The Concentration Scale
Perfume concentration refers to the percentage of fragrance oil in a product. The rest is alcohol and water. Higher concentration means stronger, longer lasting scent and usually a higher price.
| Type | Oil % | Longevity |
|---|---|---|
| Eau de Cologne (EDC) | 2 to 4% | 1 to 2 hours |
| Eau de Toilette (EDT) | 5 to 15% | 3 to 5 hours |
| Eau de Parfum (EDP) | 15 to 20% | 5 to 8 hours |
| Extrait de Parfum | 20 to 40% | 8 to 24 hours |
The Reality of Designer Concentrations
When you buy a Dior Sauvage EDT at PKR 20,000, you are getting roughly 8 to 12% fragrance oil. The rest is alcohol at a significant premium. Many designer EDP versions contain 15 to 18% oil. Even some luxury houses market EDPs at concentrations closer to 12%.
Why Resemble Uses 30%
Every Resemble fragrance contains 30% perfume oil, putting it firmly in the Extrait de Parfum category at the higher end of that range. We made this choice deliberately for three reasons:
- Longevity: 30% oil lasts 10 to 14 hours. You spray twice in the morning and you are done for the day.
- True scent character: Higher concentration means the full complexity of the fragrance is expressed. The top, heart, and base notes are all present and rich.
- Value: At PKR 2,490 for 30% concentration, you are paying less per milligram of fragrance oil than almost any designer perfume on the market.
Does Higher Concentration Always Mean Better?
Not necessarily. Some fragrances are designed to be light and fresh and a 30% concentration of a delicate marine accord could feel heavy and synthetic. The art is matching concentration to composition. At Resemble, our perfumers calibrate each formula specifically for 30% so the oil to accord ratio is always intentional.
How to Apply Extrait Concentrations
With 30% oil, less is more. One to two sprays is sufficient for all day wear. Three sprays and you will project into a room before you enter it, which can be too much for daytime settings. Our recommendation: two sprays maximum, on pulse points, in the morning.