Anyone who has ever seen a perfume commercial knows that fragrance is often designed to amp up sexual attraction. But there’s one fragrance category in particular that is taking that concept to the next level: pheromone perfumes.
Featured Experts
- Vince Spinnato is a cosmetic chemist
- Jacqui Rubinoff is the owner and vice president of Eye of Love
“Pheromone perfumes are fragrances marketed as containing human pheromones, chemicals that can trigger a social response in members of the same species,” says Vince Spinnato, a cosmetic chemist and certified nose known as The Couture Chemist. “The idea is that these pheromones can make the wearer more attractive to others. Our bodies release pheromones through sweat, urine, semen, breast milk and vaginal fluid. However, there is mixed scientific evidence on the effectiveness of pheromone perfumes. Pheromones are produced mainly by sweat. If you are sweating while wearing a pheromone fragrance, pheromones will be more present on your skin and in your hair, helping to permeate the fragrance into the air. Exercising can also rid your body of toxins, and when your pores are clearer, the pheromones you produce may be more potent while mixed with a fragrance.”
What do pheromone perfumes do?
Though more research is needed, it’s believed that different pheromones may have varying effects on individuals. “Androstenol, estratetraenol and androsterone are known for their potential to enhance attraction,” says Jacqui Rubinoff, owner and vice president of Eye of Love. “They emit subtle signals that can make you more intriguing and appealing to others. If you’re looking to amp up your allure, these pheromones might be the secret ingredient you’ve been searching for.”
But shopping for pheromone perfumes isn’t as straightforward as one might think. “If you’re looking to try pheromone fragrance, it’s essential to consider what effect you want the fragrance to have on others,” Spinnato says. “Are you interested in attracting more attention from the opposite sex? Or do you want to enhance your natural pheromones and make yourself more attractive? Understanding pheromone fragrances may not necessarily make you more appealing to others, but it can help you make an informed choice. Also, read reviews and research the product to ensure it is the best option. This will help you better understand pheromone fragrances and their effects on your body and mind.”
That’s a good reminder that pheromone perfumes aren’t just for romance. “While pheromones are often associated with attraction, their effects extend beyond just that,” Rubinoff says. “Pheromones can also play a role in influencing social interactions, boosting confidence and even enhancing mood.”
