Perfume and cologne: what is the difference between each type?

Since ancient times, mixtures of oils, flowers and spices have been used to promote a good aromatization of the body.

However, even before having this purpose, some civilizations already used these scents as an instrument of connection with sacred things.

They believed that the Gods should be honored with the aromas that emanated from burnt woods and resins and, in this way, promoted the burning of these products.

Thus, the name “ per fumum ” was born , which comes from the Latin and means “through smoke”.

Over time, the production of this type of product has improved, allowing the production of varieties of smells and sensations.

Thus, the mixture arrived at what we call today perfume, the combination of essential and aromatic oils (essences), alcohol and water.

However, not all products are the same and the question is common: what is the difference between perfume and cologne?

Continue reading that Healthy Minute explains everything to you!

Contents

What is the difference between cologne and perfume?

The difference between products named colonies and those that are perfumes is in the concentration of essence (which promotes the aroma) present in the composition. Thus, the colony is one in which there is a low concentration of fragrance in the product, while in perfume, the quantity is high.

Thus, the colonies usually have the mildest and most refreshing aroma, being indicated for daily use. Perfumes, on the other hand, usually have a more marked smell and last longer on the skin.

What are the types of perfume and cologne?

Although in Brazil it is popularly called perfume all the products used to flavor the body, there are differences between them, such as the composition and duration of the effect on the skin.

They are divided into more than one category and receive their own nomenclatures, such as Eau de toilette and Parfum .

However, it is worth remembering that, although there is an average, there is no specific rule that exactly determines the fragrance and duration concentrations in the skin of each category.

Thus, the values ​​may vary according to the manufacturer.

In general, the main types are:

Cologne

The Eau de cologne or cologne water, in Portuguese, is one that usually has the lowest concentration of fragrance among the categories.

Levels generally range from 2% to 5%. In addition, its duration on the skin is approximately 1 to 4 hours.

In general, it is indicated for people who like soft fragrances and also for use in the post bath, as it helps to prolong the feeling of freshness.

Eau de Toilette or Deodorant Cologne

The Eau de toilette or cologne deodorant, as called in Brazil, is the category that is above the cologne.

Their percentages of fragrance are slightly higher and the fixation on the skin as well.

In general, this type of product has about 10% to 14% of essences and lasts for a period of 6 to 8 hours on the skin.

Its notes, like those of cologne, are usually refreshing, with citrus and tropical ingredients in their composition.

Eau de Parfum or Deo Parfum

The Eau de parfum or Deo parfum is a category with even greater concentration than previous. It usually has between 15% to 20% fragrance and the fixation lasts approximately 10 to 12 hours on the skin.

Thus, it is more intense than cologne and cologne deodorant, however, not as accentuated as the perfume itself.

Parfum or Perfume

The category with the highest concentrations of fragrance and fixation is Parfum , or Perfume, as it is called in Brazil.

In general, this type of product presents essences with percentages above 20%, reaching up to 40% of the composition.

Fixation time is also longer than other categories, with the possibility of lasting up to 24 hours in the body.

When to opt for perfume or cologne?

The choice between using a perfume or a cologne, in general, should be made according to the occasion in question.

The colonies are good for hot days, as they promote a feeling of freshness, while providing a good aroma.

This, because generally its notes are citrus, reminiscent of tropical fragrances.

For those who prefer a striking smell and do not care about the feeling of freshness, or even for colder days, perfume can be a good option.

Its longer duration also allows, in general, the smell to be present throughout the period of use, leaving the person perfumed for a longer time.

How and where to pass the perfume?

Passing on a perfume may seem like an easy task, but there are a few tricks that can ensure that the fragrance lasts longer.

Information on the best places and some tips on how to correctly pass on the perfume can be of great help to increase the fixation of the product on the skin.

Among the main tips are:

Apply in hot areas

A strategic way to pass the perfume on is to apply it to hot spots on the body.

In those areas where body temperature is usually higher, when the fragrance comes into contact with heat, it tends to intensify and become more noticeable.

The main application sites are:

  • Behind the ear;
  • Neck;
  • Wrists;
  • Folds – the fold of the forearm or behind the knees, for example.

Maintain good skin hydration

Keeping the dermis with good hydration, in addition to doing good for the body, can help when potentiating the effects of a perfume.

Hydrated skins tend to retain fragrances more easily, thus promoting greater fixation on the skin.

Thus, it is worth betting on body moisturizers before applying a perfume.

However, it is important to remember that the moisturizer must follow the same aroma line as the perfume or be neutral, so that there is not a mixture of smells.

Do not rub the scented areas

It is very common to see people spraying perfumes on their wrists and then rubbing each other. But this is not a good practice.

This, because when promoting friction, in addition to making fixation difficult, there may be the dispersion of some perfume cells that would gradually leave the skin, for example.

That is, the smell tends to remain in the region for less time, being eliminated more quickly than normally.

Avoid applying to hair

Many people like to apply the perfume to their hair, as this can give the feeling of a longer duration of the product.

It turns out that, in general, perfumes contain alcohol in their composition, an ingredient that can harm hair, due to dryness.

For those who still make a point of keeping their hair smelling, it is worth investing in brands that sell perfumes in an exclusive version for application on the hair, with components that do not harm it.

Wait to dry on the skin

When applying a perfume, it is worth applying the product and waiting for it to dry completely before putting on an outfit.

This, because if the person applies the fragrance and then immediately place a fabric over the body, there is the possibility of the clothes removing part of the product, in addition to hindering the fixation.


Being fragrant or scented is something that can please many people.

For those who appreciate this characteristic, it is worth understanding the various product variations that promote perfuming and choose the ideal one for you.

Want to know more about perfumery ? The Healthy Minute has other content and complete reviews for you! Check it out!

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