Extrait de parfum (sometimes called pure perfume or parfum) contains the highest concentration of fragrance oil, typically around 20-30% or more, while eau de parfum sits lower, usually around 15-20%. That difference in strength affects how rich, long-lasting and close-to-skin each one feels.

What the Concentration Actually Changes

A higher concentration of aromatic compounds generally means a denser, more layered scent that lasts longer on skin, but because extrait is usually built with less alcohol, it often projects less into the room — it stays closer to the skin rather than filling a space. Eau de parfum sits in the middle ground: still long-lasting, but with a bit more lift and reach thanks to the higher alcohol content carrying the scent outward.

Which One Suits You

If you want something that reads as intimate and rich through the day with minimal reapplication, extrait is worth the investment. If you want a scent that other people notice as you walk past, eau de parfum tends to do that job better. Neither is objectively superior — they are built for different effects. Our guide to perfume concentrations breaks down every strength from eau fraîche upward, and it is one part of our complete guide to perfume.