The quick answer: the difference between Parfum, Eau de Parfum (EDP), Eau de Toilette (EDT) and Eau de Cologne (EDC) is how much fragrance oil they contain. More oil usually means longer wear and a richer feel, but stronger is not always better, especially in the UAE heat.
The four main concentrations
| Name | Typical oil level | How it wears |
|---|---|---|
| Parfum / Extrait | About 20–40% | Rich and close, applied in small amounts |
| Eau de Parfum (EDP) | About 15–20% | Balanced, long wear and good projection |
| Eau de Toilette (EDT) | About 5–15% | Lighter and brighter, great for daytime |
| Eau de Cologne (EDC) | About 2–5% | A short, fresh splash |
These ranges vary between houses, so treat them as a guide. The concentration is always printed on the bottle, and Oqba makes both Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette fragrances.
EDP vs EDT: which is better?
Neither. They are designed for different jobs.
- Choose an EDT for hot days, the gym bag, the office and when you want a scent that feels light and fresh.
- Choose an EDP when you want longer wear from fewer sprays, for evenings, events and the cooler months.
The scent itself also matters. Fresh citrus and green notes are naturally fleeting, and loading them with more oil can make them feel heavy. Rich notes like oud, amber and vanilla last well even in a lighter concentration. That is why a well-made EDT, such as our sweet, oud-based Dukhan, can still leave a lasting trail.
The right concentration is the one that suits the scent, the weather and the moment.
What the UAE heat changes
Heat makes perfume evaporate and project faster. In a UAE summer, an EDP can feel stronger than you expect outdoors, while in a cold, air-conditioned office the same perfume can feel quiet. A few simple rules help:
- Use fewer sprays of an EDP on summer days, and more in winter evenings.
- Lighter EDTs may need a top-up in the afternoon. Carry a travel atomiser.
- Spray on moisturised skin and clothing to help any concentration last longer.
Read more
For which notes suit the heat, see our guide to the best perfume for the UAE summer. For spray counts, read how many sprays of perfume to use.
What about extrait and "elixir"?
Extrait de Parfum is the most concentrated form. "Elixir", "Intense" and "Absolu" are names houses use for richer versions of a scent, and they do not follow a fixed standard. Always judge by how the fragrance wears on your skin.
Explore our full fragrance range and check the concentration on each bottle, or try several with the Discovery Sets.
Frequently asked questions
What does EDP mean?
EDP stands for Eau de Parfum, a concentration with roughly 15–20% fragrance oil.
What does EDT mean?
EDT stands for Eau de Toilette, a lighter concentration with roughly 5–15% fragrance oil.
Is EDP better than EDT?
Not always. EDP usually lasts longer, but some scents are at their best as a lighter EDT, especially in hot weather.
Which is better for the UAE summer, EDP or EDT?
An EDT feels lighter on hot days, while an EDP gives longer wear from fewer sprays. Many people use both.
Oqba Perfumes are made in the UAE and sold online at oqba.ae. We deliver across all seven emirates, typically within 1–2 business days. You pay at delivery, by cash or card, once you have confirmed which items you are keeping, and cancellation at the door is free if you decide not to keep anything.
