Perfumes are classified into 5 main groups loosely based on their concentration of aromatic compounds.

Parfum or extrait has a 20–30% concentration of fragrance.

• As parfum contains a high concentration of fragrance, it is typically the most expensive.
• It is usually a heavier, oilier product than the other types of perfume, and tends to be used more sparingly.
• The smell is long-lasting — an average of 8 hours and up to 24 hours.

Eau de parfum or parfum de toilet has a 15–20% concentration of fragrance.

• Eau de parfum contains a greater concentration of alcohol and water and is generally cheaper than parfum.
• It is a lighter product and has a shorter duration of around 4 to 5 hours.
• Eau de parfum is the most common fragrance type and is the base for other fragrance types.

Eau de toilette has a 5–15% concentration of fragrance.

• Eau de toilette has a low concentration of essential oils and a high concentration of alcohol.
• It dissipates quickly and lasts 2 to 3 hours.
• It is a cheaper option and often used for daywear.

Eau de cologne has a 2–4% concentration of fragrance.

• Eau de cologne has a much lower fragrance concentration to create a very light formulation.
• It is primarily used in fragrances designed for males as an aftershave or splash-on fragrance.
• It dissipates quickly and lasts about 2 hours.
• Cologne, by definition, refers to ‘eau de cologne’. However, the term ‘cologne’ is in common use in the English language to denote any fragrance worn by a male [2].

Eau fraiche has a 1–3% concentration of fragrance.

• Eau fraiche has the lowest fragrance concentration of all types of parfum, and is diluted with water rather than alcohol or oil.
• Common uses for eau fraiche include mists, splashes, and veils that are very light and dissipate within an hour [2].

Fragrances are also added to many cosmetics and household goods.