Dior Sauvage EDT vs EDP – Which is Best for You?

Dior Sauvage is a modern-day classic cologne, and probably the scent I recognize most on Gents I meet in public.

It’s a versatile blend that suits pretty much all seasons and occasions with an impeccable balance between freshness and a touch of deep, woodsy spice. 

But even within Dior Sauvage, there’s nuance.

Best For: Turning heads
Dior Sauvage EDT

Dior Sauvage EDT

More noticeable than the EDP from a distance.
Slightly cheaper per oz than the EDP version.
Best For: Smooth longevity
Dior Sauvage EDP

Dior Sauvage EDP

Smoother than the EDT, with a gourmand vanilla finish.
Longer lasting at around 9 – 10 hours.

Dior Sauvage – EDT vs EDP

I’d say they’re about 90% similar, but there are some subtle differences that are important to consider:

Note Profile

The EDP is smoother and less punchy. Pepper is replaced by aromatic Star Anise, with a touch of gourmand vanilla in the base.

Performance

The EDT is more noticeable and has greater projection, while the EDP lasts longer on your skin.

Price

Across the board, Dior Sauvage EDT is cheaper than the EDP – but because it doesn’t last as long, it works out about the same. 

The best way to compare the two is side by side, so let’s check out the differences so you can make the right decision.


What Does Dior Sauvage EDT Smell Like?

This masculine scent revolves around key notes of pepper, ambroxan, and bergamot, and opens up with a zing of slightly sour lime. It quickly evolves from a peppery punch into a woody ambery base with a creamy, slightly sweetened sense. 

Dior Sauvage EDT

The EDT has great longevity, too. It sticks around for 8 hours, which is plenty to cover you for a full working day. Projection is noticeable at arm’s length range, but this isn’t the sort of fragrance that’s going to overwhelm people when you walk into a room.

Dior Sauvage
Dior Sauvage EDT. Photo taken by Joe Manktelow-Pimm. Copyright: 7Gents ©.

Dior Sauvage EDT is a top-tier sophisticated, formal-leaning scent for guys looking to project a sense of confidence and professionalism. It feels mature without becoming uptight or boring – it smells like a good-looking younger guy in a well-tailored suit.

Top Notes:Bergamot and Pepper
Middle Notes:Sichuan Pepper, Lavender, Pink Pepper, Vetiver, Patchouli,
Geranium and Elemi
Base Notes:Ambroxan, Cedar and Labdanum
Dior Sauvage EDT Fragrance Notes

What Does Dior Sauvage EDP Smell Like?

The EDP version of Dior Sauvage feels fuller, deeper, and spicier than the EDT.

Dior Sauvage EDP

For me, the main thing that sets it apart is the Star Anise – it’s a remarkable streak of spice that steps in to replace some of the pepper and ambroxan of the EDT for a more aromatic feel.

In the EDP dry-down, I find a new vanilla undertone that adds a gourmand quality to the fragrance. It’s a nice addition that adds a little class and smoothness when compared to the punchier EDT. 

The projection isn’t quite as strong, but Dior Sauvage EDP definitely lasts longer than the EDT. I find that I’ll still smell hints of this parfum on my clothes the next day.

Overall, it’s an easier wear if you’re mainly looking to attract attention in intimate moments, with a level of subtly that I prefer compared to the EDT.

Top Notes:Bergamot
Middle Notes:Sichuan Pepper, Lavender, Star Anise and Nutmeg
Base Notes:Ambroxan and Vanilla
Dior Sauvage EDP Fragrance Notes

Which is Best for You – Dior Sauvage EDT vs Dior Sauvage EDP

Dior Sauvage EDT is a lighter fragrance that is better suited to warmer settings and summer wear. If you’re looking for something fresh and versatile, this is the route you’d take.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for something a little more subtle and serious, go for Dior Sauvage EDP. It’s less harsh, with a classier, smoother feel – and less mainstream than the EDT version if smelling unique is important to you.

It’s not a ridiculous idea to own both, but if I had to choose one I’d go for the EDP. It takes the original and dials back the punchier elements, adding star anise for a fresh spicy nuance and vanilla in the base for a creamy, musky denouement.

The EDT version of Dior Sauvage is slightly cheaper, but keep in mind that the EDP lasts longer and has a higher concentration of fragrance oil – so you need fewer sprays to achieve a similar effect.

Where to Buy Dior Sauvage EDT and EDP

If you’re looking to buy Dior Sauvage online, you need to make sure you use a reputable retailer.

There’s nothing worse than placing an order that feels a little too good to be true, only to receive a cologne that underwhelms because it’s obviously a knock-off. Or worse yet, doesn’t arrive at all.

For the best prices and shipping times, I recommend shopping through FragranceX. They have great shipping times, and cut-price offers by selling cologne testers that have never been used.

Otherwise, you could order through Amazon – just make sure you check out the reviews beforehand to make sure you’re purchasing from a reputable vendor.

Dior also offers a 10oz eco-refill that produces 56% fewer greenhouse emissions per fluid ounce.

Best For: Turning heads
Dior Sauvage EDT

Dior Sauvage EDT

More noticeable than the EDP from a distance.
Slightly cheaper per oz than the EDP version.
Best For: Smooth longevity
Dior Sauvage EDP

Dior Sauvage EDP

Smoother than the EDT, with a gourmand vanilla finish.
Longer lasting at around 9 – 10 hours.

EDT vs EDP

What is an EDT?

An EDT is an Eau de Toilette – a fragrance containing 5 – 15% essential perfume oil. These fragrances are designed for day-to-day use and tend to last for between 4 – 7 hours.

They’re not as concentrated as EDPs, which makes them a better choice for the warmer months of the year where heat is likely to make your fragrance project more than usual.

If you’re looking for something subtler for the office of running casual errands, an EDT is the way to go.

What does Eau de Toilette Mean?

Toilette comes from the french word “toile”, which is a small piece of fabric historically used while shaving.

The term became synonymous with grooming more generally, so Eau de Toilette simply refers to “water of grooming”.

What is an EDP

Eau de Parfums have a stronger concentration of perfume oil than EDTs, usually around 10-20%. Thus, they carry a stronger scent and tend to last longer – up to 10 hours in some cases.

Because EDPs contain a higher percentage of the active ingredient they tend to be more expensive than EDTs – but because you need less per application the price difference balances itself out.

Beyond strength, EDP variants usually have a slightly different note profile too. The scent is designed to be stronger, so more powerful and arresting notes are prioritized.

If you’re looking to make an impression on a date or a party, EDPs are the way to go. 

What Does Eau de Parfum Mean?

Eau de Parfum has a more straightforward translation than EDT. Parfum refers to fragrance, scent, or flavor – so Eau de Parfum simply means “water of fragrance”.

Check out some of our other EDT vs EDP comparisons for more:


What’s Changed?

We updated this guide in January 2024 to reflect the most recent pricing information.

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