Do Pheromone Perfumes Really Work?

An aura of mystery and titillation has always surrounded the wonderful world of perfume.

Many of us respond to certain perfumes in different ways. Our response depends on what chemical messengers are hidden in the perfume.

All quality perfumes contain invisible compounds. Many of them are derived from natural essential oils, but some also come from synthetic compounds. 

One range of compounds which play an essential role in women’s perfume and men’s fragrances is pheromones. As naturally occurring chemical compounds, pheromones are believed to influence our behaviour. Does pheromone perfume work? 

Also, can pheromone perfumes increase sex appeal?

In this guide to pheromone perfumes, we look at the concept behind pheromones, scientific studies, practical uses and concept of pheromones in perfumes. Finally, we share our concluding thoughts.

Today, pheromone perfumes are trendy. Many of us buy designer perfume brands which claim to boost our natural pheromone levels. Do they work? Let’s examine the efficacy of pheromone perfumes.

What Are Pheromones?

When we think of messengers, we often think about digital messaging systems.

However, long before WhatsApp and Messenger, there were natural messenger systems. The difference is that natural messenger systems used by humans and most animal species are invisible. Still, they are there and used for communication

How Do Pheromones Play a Role?

In the animal kingdom, pheromones serve as messengers facilitating communication and influencing behaviour between members of the same species and between species. Here are key ways pheromones are used.

Reproduction

Attracting mates has an important role to play when it comes to animals. Most animal species including mammals, reptiles and insects use pheromones to attract mates.

A whole range of pheromones send important signals including species identification, sexual availability and health status.

It is the role of pheromone hormones to stimulate mating increasing the chances of successful breeding.

Pheromones play a crucial role in the animal kingdom, serving as chemical messengers facilitating communication and influencing behaviour within and between species. Here are some key ways pheromones are used:

Social Behaviour

Pheromones are not only used to stimulate breeding. They play a huge role when marking territory and deterring rivals. Aggression is part of social role in the animal kingdom.

On the positive side, pheromones help to support social bonds in most species. They encourage bonding and care.

Cause For Alarm

More than one pheromone element plays a role. Some members of this group of chemicals start waving red flags in case of danger. This can trigger responses such as hiding, fleeing and even attacking.

Trail Finding

In the insect world, species such as ants use pheromone scent trails laid down by fellow members of their “tribe.”

This makes it easier for others to find food and other available resources. You may have seen ants carrying small twigs and leaves to their stack or nests. How do they find their way home?Pheromones, of course!

Defensive Scents

Big cats including lions and tigers mark their territory by spraying. Domestic cats do the same thing.

The idea is to deter predators from entering their territory. Some animals are so clever that they even excrete pheromones which mimic more dangerous species.

Individual Recognition

Animals are so tuned into pheromones that they can even recognise individual members of their group. Can we? Sensitive individuals claim they recognise someone’s natural smell. 

This is a great ability to have when it comes to complex groups and social interactions.

Synchronisation of Behaviour

Amazingly, scientists have discovered pheromones are behind many mass animal migrations. From this, we conclude pheromones are powerful tools for communication supporting behaviour and essential for survival.

What Are Pheromone Perfumes?

Pheromone perfumes are fragrances containing synthetic compounds which are thought to mimic human pheromones. There are also perfumes which contain natural pheromones including ambergris and musk.

Perfumiers believe synthetic compounds influence factors such as attraction and other human behaviours. Many manufacturers claim pheromones enhance human sex appeal and may even imply this in their advertising.

It is not only pheromones that impact human behaviour. People respond differently depending on their genetic makeup and health status. Environmental factors also exert influence.

This is still a developing field in science and further research is needed. By all means, consider if your favourite perfume contains pheromones. But whether it does or not, it does not mean the presence of pheromones is a priority when you buy perfume gift sets. Evaluate all of the ingredients when you shop for designer perfume brands.

Do Pheromone Perfumes Work?

This is where things get slightly controversial. Scientists know a lot about the role pheromones play when it comes to animals. Their role in human society is much less clear.

Most animals have a dedicated organ to cope with pheromone messages. It is called the Vomeronasal Organ or VNO for short.

The Human Olfactory System

Do we humans have this organ? The jury is out on this topic. That does not mean we can’t detect pheromones. We certainly can thanks to our olfactory system
When your nervous system functions well, the pheromone scents are picked up by the olfactory which forms part of the human neural network. The outcome can be signals and messages which influence our behaviour.

Sexual Attraction and Love At First Sight

What can we expect? Increased sexual attraction, changes in our mood and a shift in feelings. Pheramones are thought to be behind “love at first.”

In our modern world, it is challenging to appreciate the influence of the human olfactory system. One thing we do know is that many humans respond the same way to synthetic pheromones as well as naturally occurring pheromones.

So, what does this mean for us humans? Pheromone perfume - does it work? It probably does, but let’s explore this topic further.

Scientific Studies and Controversies

The existence of pheromones remains a controversial subject. It is an ongoing matter of debate and discussion. Looking closer at this hot topic, there are scientific studies which have shed light on both sides of the arguement.

