We get a lot of questions about what’s in our products: Is it a perfume? Is it a fragrance? And a lot of these questions come with concern about what’s in the products. We understand the concern, and we are 100% with you when it comes to the importance of products being clean. So we are breaking down the differences between some of the top terms when it comes to perfume, fragrance, and scent and answering some of the top questions because knowledge is power!

Related: Click here to decode even more fragrance terms →

What’s the difference between perfume and fragrance?

The world of perfumes and fragrances comes with a lot of terms, and oftentimes, these words are used interchangeably. At the more basic definition, here is the main difference between perfume and fragrance:

Perfume refers to a specific product with a high concentration of fragrance oils, designed for personal scent and lasting power, while fragrance is a broader term for any pleasing scent, covering products like perfumes, colognes, and even air fresheners.

Short answer: All perfumes are fragrances, but not all fragrances are perfumes. Fragrance is a broader category, while perfume specifically denotes a higher concentration and luxury form of personal scent. So let’s keep breaking it down.

Click to Explore Our Clean Attar and Eau De Toilette

What are the different fragrance concentrations?

Understanding concentration levels and how long your products last is probably the clearest way to look at the differences. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Attar rollerballs are a highly concentrated combination of pure fragrance oil with fractionated coconut oil. Scent hack: It’s a great way to travel with your favorite scent.
• Eau de Toilette—French for “cologne”—is widely recognized as an umbrella term. In contrast with Attar, these are lighter concentrations of fragrance mixed with water to produce a desired strength. This provides a milder scent ideal for daily wear.

Whether you prefer the depth of Attar or the subtlety of Eau de Toilette, knowing these distinctions can help you make more informed choices about which scents best enhance your daily routine whether you’re hitting the streets or heading to the airport.

Related: Get expert tips for long lasting wear

How long does Attar last vs. Eau de Toilette?

This question is common for those exploring scent durability. Attar’s higher oil concentration allows it to last on the skin for up to eight hours, while Eau de Toilette's lighter formulation fades faster, often within three hours, making it better suited for daily wear, quick refreshes, and warm weather.

What makes your fragrance last longer?

For people looking for clean beauty products, this is an important question. Among the most common (and concerning) hidden ingredients in fragrances are phthalates. These industrial chemicals are used both in plastic production and as solvents in perfumes to extend scent longevity.

Studies indicate that phthalates can pose significant health risks, with effects ranging from hormone disruption to organ damage and even cancer. Here are some tips to help your fragrance last longer—without exposure to phthalates.

Instead, makers of clean fragrances (like us!) will empower you to make your scent last longer naturally, keeping formulas phthalate-free. Our fragrances are crafted with care without phthalates or harsh chemicals. Instead, we rely on natural ingredients and thoughtful formulations to create luxurious, lasting scents that are both gentle and effective. Clean, high-quality fragrances not only elevate your routine but also offer peace of mind, knowing you're using products designed with safety and sustainability in mind.

How can I make a fragrance last longer?

People are curious about tricks to extend scent wear, like layering products (e.g. scented lotion with matching fragrance) or applying fragrance to pulse points.

• Apply product after you step out of the shower.
• Layer your products (add Eau De Toilette to your hairbrush, Concreta to your cuticles, and Attar to your palms).
• Use it on pulse points like the wrists, neck, and behind the ears where your skin is warmer and helps diffuse the scent.
• Spray more than just yourself. Add your favorite aroma on clothing, sheets, scarves, hats, and more to bring your fragrance to life at unexpected moments.

Understanding the differences between your products, the ingredients used, and how they were created is important. This is why we create gentle, enduring fragrances crafted from organic ingredients. These refined scents deliver a soothing, luxurious experience and are perfect for anyone seeking high-quality, mindful fragrances that uplift both body and soul.