Most of the perfumes are complex combinations of natural materials, such as vital oils from plants, and synthetic products that will increase the lasting power and heighten the smell. Alcohol is used as a liquid base for perfume, and the ratio of alcohol to scented perfume concentration determines what the final concoction is labeled. From enhancing concentration to least, the different types are:

• Perfume, also called extract, can include 15-40% perfume concentrates. This is the most pure form of scented product and so the most expensive.
• Eau de parfum which contains about 7-15% perfume concentrates. This is the most popular and general form. It provides a long-lasting fragrance and generally doesn't cost as much as the extract.
• Eau de toilette has around 1-6% concentrates. This makes a light scent that doesn't linger as long as the more intense versions. It was intended to be a refreshing body splash to help people wake up in the early morning.
• However, the concoction began when the name of a light, fresh fragrance mixed with many citrus oils and was made popular by Napoleon.

While these are the main classes of perfume, other products are also often scented with perfume concentrates. Lotions, creams, powders, body splashes, soaps, aftershaves, and other cosmetic products may contain variable amounts of fragrance.