What is the difference between a cologne and a perfume?

Some researchers claim that perfumes not only mask body odour, but also dance in harmony with it. But how do you distinguish between different fragrances in this aromatic universe?

Perfumes have the 'power' to enhance the perception of our body odor . However, when choosing a fragrance , the vast array of options can be overwhelming, considering the diversity of brands, prices and types of scents.

Often, the packaging offers little clue as to what's inside those magical bottles. And selecting the perfect fragrance isn't just about the scent, but also how it ties in with an individual's natural scent.

What is the difference between a cologne and a perfume?

A revealing 2012 study in the journal PLoS One uncovered the complexity of the relationship between natural and artificial scent. “Fragrances not only mask body odor, but interact with it to create a scent mix specific to each person ,” the researchers stated.

But what is a fragrance really? How do you distinguish between a perfume and a cologne? How do these scents interact with our bodies and with those around us? Why do some brands attract us more than others?

The key to understanding the difference between cologne and perfume lies in the concentration of fragrance oils. Manufacturers fuse natural and synthetic oils that give fragrances their essence, along with a carrier, usually alcohol. This process stabilizes the scent and dilutes the oils, ultimately creating a signature smell.

Alcohol not only acts as a solvent, but also regulates the concentration of the scent and its longevity . The amount of essential oils in the mixture determines the category of the fragrance, as well as its intensity and duration.

So, although the distinction between cologne and perfume may seem subtle, it is actually based on chemical principles and the concentration of ingredients that define their duration, intensity and use.

On the one hand, perfume has a higher concentration of essential oils (more than 20%). This high proportion allows the perfume to stay on the skin for longer, usually between six and eight hours, providing an intense and long-lasting fragrance.

Experts from a renowned perfumery brand explain the meticulous process of creating one of their fragrances: “Lily absolute is one of the most precious products in the perfumer’s palette. Its extraction is a long and delicate art .”

First, they point out, “the rhizome must be dried for at least three years. Its extraordinarily present aroma unfolds powdery chords and woody green accents, evoking a comforting smell of freshly baked bread .”

On the other hand, cologne has a lower concentration of essential oils , usually between 2% and 4%. Due to this low concentration, cologne lasts for a shorter time , approximately two hours, and its fragrance is lighter and more ephemeral.

Thus, while perfumes can last all day on the skin, colognes require frequent reapplications due to their rapid evaporation.

As for alcohol content, perfumes contain less of it than colognes. Therefore, the high alcohol content in colognes contributes to their volatility , causing the fragrance to evaporate more quickly.

However, beyond the simple dichotomy between perfumes and colognes, there are various intermediate categories. From the highest to the lowest concentration of essential oils and duration, they are differentiated: Perfume, Eau de Parfum (EDP), Eau de Toilette, Eau de Cologne (EDC) and Eau Fraiche.

At the time of purchase, the consumer will be able to see that the fragrance categories indicate the concentration of essential oils, which allows them to determine whether the fragrance will be light or intense.

Unique blend of scents

According to experts, finding the right concentration is as essential as choosing the right scent. If it's too light, it will fade quickly; if it's too strong, it could be overwhelming for both the wearer and those around them.

Choosing the ideal fragrance depends on multiple factors, not only including the desired duration, skin type or time of day, but also individual preferences . The aforementioned study highlights how fragrances interact with body odor.

In two experiments, researchers found that fragrances enhance body odor perception, but in ways that are unique to each individual . That is, a fragrance that resonates well with one person may not have the same effect on another.

“Fragrance use transcends simple odor masking,” the researchers explain. “Fragrances appear to intertwine with body odor, creating a unique odor blend for each person .”

In a third experiment, they found that the combination of an individual's body odor with his or her preferred perfume was perceived as more pleasant than the combination of the same body odor with a randomly assigned perfume.

These findings suggest that people tend to choose perfumes that interact favorably with their own scent, forming a unique and more pleasant scent blend. So, whether for a special occasion or for everyday use, there is a perfect fragrance for every moment and every being, the experts emphasize.