Why Most Perfumes Have 20% Fragrance Oil Concentration — and Why More Isn’t Always Better?

Ever noticed how some perfume brands boast about having 30% oil concentration, while others — like our fragrances — stay around 19–20%? At first glance, it might sound like “more is better.” After all, if a perfume has more fragrance oil, it should be stronger and last longer, right?

Not quite. When it comes to perfumery, higher percentages don’t automatically mean higher quality. In fact, going beyond safe limits can actually put your health at risk. That’s why most legitimate perfumes — especially those made under UK and EU regulations — are capped at around 20% concentration.

What Does Fragrance Oil Concentration Mean?

Almost every perfume is a blend of three key ingredients: fragrance oil, alcohol, and water. The fragrance oil is what gives the perfume its character — the notes of rose, vanilla, oud, citrus, or anything else you love. Alcohol helps the scent diffuse into the air, while water balances the mixture.

The percentage of fragrance oil in that blend determines how strong and long-lasting the perfume is. The higher the oil concentration, the richer and more intense the scent usually feels. This is why you’ll see perfumes described by categories like:

• Eau de Cologne (EDC) → typically 2–5% oil (very light, refreshing, short-lived).

• Eau de Toilette (EDT) → usually 5–15% oil (fresh, crisp, everyday wear).

• Eau de Parfum (EDP) → around 15–20% oil (richer, longer-lasting, more complex).

• Extrait de Parfum / Parfum → 20–30% oil (very concentrated, heavier, often more expensive).

On paper, extrait de parfum sounds like the obvious winner — more oil, more impact. But here’s the catch: it isn’t just about strength. Safety regulations limit how much of certain fragrance oils and allergens can be used. Going beyond those limits doesn’t just bend the rules — it can put your skin and health at risk.

Read more: What is Perfume Made Of? Key Ingredients Explained – Blossom Perfumery 

Why 20% Oil Concentration Is the Safe Limit for Most Perfumes?

In the UK and EU, perfume isn’t a free-for-all — it’s carefully regulated to protect consumers. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) sets strict limits on how much of certain fragrance ingredients can be used, especially common allergens. These rules exist for a reason: even natural ingredients can cause irritation or allergic reactions when used in excess.

In the European Union, a recent amendment to the EU Cosmetics Regulation - specifically, Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 - lists 56 new fragrance allergens in cosmetics when present above certain concentration thresholds, bringing the total to 80 recognised allergens - and requires companies to label them on their products. This regulation aims to prevent contact allergies by providing consumers with more transparent information about potential allergens in products. 

Here are some of the most common regulated allergens, along with their scent profiles and maximum concentration threshold:

• Limonene → fresh, citrusy (max ~2–3%)

• Linalool → floral, powdery (max ~4%)

• Eugenol → spicy, clove-like (max 0.5–2.5%)

• Coumarin → sweet, vanilla-like (max 1–4%)

• Citral → lemony, sharp (max 0.6–1%)

• Cinnamal → warm, cinnamon (max 0.1–0.3%)

• Isoeugenol → floral, spicy (max 0.02–0.2%)

• Benzyl Alcohol → mild, floral (max ~4%)

• Benzyl Benzoate → balsamic, sweet (max ~8%)

• Hydroxycitronellal → fresh, floral (max ~1.5%)
  
  

If a perfume formula goes above ~19–20% concentration, there’s a real risk that these thresholds will be exceeded — especially if the fragrance is rich in natural oils. That’s why most Eau de Parfums stop at 20% or below. It’s not about cutting corners; it’s about protecting your skin and ensuring perfumes remain safe for everyday use.

At Blossom Perfumery, we use the highest concentration legally allowed for each fragrance. Sometimes that’s 18%, sometimes 20% — it depends on the formula and the allergens present. But it’s always the sweet spot where performance meets safety.

 

The Truth About 30% Concentration Claims

Some perfume brands proudly advertise that all of their fragrances contain 25% or even 30% oil concentration. On the surface, it sounds impressive — who wouldn’t want a stronger, longer-lasting perfume? But in reality, these claims should raise red flags.

There are only three possibilities when a company says its perfumes are always above 20%:

The numbers might be exaggerated

Many brands use “marketing math” — rounding up or simply inflating percentages to sound more luxurious. More always sounds better, right? Without proper labelling, consumers have no way of verifying the truth.

The thresholds might be exceeded

If the oils and allergens exceed legal thresholds, the perfume technically shouldn’t be sold in the UK or EU. This isn’t just dishonest — it can be dangerous, increasing the risk of skin irritation, allergic reactions, or even long-term sensitivity. However, not many buyers know about those thresholds, so they might not notice the importance.

Synthetic ingredients are included in the formulation

Synthetic fragrance molecules can sometimes be used in higher concentrations because they don’t trigger the same allergen limits. The result? A perfume that’s strong, yes — but often harsh, overly chemical, and lacking the natural depth you’d expect from a well-crafted fragrance.

So when you see blanket claims of 30% concentration across the board, it’s worth asking: is this really about quality, or just marketing hype?

How Blossom Perfumery Does It Differently?

At Blossom Perfumery, we don’t play the numbers game. Instead, we follow the law to the letter — and your safety is always our top priority. Every single one of our perfumes is:

• Fully registered with the UK’s Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (SCPN).

• Laboratory-tested to ensure allergens are within safe, legal limits.

• Transparent — with full ingredient lists, batch numbers, and proper labelling on every product.

We use the highest fragrance oil concentration permitted by law — typically 18–20% depending on the formula. That way, you get maximum performance without compromising your skin or health.

And because we believe quality goes hand in hand with ethics, all our perfumes are also:

• 100% cruelty-free and vegan-friendly — no animal testing, no animal-derived ingredients.

• Affordable luxury — with over 90% similarity to designer fragrances, so you can enjoy high-end aromas without the high-end price tag.

• Eco-conscious — with packaging designed to minimise environmental impact.
  
  

When you choose Blossom, you’re choosing a perfume that’s safe, ethical, and true to its promise.

 

Explore Our Collection

Ready to discover a fragrance that’s safe, ethical, and unforgettable? Browse our full range and find your perfect match today:

• Women’s Perfumes – from playful florals to elegant orientals

• Men’s Perfumes – bold, refined, and full of character

• Unisex Perfumes – versatile scents that suit every personality