We are all used to seeing men’s fragrances being called aftershave, Eau de Toilette (EDT), or cologne. But how many men use them the right way?
Just like us, I bet you’ve been asked what you would like for your birthday or Christmas. You’ve probably answered back that you would love a bottle of the new aftershave you’ve seen advertised. But what would you say if we told you that the terminology you were using was wrong?
Have you been given an aftershave that when you’ve put it on, you noticed it doesn’t have a very strong scent? So it then sits on the bathroom shelf, gathering dust.
This begs the question, what’s the difference between aftershave and EDT?
Before we look at some of the differences, let’s explain what aftershave and Eau de Toilette are.
What Is Aftershave?
Typically, the aftershave you like to wear comprises concentrated aromatic compounds. These types of fragrances will contain around 1 to 3% aromatic compounds within them. You will notice that their signature scents are pretty weak.
Aftershave has been designed to be used as a disinfectant on the skin after shaving. The alcohol content is relatively high, and it helps to kill any bacteria on the surface of your skin.
It will also help disinfect any minor cuts or nicks you get. When the alcohol comes into contact with your skin, it causes the blood vessels to constrict. This helps speed up the healing process.
What Is EDT (Eau De Toilette)?
Compared to aftershave, the typical amount of concentrated aromatic compounds in these grooming products is around 10%, making it one of the strongest examples of aftershaves you can purchase.
Again, as it is also made up of alcohol, it helps soothe razor burns after shaving and speed up the healing process, should you manage to cut yourself while shaving.
What Are the Differences Between Aftershave and EDT?
Strength
Often, we believe that aftershave is stronger than Eau de Toilette. As it begins with the French term for water (Eau), it is natural to assume that it has been watered down.
This simply isn’t the case. In fact, of these two fragrance types, EDT is the strongest.
Unlike aftershave, the actual concentration levels of oils used in making EDT is around 4 to 8%. The higher concentration of perfume oil in an Eau de Toilette helps to give it a much stronger scent.
Whereas with aftershave cream or aftershave balm, only 1 to 2% of perfume oils are used in them.
In place of oils, those that make aftershave will add in ingredients such as aloe vera. These are vital, as they act as a soothing agent, which helps treat razor burn or protect those with sensitive skin.
Length
Typically, once applied to your dry or oily skin, you will find the scent given off by your aftershave will last for around 2 to 3 hours at most. As for Eau de Toilette, once applied to the skin during the shaving process, it will last for 6 to 8 hours.
Aftershave doesn’t last as long because its main job is to soothe your skin after shaving. It is designed to make you smell fantastic throughout the day.
How Much do Eau De Toilette and Aftershave Cost?
You will often see that aftershave costs less than Eau de Toilette. However, the amount you spend on these grooming products depends on the brand of aftershave or EDT you choose to buy.
If you compare the same company’s products, you will find that the Eau de Toilette will cost more than the aftershave.
Where Can Aftershave and Eau De Toilette be Applied?
You should only ever apply aftershave to the face and other areas of your body after the shaving process is completed. As for EDT, you can use this anywhere you wish, except for the face.
Remember, aftershave uses ingredients to help soothe your skin rather than perfumed oils. This means the risk of you developing any kind of shaving rash or razor bumps after applying aftershave lotion is reduced.
But if you want to enjoy the full array of fragrance notes that EDT can offer you, it should be applied to your body’s pulse points.
The best areas to apply EDT are as follows:
- Wrists
- Lower neck or upper chest
- Behind the back of your ears
By applying a clean fragrance to these areas of your body, you’ll find that any scent will last longer.
In Conclusion
What’s the difference between aftershave and EDT?Aftershave and EDT are both grooming products. However, the main aim of any EDT is to make the person wearing it smell good.
When it comes to aftershave, it is made up of soothing ingredients that play a vital role in helping soothe skin should it become irritated during the shaving process.
As we’ve already discussed above, the concentration of perfume oil in each one is very different. EDT has the strongest concentration of perfume oils, an essential ingredient in these types of fragrances.
You will also find that the price of each of these, even between the best-selling fragrance brands, can vary. But of course, aftershave tends to be less expensive than EDT.
The final choice will come down to personal preference, and we hope our article has helped point you in the right direction.
