EDT vs EDP: What’s the Actual Difference?
If you’ve ever wondered why one bottle says “Eau de Toilette” and another says “Eau de Parfum” — and why the price and longevity are so different — here’s the real answer, in plain English.
The Core Difference: Concentration
EDT and EDP both refer to how much fragrance oil is diluted in the alcohol-and-water base:
- Eau de Toilette (EDT): typically 5-15% fragrance oil concentration.
- Eau de Parfum (EDP): typically 15-20% fragrance oil concentration.
More oil means a stronger scent, longer wear, and usually a higher price — which is exactly why every fragrance in the Reef range is formulated as an EDP rather than the lighter EDT.
How This Affects Real-World Wear
Longevity
EDPs typically last 6-10+ hours, while EDTs often fade within 3-5 hours. This is the single biggest practical difference for most people.
Sillage (How Far It Projects)
EDPs generally project further and are noticeable to people around you for longer, while EDTs tend to sit closer to the skin.
Number of Sprays Needed
Because EDPs are more concentrated, you typically need fewer sprays (2-4) compared to an EDT (4-6+), which can actually make an EDP better value per wear despite the higher upfront price.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose EDT if: you want something light for hot weather, prefer a subtle scent, or are new to a fragrance family and want to test it cheaply.
- Choose EDP if: you want your fragrance to last through a full work day or evening out, or you simply prefer a stronger, more noticeable scent.
Every fragrance in the Arabic Aura Reef range is an EDP, which is part of why they’re formulated for 5-9 hour longevity even in a single 100ml bottle.
FAQs
Is EDP always better than EDT?
Not necessarily “better” — just different. EDP is stronger and longer-lasting, but some people prefer the lighter, more casual feel of an EDT, especially in summer.
Does EDP cost more than EDT of the same fragrance?
Usually yes, since it requires more concentrated fragrance oil. Reef prices its EDPs at a flat £42.99, which is competitive for the concentration level.
Can I make an EDT last longer?
Applying to pulse points, moisturising skin beforehand, and layering with a matching body product all help — see our guide to making perfume last all day for more tips.
Other Concentrations You’ll See on a Label
EDT and EDP aren’t the only two options — a few other terms show up regularly, and knowing them helps you compare bottles properly.
| Concentration | Fragrance Oil % | Typical Longevity |
|---|---|---|
| Eau de Cologne (EDC) | 2–5% | 2–3 hours |
| Eau de Toilette (EDT) | 5–15% | 3–5 hours |
| Eau de Parfum (EDP) | 15–20% | 6–10+ hours |
| Parfum / Extrait de Parfum | 20–30%+ | 8–12+ hours |
| Attar / Oil | Undiluted oil | Often 10+ hours |
Arabian perfumery also uses attars and concentrated oils that sit outside this Western scale entirely — see our attar vs oud oil vs EDP guide for how those compare.
Why Arabian Perfume Brands Favour EDP as Standard
Unlike many designer houses that sell EDT as their entry-level product, brands like Reef and Lattafa bottle almost everything at EDP strength or higher as a baseline. This is a deliberate formulation choice rooted in Gulf perfumery tradition, where high concentration and strong projection are the expected standard — our concentration science explainer breaks down exactly why a £30 bottle can outlast a much pricier designer EDT. It also explains part of the price gap between Arabian and designer fragrance at a similar concentration — see our Reef pricing guide.
Does Bottle Size Change the Concentration?
No — concentration and bottle size are independent decisions. A 30ml and a 100ml bottle of the same EDP have identical fragrance oil percentage; only the total volume differs. See our bottle sizes guide if you’re deciding what size to buy once you’ve settled on a concentration.
Does skin type change how EDT vs EDP performs?
Yes, noticeably — dry skin makes any concentration fade faster, while oily skin extends wear. See our skin type and perfume guide for practical application tips either way.
Related reading: our full concentration guide
