Beauty
Fact-checked

At BeautyAnswered, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Toilet Water?

Mandi R. Hall
Mandi R. Hall

Toilet water is a less concentrated version of perfume. It is also called eau de toilette. Often confused with eau de parfum, eau de toilette is the less intense of the two. Toilet water is made from scented essential oil, ethanol, and water. It is cheaper and lighter in fragrance than standard perfume.

Most perfume bottle labels will have both the French and English terms for toilet water written upon them. Many people are most familiar with the French phrase eau de toilette, however, due to France’s dominance of the perfume industry. Since the 16th century, France has been an epicenter of fragrance commerce.

Toilet water is less concentrated perfume.
Toilet water is less concentrated perfume.

Once it was popularized, toilet water was used to camouflage an individual’s personal stench. Because people bathed less frequently than they do in modern times, their body odor could become overwhelming. A strong herbal or citrus scent was used to mask the buildup of sweat and grime. Centuries later, eau de toilette is used as a lighter fragrance, often applied after bathing or taking a shower.

Eau de toilette is comprised of about 10 percent or less of essential oils.
Eau de toilette is comprised of about 10 percent or less of essential oils.

Real perfume or perfume extract has the highest concentration of essential scents. Typically, essential oils make up 20 percent of perfume, so it is far more pungent than both eau de parfum and toilet water. Essential oils make up roughly 15 percent of eau de parfum, whereas eau de toilette is made up of about 10 percent or less essential oils. Body splash is even lower, at around 1 percent.

One of the best scents for a young man is the family of citrus scents which includes the smells of orange, lemon, and lime.
One of the best scents for a young man is the family of citrus scents which includes the smells of orange, lemon, and lime.

The more concentrated a perfume style, the longer it lingers on the body. Toilet water is often reapplied a few times a day, as it is less concentrated than standard perfume. When applying it, be sure to splash it directly on the collarbone, behind the ears, on the wrists, or wherever else necessary. Let it dry and don’t rub the wrists together. Rubbing the perfume between portions of skin can alter its intended smell.

Toilet water was originally designed to mask body odors between baths.
Toilet water was originally designed to mask body odors between baths.

Toilet water comes in most any scent. From spicy or floral to more herbal, citrus, or berry-based, this eau de toilette product is purchased by people with varying preferences of scent. While some manufacturers use essential oils found in nature, synthetic scents may also be used in eau de toilette.

Toilet water is also often accompanied by other complementary body products such as lotion or cream. A layering affect like this allows the scent to linger on the body longer. Like other perfume products, toilet water should be applied on bare skin, as it can stain any nearby articles of clothing.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Toilet water is less concentrated perfume.
      By: adisa
      Toilet water is less concentrated perfume.
    • Eau de toilette is comprised of about 10 percent or less of essential oils.
      By: Liv Friis-larsen
      Eau de toilette is comprised of about 10 percent or less of essential oils.
    • One of the best scents for a young man is the family of citrus scents which includes the smells of orange, lemon, and lime.
      By: alexlukin
      One of the best scents for a young man is the family of citrus scents which includes the smells of orange, lemon, and lime.
    • Toilet water was originally designed to mask body odors between baths.
      By: HamsterMan
      Toilet water was originally designed to mask body odors between baths.