Body splash has a lower fragrance concentration and a lighter scent that fades faster, while perfume is more concentrated and lasts longer.
Body splash
- Fragrance concentration: 1% to 3%.
- Light scent for the body.
- Lasts 1 to 2 hours.
- Cheaper.
Perfume
- Concentration: 15% to 30% (parfum).
- Lasts 6 to 8 hours.
- Costs more.
In between
Eau de toilette is 5% to 15%. Eau de parfum is 15% to 20%.
Use
Splash for daytime. Perfume for evenings.
Concentration of fragrance oil
Perfume (parfum) has the highest fragrance oil concentration, about 15% to 40%. Eau de parfum has 15% to 20%, eau de toilette 5% to 15%, eau de cologne 2% to 4%, and body splash or body mist 1% to 3%.
Base
Body splash is made with a high proportion of alcohol or water and sometimes moisturizing ingredients like aloe. Perfume is diluted in alcohol, sometimes with oils.
Longevity
Perfume can last 6 to 8 hours or more. Eau de parfum lasts 4 to 5 hours, eau de toilette about 3 hours, and body splash typically 1 to 2 hours, so you reapply.
Price
Body splash is cheap, often 5 to 20 dollars. Perfumes from fine houses can cost 80 to several hundred dollars. The difference reflects the amount of oils and rare ingredients.
Scent structure
Fragrances have top notes (first 15 minutes), middle notes (heart, up to 3 hours) and base notes (lasting several hours).
Skin and sensitivity
Alcohol based sprays can dry or irritate sensitive skin. Fragrance is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis. The International Fragrance Association lists 26 allergens that must be declared in the EU.
Application
Apply to pulse points (wrists, neck, behind the ears) on moisturized skin, which holds scent longer. Don’t rub wrists together, which can break down notes.
Layering
Use a matching body lotion with a body splash to extend its life.
Safety
Keep away from eyes and open flames because of the alcohol. Store in a cool, dark place.
When to choose
Body splash for casual daily use or gym and warm weather. Perfume for special occasions.
Concentration levels
Fragrance products differ mainly by the percentage of aromatic oil. Perfume (parfum) typically has 15 to 30 percent, eau de parfum 15 to 20 percent, eau de toilette 5 to 15 percent, cologne about 2 to 4 percent and body splash or body mist about 1 to 3 percent in a lighter alcohol or water base. A higher oil content means a stronger scent that lasts longer. Perfume may last 6 to 8 hours or more, eau de parfum 4 to 6 hours, and body splash often only 1 to 2 hours.
Cost, use and skin
Body splash is usually cheaper and meant for all over spraying, layering or a light scent after a shower, while perfume is applied to pulse points in small amounts. Fragrance can cause allergic contact dermatitis in some people, and the FDA does not require individual fragrance ingredients to be listed, since they are considered trade secrets. Test on a small patch if you have sensitive skin. Store bottles away from heat and light so the scent does not degrade.
Based on data from the FDA and the American Academy of Dermatology
