Fragrance Concentration Guide
| Type | Oil Concentration | Longevity | Best For | Typical Price (100ml) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parfum / Extrait | 20-40% | 8-12+ hours | Special occasions, evening | £150-500+ |
| Eau de Parfum (EDP) | 15-30% | 6-10 hours | All-day wear, most versatile | £60-250 |
| Eau de Toilette (EDT) | 5-15% | 3-5 hours | Daytime, warm weather, office | £30-120 |
| Eau de Cologne (EDC) | 2-5% | 1-3 hours | Quick refresh, post-workout | £20-60 |
| Body Mist | 1-3% | 1-2 hours | Layering, casual use | £5-25 |
Why Oil Concentration Matters for Inspired-By Fragrances
This is the single most important factor when choosing an inspired-by fragrance. A cheap dupe formulated at EDT concentration (10-15% oil) will smell noticeably different from the designer original, because the balance of notes changes at lower concentrations. Base notes (the deeper, richer elements) need higher oil concentration to project properly.
The Fragrance World formulates all fragrances at 22-30% oil concentration. This is at the upper end of the EDP range, matching or exceeding most designer originals. The result is a fragrance that smells closer to the original and lasts as long, because the scent profile is preserved at the correct concentration.
How to Check Oil Concentration
Most fragrance brands do not disclose exact oil percentages. Look for these signals:
- “EDP” on the label means 15-30% oil. This is the minimum you want.
- Specific percentage claims (e.g. “22-30%”) are a strong quality indicator. Brands that disclose are confident in their formulation.
- “EDT” or no label means 15% or less. Fine for designer originals at full price, but a red flag for inspired-by fragrances.
- Price is a rough indicator. If a 100ml inspired-by fragrance costs less than £10, it almost certainly uses low oil concentration.
EDP vs EDT: When to Choose Each
| Scenario | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Office / professional setting | EDT or light EDP | Subtler projection, less likely to overwhelm in enclosed spaces |
| Date night / evening out | EDP | Stronger projection, lasts the full evening |
| Summer / hot weather | EDT or body mist | Heat amplifies fragrance. EDP can become overpowering in 30C+ |
| Winter / cold weather | EDP | Cold suppresses projection. You need higher concentration to be noticed |
| All-day wear (8+ hours) | EDP | EDT will fade by lunchtime. EDP carries through the full day |
| Layering with body mist | Body mist base + EDP on pulse points | Best of both: body coverage + concentrated projection points |
About This Guide
Written by the team at The Fragrance World UK, Liverpool. We formulate 74 fragrances at 22-30% oil concentration. 226,000+ customers. 4.8 Trustpilot rating. All statistics are verifiable and current as of the date above.