Let’s look closer at the pros and cons of pheromones in perfumes.

Pro-Pheromone Studies

The pro-pheromone argument is an interesting one to delve into. When you investigate the matter, several studies indicate a link between human social interactions and attraction.

For instance, a study by Dr Winnifred Cutler indicated that certain beauty and perfume products containing pheromones have a link between the accepted norms of social attractiveness and perceived sexuality in women.

However, it is worth noting Dr Cutler’s studied a relatively small group. The cross-section of studied was rather limited.

Still, the results can’t be dismissed. The results produced by Dr Cutler's research have gone on to support many of the theories which we presume to be correct about pheromones today.

This particular pheromone study dates back to 1986 but still gives credibility to the fact pheromones have a lot to offer to our personal lives and welfare.

Are there other studies? Yes, there are other studies including studies which indicate the effects of pheromones on stress and mood. Pheromones appear to have the ability to boost mood and reduce anxiety.

Once again, it has to be said most studies were based on rather small groups. But, we do know exercise boosts our levels of feel-good hormones, so why not other chemical elements.

Pheromones are believed to be what is known as “feel-good chemicals.” If this is right, it is possible pheromones may improve our mood which in turn helps boost our attractiveness.

Con-Pheromone Studies

As always, studies indicate the opposite and appear to critic other findings.

Many critics of pro-pheromone studies have presented opposite arguments and say human pheromone claims are largely based on animal behaviours.

There is an argument for this, but it has to be said animal and human biology are not so far apart. After all, we often cite animal studies and even replace human heart valves with animal heart valves. We may have more in common with animals than we dare to express.

The problem is that there are no set standards for human pheromones. What scientists refer to as methodology may appear floored. We used to claim this about acupuncture, but this part of Traditional Chinese Medicine has gone on to become accepted as mainstream.

Maybe pheromones have a lot to offer an indicator of our health and well-being.

It has to be stressed the chemical composition of pheromones is not well-explored. Some studies indicate they exist in humans other studies show the opposite.

The human neurobiology of chemical communication needs more research. 

Best Practices For Using Pheromone Perfumes

If we go on the basis pheromone perfumes can harness the power of human communication, we also need to have an approach to how we use them to boost the results we gain from them.

In other words, how can you maximise the benefits of your pheromone men’s fragrance? Having sold fragrances to both men and women for many years, I know a thing or two about this topic. The same applies to women’s perfume.

How does pheromone perfume work?

Before you buy, do your research. Find out what brands offer the best perfumes with natural or high-quality synthetic pheromones. The best natural ingredients are musk and ambergris. You find these in most designer perfume brands. Quality synthetic pheromones are androstenone and androstadienone.

The scent of a perfume is still important. Don’t only focus on the pheromone content. Choose a scent which compliments your style and taste.

When in doubt, consult a professional. There is no harm in asking for a professional opinion. A personal consultation can help.

Proper Application

Having clean skin is important when applying perfume. This increases absorption and scent diffusion.

This is why it is a good idea to apply body lotion after a bath or shower. Once you have done so, go ahead and apply your perfume. A top tip here is for men to use a deodorant which continues to produce scent. It is believed we release more pheromones from underneath our armpits than anywhere else.

What about pulse points? There is some evidence this may work. If you are not sure this is right for you, apply your fragrance to your hair. 

Timing

Avoid using too much. When you use too much perfume, it may overpower the effect you are trying to achieve. We don’t want to repulse - we want to attract.

Use the right fragrance for the right occasion. If you can, avoid wearing your daytime perfume during the night. At night, you likely need a higher level of

pheromone content in your fragrance. This applies to both women’s perfume as well as men’s scents.

Grooming

Maintaining good personal hygiene promotes the availability of your perfume. Don’t forget to change your shirt before you go out in the evening. Pheromones are there to compliment you. Make sure you choose a fragrance which fits in with your personality and lifestyle.

Mindset

Yes, there is a mindset factor. When you are more confident, it is more likely others pick up on your fragrance. Maybe we release more human pheromones when we are confident.

Charisma matters. When someone radiates, we call that charisma. In fact, we are more likely to pick up on a fragrance worn by someone with better charisma.

Final Thoughts: Does It Matter?

Pheromone perfume does it work? Let’s wrap it up.

We are learning more about scent and the sense of smell every day.

The truth is that there is not a human alive who does not appreciate a nice smell. Can that nice smell be boosted by pheromones and the way we act? There are

many indications that this is true..

Just like there is someone special for all of us, there is a scent out there for you. If the scent you enjoy does not contain pheromones, don’t worry. Let your body’s own pheromones boost the scent and create that feel-good factor.

Explore what Perfume Price has to offer in the way of designer brand perfumes and perfume brand gift sets.

For many years, Perfume Price has over and over again demonstrated a true commitment to the best fragrances for both men and women. Quality and customer satisfaction are two of the core values of the UK’s most trusted beauty and perfume service.