Both aftershave and eau de toilette are grooming elements that contain distinctively different fragrances. Understanding each of their function makes it easy to know their differences. They both have different ingredients and percentages of components that plays a key role in putting them to their efficient use. After shave for instance is less perfumed and its efficient use lies in soothing the skin after shaving, just as the name suggests. Eau De Toilette is used for its scent as an alternative to cologne which has stronger perfume oil concentrate.

What is Eau De Toilette?

The name comes from a French term meaning toilet water. It is severally referred to as aromatic water and contains a high percentage of alcohol content. This grooming liquid is used as skin freshener for both men and women. It can be applied directly to the skin. Eau se Toilette is a type of perfume with low perfume oil concentrate in general, which is also significantly higher when compared to aftershave.

The average percentage of the oil is at 4 – 8%, which makes it unsuitable for application on the face and other sensitive body parts. The scent from Eau de Toilette can last for a while around 6 to 8 hours depending on the brand. It works better when applied to pulse points and directly on skin avoiding the face completely.

What is Aftershave?

Aftershave just as the name suggests is an ointment applied on the skin after shaving. Today there are so many brands that contain different components but some of them remain constant. One of the components that doesn’t change across the available brands is the perfume oil concentrate which lies between 1 – 3%.  Aftershaves also contains soothing elements such as Aloe Vera, which makes the post-shave experience bearable

They also contain a high alcohol concentration that closes up the pores which open with the use of warm water during shaving. After shave reduces the risks of inflammation, infections and eruption of spots on the skin. The overpowering smell of aftershave however only lasts for a few hours, approximately 2 to 3. It is not suitable if one would wish to have a lasting scent, for either a night out or during the day. Eau de Toilette is more applicable in this case.

Differences between Eau de Toilette and Aftershave

Perfume Oil Concentrate in Eau de Toilette and Aftershave:

They both have different concentrates of perfume oil. The Eau de Toilette ranges from 4 – 8%, while the after shave ranges from 1 – 3%.

Lasting Duration for Eau de Toilette and Aftershave:

Due to the differences in perfume concentration, it is expected that the lasting durations also differ. The Aftershave will last for around two to three hours while the eau de toilette lasts for around 6 to 8 hours. The Eau de toilette can easily last a whole evening out or the whole day.

Skin Soothing Effect:

The Aftershave contains ingredients that sooth the irritable skin as a result of shaving. The Eau de Toilette can easily irritate the skin especially when applied to the face after shaving. The resulting effect t is not soothing in any way and may lead to rashes or reddening of the skin.

Price of Eau de Toilette and Aftershave :

The prices are also different. Aftershave is much cheaper than Eau de Toilette on average. This is however dependent on the brand you purchase. If you compare the two, from the same brand the eau de toilette will definitely be much more expensive.

Application Points for Eau de Toilette and Aftershave:

Aftershave should be applied on the face or any other place on the body after shaving. Eau de Toilette can be applied anywhere apart from the face. For one to experience its maximum potential applying it to the pulse areas such as neck and wrists ensures it lasts longer.

Use of Eau de Toilette and Aftershave:

The aftershave’s main intention is to sooth the skin after the shaving process. The use of Eau de Toilette is to make one smell good.

Alcohol Content in Eau de Toilette and Aftershave:

The after shave has a higher concentration of alcohol which is used to close pores as mentioned earlier. The Eau de toilette has a lower alcohol concentration.

Eau de Toilette vs. Aftershave: Comparison Chart

Summary of Eau de Toilette vs Aftershave

• Eau de Toilette and After shave are both grooming elements.
• Eau de Toilette is a French term meaning toilet water and is often called aromatic water or skin freshener.
• The main use of the toilet water is to make one smell good, the main use of the after shave is to sooth irritated skin after the shaving process.
• They both have different perfume oil content; toilet water is at 4 to 8% and aftershave contains 1 -3%.
• The price depends on the brand but aftershave is usually on the lower side.

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