5 things to know about perfume strength

The word on the bottle is the strength

Eau de Cologne. Eau de Toilette. Eau de Parfum. Extrait de Parfum. These aren't just fancy names.

They're a strength scale. Each step up usually holds more fragrance oil. Cologne sits at the bottom and is released rapidly. Extrait sits at the top.

The scale isn't strictly standardised, and houses set their own levels. The order is a rough rule of thumb, not a guarantee.

Your favourite scent may come in more than one strength

A perfume you love may also be sold in another strength. The grade is often in small type under the name, so it's easy to miss.

The strength changes more than how long it stays. It changes the character of the scent too. So if yours fades fast, check the bottle. If it says Toilette or Cologne, that may be part of the answer.

Price doesn't tell you strength. The grade is a better clue.

In the bottle, longevity comes down to three things: how much oil is in it, the quality of that oil, and the base that carries it. Not price alone.

Read the grade before you read the price tag.

★★★★★

“Very happy with this product, smell is amazing, lasts the entire day, and the scent is potent (my preference). By far my favourite.”

JESSICA M. · GOODWOOD, WC✓ Verified buyer, Inspired By DKNY Golden Delicious

See the 50ml Extrait, R259

What's in a Scentimental bottle

Our 50ml bottle is labelled Extrait de Parfum, the top step of the ladder: more oil, less alcohol.

The fragrance oils are imported from France, and every bottle is made in South Africa.

★★★★★

“First order and I be ordering again for sure. The fragrance lasts a long time - really good oils used in the product”

Natasha L. · Benoni, GP✓ Verified buyer, Build Your Own Single Unit 100ml (NOT BOGO)

★★★★★

“Smell lasts the whole day you don't have to re-apply this was my third time buying I am hooked for life”

Noxolo N. · uMhlanga, ZN✓ Verified buyer, Build Your Own 4 x 100ml and get a FREE 15ml Bundle (NOT Buy 1 get 1 Free)

Strength isn't the whole story. How you wear it matters.

Dry skin doesn't hold scent as long as skin with more oil. These habits help your bottle last longer:

• Moisturise your pulse points with an unscented lotion first.
• Apply to pulse points: wrists, neck, inside of the elbow.
• Hold the bottle about 10 to 15cm from your skin.
• Apply straight after a shower, before you get dressed.
• Store the bottle somewhere cool and dark.

Heavier oriental and woody scents tend to last longer on dry skin than lighter fresh or aquatic ones.

★★★★★

“The prices are certainly pocket considerate. The fragrance is long lasting, just not AS long lasting.
Definitely recommend, just be sure to follow the storage, and application instructions.”

Tylo · Cape Town, WC✓ Verified buyer, Build Your Own 4 x 100ml and get a FREE 15ml Bundle (NOT Buy 1 get 1 Free)

23,000+ reviews, averaging 4.7 stars

Scentimental has 23,000+ customer reviews, averaging 4.7 out of 5 (review platform, 30 September 2026). Reviews on this page cover a range of Scentimental products and sizes.

★★★★★

“The scents match up to the original perfectly and it lasts a while. Even after washing clothes, you can still smell it. Love it!”

Laurencia E. · Gillitts, ZN✓ Verified buyer, Build Your Own 4 x 50ml Fragrance Bundle (NOT Buy 1 Get 1 Free)

★★★★☆

“Smells great and lasts the entire day. The smell could be a little more potent on this one (my preference and opinion though)”

JESSICA M. · GOODWOOD, WC✓ Verified buyer, Inspired By Dior Hypnotic Poison