1. Think About Where You’ll Wear It
- Office or close-contact settings: Opt for EDT or a light EDP so you smell refined, not overwhelming.
- Evenings and special occasions: Extrait de Parfum, rich EDPs and perfume oils create a memorable trail.
- Hot weather or casual days: EDT, colognes and lighter oils feel fresher on the skin.
2. Consider Your Skin Type
Dry skin tends to absorb fragrance more quickly, so you may prefer stronger concentrations such as EDP, extrait or oils. Oily or well-moisturised skin usually holds scent longer, so even lighter strengths may last well on you.
3. Decide How Much Presence You Want
- Subtle and intimate: A light EDP, EDT or a small amount of perfume oil.
- Balanced and noticeable: Classic Eau de Parfum – a few sprays on pulse points.
- Bold and statement-making: Extrait de Parfum or layered perfume oils with sprays.
4. Experiment with Layering
You can also use the perfume strength chart as a layering guide:
- Start with a perfume oil on the skin for longevity.
- Add a matching or complementary Eau de Parfum on top for projection.
- Refresh through the day with a lighter mist or cologne if you wish.
Perfume Strength Chart – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the strongest perfume concentration?
The strongest commonly available concentration on the perfume strength chart is Parfum or Extrait de Parfum. It contains the highest level of fragrance oils and offers the most intense, long-lasting scent.
Is Extrait de Parfum stronger than Eau de Parfum?
Yes. Extrait de Parfum uses more fragrance oil and less alcohol than a typical Eau de Parfum, so it feels richer on the skin and usually lasts longer, even with fewer sprays.
Are perfume oils stronger than sprays?
Perfume oils are often more tenacious than sprays because they sit closer to the skin and evaporate more slowly. They do not always project as far as an alcohol-based spray, but they can last longer and feel smoother.
Which perfume strength is best for everyday use?
For most people, an Eau de Parfum is the best everyday choice. It offers good performance without being too strong, and works well in most situations, from work to evenings out.
How do I make my perfume last longer?
- Apply to moisturised skin and pulse points.
- Choose a higher strength such as EDP, extrait or perfume oils.
- Layer perfume oils with sprays from the same scent family.
- Avoid rubbing your wrists together, which can bruise the top notes.
Explore Jannah Jasmine Perfumes by Strength
Now that you understand the perfume strength chart, you can choose the concentration that suits your personality, lifestyle and favourite notes.
- Discover our long-lasting perfume oils.
- Explore rich, modern Eau de Parfum sprays.
- Fall in love with Middle Eastern inspired scents in the Arabian collection.
Whether you prefer the soft glow of perfume oils or the bold presence of Extrait de Parfum, Jannah Jasmine has a fragrance strength – and a story – for every moment.
