LONGEVITY LAB TEST
Longevity Lab Test
EXTRAIT PERFUME OIL vs EXTRAIT DE PARFUM — Lab Longevity Test
We ran a controlled, in-house comparison of Extrait Perfume Oil (99.9% alcohol-free) vs Extrait de Parfum (alcohol-based) to measure longevity, projection, and dry-down on real skin and fabric—so you can choose with confidence.
TL;DR (Key Findings)
- Longevity winner: Extrait Perfume Oil
- Opening impact winner: Extrait de Parfum (bigger first-hour bloom)
- Fabric: Both last longer on fabric, but oil kept a truer character at 24h
Test Design
- Panel: 12 evaluators (dry/normal/oily skin)
- Environment: 21–22 °C, 45–50% RH (climate-controlled)
- Application: Oil = 1 swipe (~0.03 mL) to wrists (no rubbing); Extrait = 1 spray (~0.10 mL) to forearms; 10-min set time
- Checkpoints: 0h, 1h, 3h, 6h, 9h, 12h, 24h
- Measures: Perceived intensity (0–10), residual presence, character fidelity
- Families tested: fresh citrus, floral amber, oud/woody
Results — Longevity on Skin
| Checkpoint | Extrait Perfume Oil | Extrait de Parfum |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 100% detectable | 100% detectable |
| 6 hours | 100% detectable | 75% detectable |
| 12 hours | 92% detectable | 33% detectable |
| 24 hours | 50% (close to skin) | 8% (faint/patchy) |
Results — Projection / Intensity (0–10)
| Phase | Extrait Perfume Oil | Extrait de Parfum |
|---|---|---|
| Opening (0–1h) | 6.8 (smooth lift) | 8.3 (strong bloom) |
| Heart (3–6h) | 6.2 (steady) | 5.4 (moderate fade) |
| Dry-down (9–12h) | 5.3 (close, present) | 3.1 (light/faint) |
Fabric Retention (24h)
• Oil: uniform, true-to-note • Extrait: detectable but thinner; top notes mostly gone
How to Choose
- Extrait Perfume Oil: maximum longevity, intimate luxury dry-down, alcohol-free comfort—especially for oud, amber, gourmand.
- Extrait de Parfum: big first-hour projection and airy lift—great for fresh/fruity/citrus.
Pro Tips for Longer Wear
- Moisturize first; scent adheres better to hydrated skin.
- Apply to pulse points; avoid rubbing; allow 5–10 minutes to set.
- Layer: oil as base + a light spray topper for lift.
- Touch fabric lightly (color-safe) for extra staying power.
Limitations
Applied performance test under controlled conditions; real-world heat, exertion, and airflow can shift results. Citrus/fresh profiles fade faster than resinous woods in any format.
Try the difference → Shop 99.9% Alcohol-Free Extrait Perfume Oils • Free U.S. Shipping on orders $50+
FAQ
Which lasts longer—oil or extrait?
Oil, in our test, showed higher residual presence at 12–24h and a smoother close-to-skin trail.
Why does extrait feel “bigger” at first?
Alcohol evaporates quickly, creating an airy bloom and stronger opening projection.
Will layering help?
Yes—use oil as a base for longevity and add a light spray on top for lift.
Does skin type matter?
Yes. Oily/normal skin extends longevity for both; very dry skin shortens extrait more.