The short answer: an eau de parfum (EDP) contains more perfume oil than an eau de toilette (EDT), so it usually smells richer, lasts longer on skin and costs more per millilitre. But with many designer fragrances, the two versions aren't the same scent at different strengths. They're often different compositions that share a name and a bottle. Here's how to choose.
The difference is concentration
Fragrances are named by how much perfume oil is blended into the alcohol base. There's no legal standard and every house sets its own levels, but these are the typical ranges:
| Type | Typical perfume oil | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Parfum or extrait | 20–30% | The richest, sits closest to the skin, lasts longest |
| Eau de parfum (EDP) | 15–20% | Full and rounded, lasts well through the day |
| Eau de toilette (EDT) | 5–15% | Lighter and brighter, fades sooner |
| Eau de cologne | 2–4% | A fresh splash, short-lived |
Givenchy also rates each of its fragrances for intensity: the Givenchy eaux de toilette we stock are rated 50%, and the eaux de parfum 75%.
Same name, different fragrance
This is where most people are caught out. Perfumers often rework the formula for each version, so the EDT and EDP can smell noticeably different. Four examples from our shelves:
| Fragrance | Eau de toilette | Eau de parfum |
|---|---|---|
| Givenchy L'Interdit | EDT: bigarade orange over orange blossom, tuberose and jasmine, on a base of patchouli, vetiver and musks. Brighter and more transparent. | EDP: bergamot and fresh ginger over orange blossom, sambac jasmine and tuberose absolute, on patchouli and vetiver. Deeper and darker. |
| YSL Libre | EDT: lavender and orange blossom cooled by a white tea accord, opening on tangerine and bergamot. | EDP: French lavender and Moroccan orange blossom over warm vanilla. The original, and the warmer of the two. |
| Givenchy Irresistible | EDT Fraîche: rose with pink pepper and sweet orange over white musk. Fresh and lightly spicy. | EDP: rose with pear and ambrette over blond woods. Rounder and softer. |
| Gentleman Givenchy | EDT Originale (created in 1975): woody and aromatic, with tarragon, patchouli, vetiver and a leather accord. | EDP: pepper and lavender over iris and black vanilla. A different, more modern scent under the same name. |
Which should you choose?
- Choose an EDT for daytime, the office and warm weather, or if you like a scent that stays light. EDTs usually cost less, so they're a good way to try a fragrance.
- Choose an EDP for evenings and colder months, or if you want a scent that lasts through the day with fewer top-ups.
- Buying a gift? If they already wear the fragrance, check their bottle and buy the same version, because the EDT and EDP may smell different. If you're unsure, the EDT is usually the easier, lighter choice.
- Read the notes, not just the label. If you love one version, compare the notes on both product pages before switching.
Make any fragrance last longer
- Apply to moisturised skin. Fragrance holds better on skin that isn't dry.
- Spray pulse points such as the wrists, neck and inner elbows, and don't rub your wrists together.
- Layer with a matching body product. Givenchy's Gentleman Society Shower Gel and Deodorant Spray carry the same woody-floral scent as Gentleman Society Eau de Parfum.
EDP vs EDT FAQs
Is eau de parfum stronger than eau de toilette?
Usually, yes. It contains a higher concentration of perfume oil, so it smells fuller and tends to last longer.
Does the EDT smell the same as the EDP?
Not always. Many houses rework the formula for each version, so compare the notes before you buy.
What does "intensity 50%" mean on Givenchy fragrances?
It's Givenchy's own rating of how strong each version is. The Givenchy eaux de toilette we stock are rated 50% and the eaux de parfum 75%, and Gentleman Society Eau de Parfum Ambrée is rated 100%.
Can I wear an EDT and an EDP together?
Yes. Layering a scented body product under either, or a lighter EDT over its matching EDP, is an easy way to build a longer-lasting trail.