These terms refer to the strength of the fragrance, or more specifically, to how much high grade alcohol and/or water that has been added to the fragrance oils. Parfum (generally the most concentrated form you can buy) has 15–25% perfume oil dissolved in alcohol. Any mixture with a lower proportion of oil to alcohol is known as an Eau.
Eau Fraiche (Usually 3% or less perfume oil)
Eau de cologne – EDC (2 – 5% perfume oil)
Eau de toilette – EDT (4 – 10% perfume oil)
Eau de parfum – EDP (8 – 15% perfume oil)
Soie de Parfum (15 – 18% perfume oil)
PARFUM (15 – 25%—also sometimes referred to as Extract or Extrait)
Perfume oil (15–30% perfume oil in an oil rather than alcohol base)
You may also see the term Parfum de Toilette. Most companies use this term to describe a concentration that is either the same as Eau De Parfum, or between Eau De Parfum and Parfum.
The 3 most common perfume fragrances you will purchase are:
PARFUM – This is one of the strongest perfume fragrance available. This means that you need to use less and the fragrance will last much longer depending on skin type. Will last 6 to 8 hours.
EAU DE PARFUM – EDP This is lighter than the Parfum and is less expensive, but still has long lasting fragrance smell. Will last from 3 to 5 hours.
EAU DE TOILETTE – EDT This is a lighter fragrance and is therefore most used for the casual everyday use. It is less expensive than Eau de Parfum. Will lasts for 2 to 4 hours
I’m all copy and paste tonight :)
By the way, have you read “The Perfume” by Patrick Süskind?
And pps: I found Eau the perfume products from Escada and Lancome, so it might not be that exotic a term. However, I’ve never seen it before either.