Fresh Start October Day 26 The EDT,EDP,EXTRAIT Question (Projection)

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Going back through the material again, I came across this: The role alcohol plays on projection, so I figured I would share. This is something to keep in mind. When deciding what you want from a fragrance performance standpoint. In fragrance, "projection" refers to how far the scent radiates from the skin. While extrait de parfum has the highest concentration of aromatic compounds and the longest longevity, Eau de Parfum (EDP) and Eau de Toilette (EDT) often project more strongly due to their higher alcohol content and composition.

The role of alcohol

A higher percentage of alcohol in a fragrance formula directly increases its projection, or "sillage" (the scent trail).

Volatile carrier: Alcohol is a highly volatile organic compound (VOC). When it evaporates from your skin, it carries the scent molecules with it, helping to project the fragrance into the air around you.
Less alcohol means less projection: Extrait de parfum contains a much higher percentage of perfume oil and less alcohol. This causes it to sit closer to the skin, creating a more intimate scent "bubble". While this makes it long-lasting, it does not project as far.

Don't think of higher scent strengths as simply turning up the volume; it's rather more nuanced than that

Generally speaking, the heavier the base notes, the higher the sillage.

Differences in composition

The differences in how EDT, EDP, and extrait are formulated also affect their projection. Instead of simply increasing the concentration, perfumers often rebalance a fragrance's composition for each version.

EDT and EDP: These formulas typically contain more top and heart notes, which are made from lighter, more volatile molecules. These molecules evaporate quickly, creating a stronger initial projection.
Extrait de parfum: This version is often richer and designed to showcase the deeper, heavier base notes. These larger molecules are less volatile and stick to the skin longer, resulting in a scent that lingers for many hours but with less projection.

Eau De Toilet (EDT) Eau De Parfum (EDP) Extrait De Parfum (Extrait}

Concentration: 5-15% 15-20% 20-40%

Alcohol Content: High, Medium, Low

Projection:(EDT)Moderate to strong, especially in the opening due to a higher proportion of volatile top notes.

(EDP) Often projects strongly, creating a noticeable scent halo or bubble.

(EXTRAIT) Stays very close to the skin, creating an intimate, personal scent.

Longevity:(EDT) 2-4 Hours (EDP) 4-6 Hours (EXTRAIT) 8-12+ Hours

These are Guidelines, but please note that, depending on the perfumer and the way they formulate the perfume, they can manipulate the way a perfume performs in all concentrations to some extent.

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