Perfume Oils vs. Sprays : What's the Difference
Alcohol-based vs. oil-based perfumes, which is better?
You’ll see all sorts of names in the fragrance section: perfume, eau de toilette, parfum, cologne. What makes them different — and in many cases, more expensive?
Both the oil, the spray and the mist versions are created with the same fragrance formula, at the same high concentration, so in theory, they should smell the same.
However, the alcohol in the sprays does make certain ingredients “pop” more or seem sharper, while the oil in our perfume oils softens certain ingredients.
Generally, an eau de parfum is composed of 15% to 20% perfume oil, while an eau de toilette scales a little lower, ranging from 5% to 15%. Pure Parfum, or Extrait de Parfum as it's also called is the highest concentration.
- Eau Fraiche - 1% - 3%
- Eau de Cologne - 2% - 4% | Cologne
- Eau de Elixir - 5-10% | Bath + Body
- Eau de Toilette - 10% - 15% | Perfume Mist
- Eau de Parfum - 15% - 20% | Perfume Spray
- Parfum - 20% - 30% | Perfume Oil
Perfume Spray
Alcohol brings a fragrance to life and exposes the top, middle and base layers, so it's like fireworks. Wicked Good Perfume Spray provide a mist of scent with fantastic staying power. Expect a slight alcohol scent at first, which will quickly evaporate, leaving only fragrance.
Size: Wicked Good Perfume Spray is available in a glass sample (5 mL), 1 ounce, 1.7 ounce, 3.4 ounce sizes. To give you an idea: the one ounce bottle is good for about 180-200 sprays. Yes, we counted. :)
Perfume Oil Roll On
The rollerball applicator is catching on fast in fine fragrance. It's neat, travel friendly and ideal for post-gym or on the go applications. Perfume Oil offers more control than a spray, over exactly how much you roll on and where. Like conventional perfumes, roll-ons have the most oomph when applied wherever the body releases heat – inside the wrists, creases of the elbows, the neck. Perfume oils are light, quickly absorbed. They’re a discrete way to re-apply without irritating your neighbors.
Size: Wicked Good Perfume Oil Roll On is available in a 10 mL (.33oz) glass bottle with stainless steel roller.
Perfume Mist
A multitasking aromatherapy mist for hair, body and spaces that’s perfect for those on the go. Alcohol-free and non-drying, our refreshing Perfume Mist instantly revitalizes in one spritz. The packaging is small enough to stick in your car, your gym bag or your purse for easy access. It’s great for a quick pick-me-up in the middle of the day.
Size: Wicked Good Perfume Mist is available in a 3.38oz spray bottle.
Elixir
Magic in a bottle. Wicked Good Elixir is a highly concentrated, moisturizing treatment for skin, hair and nails. It's the multi-tasking, love potion for all day, every day. The bioactive blend of vitamin packed oils promote a healthy glow. It's the perfect skin serum to enhance skin’s visible radiance, leaving it hydrated and perfectly smooth day or night.
Size: Wicked Good Elixir is available in a 1oz glass dropper bottle.
Now you know your eau de cologne from your eau de parfums and understand why perfume oil concentration is important, what else do you need to factor in?
If you opt for a perfume with a lower oil level, the projection and sillage may be lower too. Meaning the beautiful scent may not be noticed by a person standing further away, or it may not leave a strong trail behind you. If these factors are important to you, you may want to go for an Perfume Spray Eau de Parfum to leave a lasting impression and greater siligage.
And finally, the higher the perfume oil concentration, the higher the price tag will be. You are, after all, paying for more raw ingredients. Decide which scent works best for you, and then you can explore the concentrations; as Wicked Good offers several fragrance options; as well as a complete line of handcrafted, made to order bath and body and home products.