The words "perfume" and "fragrance" are all around us: a scented candle in the living room, a perfume given as a gift, or a cosmetic product enriched with essential oils . Yet, behind these seemingly synonymous terms, there are real nuances. One refers to a sophisticated olfactory creation , conceived as a work of art in its own right; the other to a more technically-based fragrance composition , used as a raw material in a multitude of scented products .
Knowing how to tell the difference is essential: it helps to better understand the role of concentration , the choice of natural or synthetic ingredients , and even the quality of what we apply to our skin or diffuse in our home .
Defining the terms: between everyday language and technical language
What is a perfume?
A perfume is a unique olfactory composition created by a perfumer or " nose ." It is often composed of a complex blend of essential oils , natural extracts , plant or animal materials, and organic molecules. Its strength lies in its concentration of fragrant oils and its structure, known as the olfactory pyramid .
- Top notes : the first impression, fresh and light,
- Heart notes : the main identity of the fragrance,
- base notes : the most persistent, which ensure longevity .
What is a fragrance?
The word fragrance refers to a broader and more technical concept. Unlike perfume, which designates a finished product , fragrance is an odorous composition used as an ingredient in various fields: cosmetics, scented candles, skin care, shampoos or creams .
It can be of natural origin (plants, essential oils , resins) or synthetic (molecules created in the laboratory). A fragrance is not always worn on the skin : it contains aromas designed to complement a product and give it a pleasant scent .
In a DIY Candle Kit , the chosen natural fragrance will be the raw material which, once integrated into the wax, will create a handcrafted scented candle .
Why are the two terms often confused?
In French , the word "parfum" has been used since antiquity and is associated with luxury, beauty, and perfume houses . The term "fragrance ," on the other hand, is borrowed from English and the world of organic chemistry . In regulations ( INCI list of cosmetics), the word "fragrance" is used to designate any fragrant mixture, whether natural or not.
Thus, a scented candle can be described as a finished product, while its fragrance is the olfactory element incorporated during its creation . The difference therefore lies in the scope of the term : emotion and final product for perfume, raw material and fragrant composition for fragrance.
The concrete differences between perfume and fragrance
Difference in formulation and concentration
The main difference between perfume and fragrance lies in their formulation and concentration levels .
- A perfume (or perfume extract ) contains the highest proportion of perfume oils (20 to 40%). Its olfactory composition is rich and intense, and its longevity on the skin can last several hours, or even a whole day.
- An eau de parfum offers an intermediate concentration (15 to 20%). It is the most popular type: it combines intensity and longevity without being too overpowering.
- Eau de toilette , which is lighter (8 to 12%), is appreciated for its more affordable price and refreshing aspect.
- Cologne water is distinguished by a low concentration (3 to 6%), ideal for short and occasional use.
Difference in usage
A perfume is conceived as a luxury item , an olfactory creation in its own right. It is worn on the skin , on strategic areas (neck, wrists, clothing), and becomes an olfactory imprint that reflects a person 's identity.
A fragrance , however, is not meant to be worn alone. It refers to the aromatic ingredient that perfumes a product : a scented candle , a cosmetic cream , a shampoo, or even a household product.
Ylang-ylang or tonka bean fragrance can be used in the composition of a luxury perfume as well as in a handcrafted candle . Tip : always check whether the fragrance used is natural (plant-based) or synthetic to judge the quality of the final product.
Difference in perception
A perfume is associated with a sensory and emotional experience . It tells a story : from Jean-Marie Farina in the 19th century with his famous eau de Cologne , to the modern creations of Saint Laurent or François Coty .
Fragrance , on the other hand, is perceived as a technical term . It contains ingredients, sometimes natural , sometimes synthetic , and is found in very diverse worlds.
Fragrances and perfumes in the world of candles
Fragrances for scented candles
In the world of candles , we don't talk about perfume in the traditional sense, but rather fragrance . Why? Because it's the olfactory raw material integrated directly into the wax . This fragrance can be composed of:
- natural essential oils (lavender, ylang-ylang, tonka bean…),
- plant or animal extracts (such as beeswax, used since antiquity),
- or synthetic molecules created by chemistry to reproduce a pleasant odor .
The quality of a scented candle depends directly on the composition of the fragrance . A poorly formulated fragrance can produce harmful smoke , while a fragrance designed for burning offers a clean and harmonious diffusion .
Why talk about fragrance and not perfume when referring to candles?
A perfume is a finished work, ready to be worn on the skin . A fragrance , on the other hand, is a technical ingredient that will adapt to its medium: a candle , a cosmetic cream , or another perfumed product .
In a scented candle , the fragrance must meet several criteria:
- to withstand the heat of combustion ,
- not to release toxic substances (phthalates, CMRs, heavy metals),
- to maintain a pleasant odor throughout the burning time.
A natural plant-based fragrance made from soybean or rapeseed oil creates a healthy candle with a long-lasting scent and even diffusion throughout the room .
How to choose a fragrance for a candle?
Choosing a fragrance for your scented candle is essential. Here are some practical tips :
- Check that the fragrance is suitable for use in wax (special “candle”).
- Prioritize natural or certified raw materials to avoid the addition of harmful chemicals .
- Adapt the fragrance to the occasion and the atmosphere :
- Floral (rose, jasmine) for a soft atmosphere,
- A gourmand scent (vanilla, tonka bean) for a warm effect,
- Fresh (citrus, eucalyptus) to energize a home or office .
