You might have come across social media claims about pheromone perfumes that apparently produce amazing results for wearers. But do these perfumes really work, and if they do, how? In this article, we will explore the science behind pheromones to determine whether these perfumes can actually deliver the benefits they promise.
What are pheromone perfumes all about?
The fragrance industry is constantly evolving, and pheromone perfumes have been gaining attention recently. These are perfumes that are mixed with synthetic pheromones that claim to have aphrodisiac-like qualities, enhancing sexuality and increasing attractiveness.
The science of pheromone perfumes
Most people recognize the term pheromone as a chemical excreted as an act of communication between animals of the same species. The science surrounding human pheromones is still extremely limited. Pheromones have been identified in most animals. Many animals have pheromone signals that are involved in attracting, choosing, and tracking a mate. Additionally, they play a role in interactions between a parent and their offspring.
Since scientists have found that mammals have pheromones, it is assumed that humans also have pheromones; however, more research is needed.
Pheromones and humans
Breathing in triggers the neurons in the nose, sending a message to the brain that is interpreted as a specific odor. Our sense of smell plays a significant role in our emotions, stress, and social behaviors. Additionally, it is very subjective — what smells good to one individual may not smell pleasant to another. Humans are unique since we can use reason and make intellectual decisions when choosing a mate, considering factors such as physical attractiveness, personality, personal values, and beliefs. The way a person smells may contribute to making an individual more or less attractive, but it is not a magic solution and will not make anyone more desirable.
Skin is the main organ that produces a human’s smell and varies with genetics and diet. We each have our own individual smell. There are four molecules, androstenone, androstenol, androstadienone, and estratetraenol, that are suspected to be human pheromones; however, there has not been enough evidence-based research completed to confirm these findings.
Pheromone perfumes claim to have created specific formulas that will attract males or females, and some companies say customers should experiment with both. Fragrance companies say the pheromones do not contain a specific scent; however, reviews are mixed. Some consumers say the unscented pheromone perfume has an unfavorable smell.
Tips on how to choose the right pheromone perfume
A perfume is a concoction of essential oils and synthetic chemicals in a solution of mostly ethanol and minimal water. Pheromone perfumes come in varying concentrations. They may be a combination of several 'pheromones' or just one. They come in scented, with fragrance added, or unscented without any additional fragrance. It is important to note that pheromone perfumes contain very minimal amounts of synthetic pheromones.
Pheromone perfume companies claim their scents come in different categories depending on the desired effect. They claim that androsterone-based perfumes will give more self-confidence, while androstenone-based perfumes will add more sex appeal. These claims have not been scientifically proven. If you are purchasing a pheromone perfume for the first time, start with a lighter fragrance, such as a spray, to test out how you like the scent.
Pheromone perfumes come in various combinations of floral, musky, and food-based scents that will appeal to a wide range of consumers.
Pheromone perfume vs. pheromone oil
Pheromone oils are the most concentrated and tend to be more expensive. They come in a bottle with a roll applicator or in a bottle with a dropper applicator to be added to your own perfume. They are estimated to last about 6–8 hours.
Pheromone perfume sprays are alcohol-based and less concentrated than perfume oils. Their scent dissipates when applied to the skin. They are estimated to last about 2–4 hours and may need to be applied more frequently. Sprays come with an added scent and cannot be mixed with another perfume.
Unisex vs. targeted pheromone perfumes
Traditionally, fragrance companies have used packaging and marketing to make fragrances more appealing to either female or male customers. There are pheromone perfume products on the market that claim to attract individuals who are attracted to either females or males, and there are products marketed as unisex. None of these claims have been scientifically proven.
How to use pheromone perfumes
Choosing a fragrance is a very personal choice. You may prefer a pheromone perfume that is scented or unscented. You should choose a scent that is appealing to you.
It is recommended you apply pheromone perfumes to the pulse points such as the wrists, behind the ears, neck, and behind the knees. It should be applied to clean skin, applied about 3–6 inches away from the body, and air dried. The potency of the fragrance will dissipate with sweat and daily activities, and the user may want to reapply during the course of the day. As with any fragrance, a little goes a long way.
It is best to test perfumes on your skin before purchasing when possible since each person's body chemistry may alter the effect once applied to your skin.
It is recommended that pheromone perfumes be stored upright with the lid capped firmly and at room temperature to avoid heat, which may cause evaporation.
Pheromone perfume: fact or fiction?
The pheromone perfume trend is based on the concept that animals excrete pheromones that attract a mate and have applied this concept to humans. Pheromone perfumes claim to elicit a behavioral response to make someone more appealing and increase attractiveness to a potential romantic partner. At this time, there is no scientific data to confirm the validity of these claims.
Common myths
Here are common myths about pheromone perfumes.
Pheromone perfumes guarantee attraction from others
While pheromone-perfume marketing may guarantee attraction, there is no science backing this claim.
The more perfume you wear, the more effective it is
Wearing more pheromone perfume will not increase its effectiveness. Wearing a heavy amount of any fragrance, including pheromone perfumes, may backfire and have the opposite effect. Many people are sensitive to strong fragrances and may find it a turn-off.
Pheromone perfumes can make anyone fall in love with you
There is no scientific evidence backing up the claim that using pheromone perfumes will make anyone more desirable or more attractive to a potential partner.
Pheromone perfumes are only for men
Pheromone perfumes are made for individuals of all gender identities. Some pheromone perfumes are marketed to attract specifically individuals of a certain sex.
Do pheromone perfumes work?
If you are seeing desired results in attracting a partner when using pheromone perfume products, it is most likely a placebo.
There is no evidence to support pheromone perfumes being effective in increasing a person’s sex appeal or attracting the perfect mate. You should choose a scent for your own enjoyment rather than searching for the perfect potion to attract your soulmate. However, it might be fun to experiment and try a new fragrance. It might give you an added boost of self-esteem and confidence.
FAQ
Are pheromone perfumes natural?
It is important to note that the substances used in pheromone perfumes are synthetically made in a lab, and only a very small amount is added to perfumes.
What's the main difference between regular perfume and pheromone perfume?
Pheromone perfumes come in scented and non-scented. Scented pheromone perfumes are just regular perfumes with a synthetic pheromone added. Unscented perfumes can be mixed with your own perfume or worn alone.
How much do pheromone perfumes cost?
The price of pheromone perfumes ranges from $10 to hundreds of dollars.
Do pheromone perfumes work?
If you are seeing desired results in attracting a partner when using pheromone perfume products, it is most likely a placebo effect.
Do humans have a sexual attraction response to pheromones?
Many factors attract humans to one another. There is not enough evidence from human studies to support the claim that sexual attraction is a response to pheromones.
Do pheromone-infused scents live up to the hype?
There are many pheromone-infused scents on the market right now that you may enjoy sampling, but if you are searching for a magic love potion, you may be disappointed. Pheromone-infused scents do not live up to their claims of instantly attracting a partner.
-
There is no evidence to support that pheromone perfumes are effective in increasing a person’s sex appeal or attracting the perfect mate.
-
Human sexual attraction is more complex than just attracting a partner based on smell. It is a combination of physical, psychological, and social factors.
-
If you find a pheromone-infused fragrance appealing, it might be worth the investment, but there is no evidence to support an increase in attraction, nor any 'perfect pheromone' guaranteed to provide results.
3 resources
- Proceedings of the Royal Society B. The search for human pheromones: the lost decades and the necessity of returning to first principles.
- The Neurobiology of Olfaction. Pheromones and mammalian behavior.
- Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. Reproducible research into human chemical communication by cues and pheromones: learning from psychology's renaissance.
Your email will not be published. All fields are required.