A pheromone perfume is any fragrance in which “the brand intentionally adds compounds that mimic human pheromones in an effort to generate sexual attraction,” says cosmetic chemist Ginger King. Pheromone fragrances claim to work by mimicking hormonal signals through synthetic compounds like the steroid hormone androsterone, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Claire Wolinsky. It smells like leather. While these “ultra-delicate feel-good scents” don’t always contain synthetic versions of pheromones, they rely on warm, sweet scents, especially vanilla, that mix well with your body’s chemistry to enhance your natural scent. However, the two options are often grouped together in the same category because their goal is the same: to create an attractive aroma.
It may not be clear whether love potions exist in real life, but we couldn’t resist conducting our own experiment, in the name of science, of course. We’ve tested the most popular and top-rated pheromone scents and skin scents. Below, check out the ones that kept us going and hopefully our fans come back for more (fingers crossed).
Our testing process
- Perfumes tested: 17
- Where testing is performed: our laboratory in New York; Two tests for each perfume.
- Factors assessed: how the perfume interacts with skin, hair, and clothing, impressions of the perfume by two different people, longevity, and whether it left a greasy residue or stains on different fabrics.
- Experts interviewed: Dr. Claire Wolinsky, board-certified dermatologist, and Ginger King, cosmetic chemist.
1. Best overall
An eau de parfum worthy of the Modocs
Key Notes: White tea, neroli, red rose, lavender, green leaves, dry musk, vanilla wood, amber | Olfactory family: warm floral woods Size: 1.69 ounces | Cruelty-free: yes
The innovative Worthy Pheromone Perfume certainly deserves to be considered an irresistible perfume. Initially, the scent begins with warm notes of vanilla and sweet florals before a light sharpness of musk and amber penetrates the delicate notes. However, despite the softer opening notes, this is a warmer unisex scent overall. Additionally, the aromas of alcohol and bourbon quickly greeted our senses and transported us to a plush leather sofa with a cocktail or milk tea. While warmth lends itself to a scent we might enjoy in winter, it’s versatile enough to be a four-season scent.
Since it is a long-lasting eau de Pheromone Perfume, you only need to spray it once and you will still smell it hours later, especially in your hair. Even though alcohol smells stronger on our hair, fortunately its best characteristics appear stronger on our skin. From top to bottom, it’s the epitome of a sophisticated fragrance, right down to the packaging, whose clean, simple aesthetic will be a welcome addition to anyone’s nightstand.
Also Read: The Art and Science of Pheromone Perfume
2. Best budget
The poison smells like the original aroma.
Base notes: orange blossom, jasmine. Olfactory family: fresh floral | Size: 3.4 ounces | Cruelty-free: yes
Whatever your Friday night getting ready routine, we recommend adding Doja Cat to your playlist and Venom Scents to your pulse points (which sounds a lot more expensive than it is). Its immediate spicy flavors had us ready to don fishnet tights and apply lip gloss. But before we had the chance to take an Uber to a club on the Lower East Side, this fragrant journey took another turn. After a few minutes, the scent changed to a softer floral scent; In particular, the jasmine lingered longer on our skin, while the scent of white peony filled the space around us. To borrow Steve Carell’s line from Crazy Stupid Love, it’s “the perfect combination of sexy and cute.”
Even taking into account these very pleasant qualities, there is no doubt that its aroma is striking and bright.
3. Best vegetarian formula
Cupid’s Hypnosis
Key Notes: N/A | Fragrance Family: Not available | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-free: yes
Don’t be fooled by the “For Men” label on this bold, geometric bottle: its versatile scent has something for everyone. This Pheromone Perfume has a unique smell that everyone who tried it perceived very differently. For one of us, the invigorating scent leaned toward a five-star spa treatment, as we walked through clouds of fragrant sauna steam. In contrast, the second person’s nose detected a more sensual nighttime scent on her skin with adjacent notes of whiskey and musk. However, they both liked the vanilla scent and noticed that it stayed in our hair longer.
To virtually increase appeal, the brand has also incorporated pheromones into the formula via Pheropurevxn, a proprietary blend of Androstenone, Androstadenone, and Androstenol1 pheromones. While we can’t speak to its effectiveness in this regard, we were curious to try it the next night and test out its purported benefits as a truly irresistible scent.
4. Great for layering
DS and Durga don’t know what
Key Notes: Bergamot Extract, Iso E Super, Vetiver Acetate, Fersentol Civetone, Ambrox Super | Fragrance Family: Amber Size: 1.69 ounces, 3.9 ounces | Cruelty-free: yes
If no-makeup makeup was a Pheromone Perfume , D.S. & Durga, I don’t know what it is. Let us explain; Its light and subtle fragrance enhances our natural smell rather than transforming us into a different person. Much like clean makeup, it also makes the perfect base to build on: the bright citrus notes of bergamot and dry, woody cedar make it an ideal base for layering.
However, we rather enjoyed the scent on its own and were able to wear it in neutral, smaller settings, like the office or at dinner parties where we didn’t want to overshadow our company. With just a few sprays, the scent is still quite noticeable; After all, it contains ferstanol, which is a synthetic and more effective form of sandalwood. We noticed that it smelled fresher and greener on silk and cotton clothes, but warmer and musky on our bare skin while the woody notes of Iso E Super (synthetic sandalwood) and Ambrox asserted themselves.
Also Read: Pheromone Perfume: Your Complete Guide
5. The best of luxury
Diptyque Le Papier Eau de Toilette
Essential notes: white musk, steamed rice, mimosa, blond wood accord | Fragrance Family: Floral Musk | Size: 1.69 ounces, 3.9 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Although light, Diptyque L’eau Papier is a truly hypnotic fragrance that immerses our mind in the same state as if we were in a relaxing and meditative sound bath. During our stay, at least figuratively speaking, a subtle peachy sweetness gently crept in, thanks to the notes of mimosa and vanilla. Plus, the delicious cocktail of white musk and blond wood notes made the scent both refreshing and comforting, like stepping out of the shower and wearing a luxurious cashmere bathrobe. We imagine that its diverse scent accompanies us every season and becomes the center of our daily life. With that in mind, it’s worth it.
And if you “accidentally” leave a scarf in your apartment, trust us, they will know who it belongs to because the intoxicating scent lingers for hours on our clothes and in our hair. However, as it is eau de toilette, the scent fades from the skin a little faster, so we recommend applying two or three coats.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are pheromone perfumes used for?
“In theory, pheromone scents could help people feel attracted to each other,” says Ginger King. In contrast, skin scents, which do not always contain synthetic pheromones, are often whispers rather than cries. King adds that her goal is not to control the wearer but rather to highlight its natural scent with warm notes like vanilla and musk.
2. How do you know if a perfume contains pheromones?
Honestly, since the FDA doesn’t require Pheromone Perfume to disclose their ingredient list, it’s not always easy to find and the brand often relies on marketing. However, King explains that chemical ingredients designed to mimic real human pheromones, such as “androstadenone, androstenol, androstenone, and copulin, may appear on the ingredient list if the brand advocates ingredient transparency.”
3. Do pheromone perfumes work?
The hypothesis that pheromones added to perfumes can draw attention from sexual partners is unsupported by scientific evidence. Furthermore, no human substance has yet been found by scientists to meet the precise definition of a pheromone2. Dr. Wolinsky states, “It’s unclear if humans detect pheromones, unlike animals, and if we do produce pheromones if those pheromones attract other humans.” However, since there is still a dearth of research, anything is feasible, and who’s to say the risk isn’t worth the extra confidence that comes from wearing one?