Eau de parfum

nounFormats

A perfume format commonly sold at a higher fragrance concentration than eau de toilette.

Also known as: EDP

Not to be confused with: Eau de toilette

In simple terms

Eau de parfum is usually shortened to EDP. It can be a useful buying label, but it does not settle how a perfume smells or wears. The formula matters, and an EDP may have a different character from the EDT in the same line.

How eau de parfum works

Brands choose the formulation and concentration of each product. Compare versions on their own terms, including their opening and drydown. An EDP label alone cannot tell you how far the perfume will project or exactly how long you will notice it.

Examples

An EDP version emphasises a soft, warm base while the EDT with the same name feels sharper and brighter.

“I enjoy the EDP’s drydown, but I would test both versions before buying.”

Illustrative example

Common misunderstandings

A common misunderstanding

EDP is not a guaranteed longevity upgrade. “Intense” and similar marketing names also do not provide an exact concentration measurement.

Related terms

On Noteboxd

Resolve EDP to this entry. Never merge distinct fragrance versions because they share a base name.

Sources

Perfumer’s Glossary — The Society of Scent

Reviewed October 9, 2026 by the Noteboxd editorial team.