Cologne Vs. Parfum - What’s The Difference?

What’s the difference between cologne vs. parfum? Don’t worry, you aren’t the first gentleman to ask this question.

When it comes to choosing the right fragrance for you, it’s crucial to know the difference between Eau de cologne and parfum. After all, these two perfume categories offer a completely different range of benefits that you’ll need to know to make the best choice.

If you’d like to learn more about the difference between cologne vs. parfum, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ve covered everything you need to know when choosing between these two products. Find out more below. 

What Is A Cologne?

Let’s start with cologne - what is it, and how does it work?

An Eau de cologne is a perfume classification that originates from Cologne, Germany. They’re often recognised as a masculine fragrance and are often used by gentlemen to enhance their scent and boost their confidence. 

Unlike a parfum or Eau de toilette, an Eau de cologne typically has a much lighter concentration of fragrance - specifically, between 2 to 4%. They typically last up to 2-hours after application. 

Since these products have a much smaller concentration, they typically come in larger bottles as you’ll need a greater amount per application - meaning that you’d typically go through them quicker than a parfum.  

The Benefits Of Cologne 

Now that we’ve covered the basics of cologne, let’s dive into the nitty gritty. Below, we’ve listed the key benefits of choosing a cologne over a parfum.

A Cheaper Option 

Compared to most parfums, Eau de colognes are a much cheaper option and they also come in much larger bottles. 

That being said, they come in these bigger sizes because Eau de colognes have a much smaller concentration of fragrance. So, you’ll typically need to apply more of the formula, much more regularly, for it to have a meaningful effect. 

So, Eau de colognes might be the cheaper choice - though, in the long run, parfums may be more cost-effective. 

Lighter Scents

Particularly if you prefer a more subtle fragrance, Eau de colognes might be more suitable for you.

Since these products have much lower concentrations of fragrance, they can provide a much lighter scent compared to parfums. This makes them suitable for any time of day. 

Though remember, this also means they won’t last as long. You can typically expect a cologne to last about 2 hours. 

What Is Parfum?

Now, let’s move on to parfums - what is it exactly?

A parfum is a much stronger perfume classification, as they contain up to 20 to 30% of essential oils within the blend itself. They typically have a much heavier consistency than a standard Eau de cologne or Eau de toilette and can provide their satisfying scent for up to 24 hours. 

These features make parfums a much more expensive option compared to other fragrances on the market.  

The Benefits Of Parfum 

Below, we’ve listed the core benefits of choosing a parfum over an Eau de cologne. 

Long Lasting 

One of the core benefits of a parfum is that they’re much longer lasting than a standard Eau de cologne. 

This is because parfums have a much greater concentration of essential oils, at around 20 to 30%. This means that they'll provide their scent for much longer. 

That being said, this feature does typically make them more expensive than average Eau de colognes. 

Better For Sensitive Skin 

Another great feature of parfums would be that they contain less alcohol than a standard Eau de cologne or Eau de toilette.

Since alcohol can have an irritating effect on the skin, parfums can be a great option for anyone managing a sensitive skin type. 

Especially if your skin doesn’t react well to alcohol, parfums may be a better option. 

Cologne Vs. Parfum - What’s The Difference?

So, cologne vs. parfum - what’s the difference between these two perfume classifications?

An Eau de cologne and a parfum are both classifications that describe the concentration of a fragrance. Eau de colognes are a much lighter fragrance, with concentrations between 2 to 4%, while parfums are much stronger with 20 to 30%.

Because of their stronger concentrations, parfums can last up to 24 hours, while an Eau de cologne will typically only last 2 hours. Because of this, parfums are a more expensive option - though they also contain less alcohol which makes them a better choice for sensitive skin types. 

King Of Wood Parfum for Men, By Milkman Grooming 

Are you on the hunt for a premium parfum to add to your collection? We’d recommend trying our King Of Wood fragrance.

The scent boasts an assortment of masculine aromas that suits both work and play. And with up to 20% fragrance contained within, this parfum is bold and long-lasting. All you need is a dab and you’ll be smelling good all day long. 

In other words, you better get used to hearing the phrase ‘oh my god, what fragrance are you wearing?’

Head to the online store and see why our customers swear by this fragrance.