How to Read a Perfume Label: Decoding INCI, IFRA and Concentration
Behind the marketing copy, every fragrance bottle carries technical information that tells you exactly what is inside. Here is how to read it.
Concentration Codes
EDC (Eau de Cologne): 2–4% oil. EDT (Eau de Toilette): 5–15%. EDP (Eau de Parfum): 15–20%. Parfum: 20–30%. Body mist: 1–4%.
Higher concentration = stronger and longer wear, but also more expensive and more risk of overwhelming.
INCI List
Ingredients listed in descending order by weight. 'Alcohol Denat' usually first means it is alcohol-based; 'Aqua' first means water-based (most body mists).
'Parfum' or 'Fragrance' is a single line that legally hides the proprietary fragrance blend — you cannot see the individual notes from INCI alone.
IFRA Compliance
International Fragrance Association sets safety limits on every fragrance ingredient. A reputable brand is IFRA-compliant by default — the absence of this claim is more telling than its presence.
What Actually Matters
Notes listed (top/heart/base), concentration, and IFRA compliance. Marketing terms like 'long-lasting' or 'premium' are not regulated — only the label data is.
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