You have probably seen the terms Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum and Extrait de Parfum on fragrance bottles and wondered whether they actually mean anything, or whether they are just fancy French words designed to justify a higher price. They mean something specific, and once you understand what, you will never buy a fragrance the same way again.
This is a plain-English explanation of fragrance concentration, what Extrait de Parfum is, and why the 35% figure matters more than almost anything else on the label.
Fragrance is oil dissolved in alcohol or carrier
Every fragrance is made of two basic parts: the aromatic compounds (the oils that create the smell) and a solvent (usually alcohol, sometimes a carrier oil) that carries and disperses them. The percentage of aromatic compounds is the concentration. That single percentage decides how strong the fragrance is and how long it lasts.
The more oil, the longer the scent holds and the more it projects. The less oil, the faster it fades. It really is that direct.
The concentration ladder explained
| Name | Oil % | Wear time | What it means in practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eau Fraîche | 1 to 3% | Under an hour | Barely there, a light splash |
| Eau de Cologne | 2 to 4% | 1 to 2 hours | Fresh, fleeting, reapply often |
| Eau de Toilette | 5 to 15% | 2 to 4 hours | The most common high-street strength |
| Eau de Parfum | 15 to 20% | 4 to 6 hours | The default for most designer scents |
| Extrait de Parfum | 20 to 40% | 7 to 12 hours | The strongest, longest-lasting category |
What is Extrait de Parfum?
Extrait de Parfum, sometimes called pure parfum or simply Extrait, is the highest concentration of fragrance commercially available. It runs from around 20% up to 40% aromatic compounds. This is the strength reserved for the most luxurious releases from the big houses, and it is why a tiny bottle of pure parfum can cost as much as a large bottle of Eau de Toilette.
At Extrait strength, a fragrance behaves differently. It sits closer to the skin at first, then blooms slowly over hours rather than blasting and fading. The drydown, the part of the fragrance that develops after the opening notes burn off, is richer and lasts dramatically longer. This is exactly where cheaper, lower-concentration fragrances fall apart.
Why 35% is the number that matters
Most fragrances labelled "Eau de Parfum", including most UK dupes, sit at 15 to 20% concentration. Aromara is formulated at 35% Extrait de Parfum. That is not a marginal difference. It is roughly double the oil of a standard EDP.
In real terms, doubling the concentration means:
- Longer wear. 7 to 9 hours on skin instead of 4 to 6.
- Stronger projection. The scent travels off the skin properly rather than staying flat.
- A complete drydown. You experience the full development of the fragrance, not just the opening before it disappears.
- Better value per wear. You apply less to get the same effect, so the bottle lasts longer.
This is the entire reason a well-made 35% Extrait dupe can genuinely rival a designer fragrance costing ten times more. The expensive part of fragrance is rarely the liquid. It is the brand, the bottle and the marketing. Match the concentration and the formulation, and the performance follows.
Why most dupe brands won't tell you their concentration
If concentration matters this much, why do so few UK dupe brands print it on the bottle? Because most of them are at 15 to 20%, and disclosing an average number invites the obvious question about why the fragrance fades quickly.
A brand running at genuinely high concentration tends to shout about it, because it is a real selling point. A brand staying silent on concentration is usually staying silent for a reason. When you are shopping for dupes, treat a disclosed percentage as a green flag and a vague "long lasting" as a yellow one.
How to apply Extrait de Parfum
Because Extrait is strong, you need less of it. Two key tips:
- Apply to pulse points. Wrists, neck, behind the ears. The warmth helps the fragrance project.
- Do not rub your wrists together. It crushes the top notes and changes how the fragrance develops. Spray and let it dry naturally.
- Spray onto skin, not just clothes. Skin warmth develops the scent. Fabric holds it longer but does not develop it the same way. A combination of both works best.
- Start with less. One or two sprays of a 35% Extrait is plenty for all-day wear. Add more only when you want stronger projection.
Frequently asked questions
Is Extrait de Parfum better than Eau de Parfum?
Stronger and longer-lasting, yes. "Better" depends on what you want. Extrait gives you more longevity and projection per spray, which most people want. EDP is lighter and can suit those who prefer a subtle scent. But for value and performance, Extrait wins.
What does 35% Extrait mean?
It means 35% of the fragrance is aromatic oil compounds, with the rest being the carrier. At 35%, the fragrance is firmly in Extrait de Parfum territory, roughly double the concentration of a standard 15 to 20% Eau de Parfum, which is why it lasts so much longer.
Does Extrait de Parfum last longer?
Yes, significantly. Extrait typically lasts 7 to 12 hours on skin compared to 4 to 6 hours for Eau de Parfum and 2 to 4 hours for Eau de Toilette. Concentration is the single biggest factor in how long a fragrance lasts.
Is higher concentration worth paying more for?
Usually, yes, because you apply less per wear and the bottle lasts longer, so the cost per wear can actually be lower despite a higher sticker price. With dupes specifically, high concentration at a low price (like 35% Extrait at £35 for 50ml) is the best of both.
Are all Aromara fragrances Extrait de Parfum?
Yes. Every fragrance in the Aromara range is formulated at 35% Extrait de Parfum, alcohol-free oil versions included. The concentration is disclosed on every product.
The bottom line
Concentration is the most useful number on any fragrance bottle, and the one most brands hide. Extrait de Parfum is the strongest category, and at 35% you get roughly double the oil of a standard Eau de Parfum, which is why it lasts hours longer and projects properly.
Want to feel the difference concentration makes? Try a 5ml Eventus sampler for £5, or browse the full 35% Extrait range. Spray it in the morning and see how it performs at the end of the day. That is the only test that matters.
Related reading
- The Strongest Perfume Dupes in the UK 2026
- Best UK Dupe Perfume Brands 2026
- Best Perfume Dupes UK 2026: The Ultimate List
Aromara is an independent UK fragrance brand making designer-inspired fragrances at 35% Extrait de Parfum concentration. All scents are original creations. No affiliation with any brand mentioned. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.