Scent Word Families: Eau Fraîche

What Does Eau Fraîche Mean in Perfumery?

Eau Fraîche: What Does it Mean in Perfumery?

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Eau fraîche belongs to

Eau fraîche translates into English as “fresh water.” In the “hierarchy” of perfume types, it sits right at the bottom below eau de toilette. You might not have heard much about it because it isn’t your typical perfume type.

However, if you are an aromatherapist, you might have actually been using a version of eau fraîche without realizing it! Eau fraîche typically has a dilution rate of botanical extracts and/or oils at 1-3%. This is the range most often used by aromatherapists. In addition, eau fraîche is predominately made up of a water base, with just a small amount of alcohol added to it. Aromatherapists often use this type of base as well.

In the perfumer’s world, eau fraîche rarely gets a mention, with eau de Cologne being your typical “go-to” at the lower end of the perfume types spectrum. However, eau fraîche can be utilized as a low-cost alternative for using true botanicals and oils and as a refreshing water splash.

You’ll find many of the same ingredients in eau fraîche as eau de Cologne and eau de toilette.

This is the last in the Scent Word Family: Perfume Types. Next week, we’ll be looking at another Scent Word Family: Scent Culture. In the meantime, here’s a recap of Perfume Types in ascending order (from lightest to strongest):

• eau fraîche

• eau de toilette

• eau de Cologne

• eau de parfum

• crème parfum.

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“Perfume is the art that makes memory speak.”

Frances Kurkdjian, French perfumer and businessman