Warm, subtle, musky scents are a fragrance collection staple. They're the perfume equivalent of a basic white T-shirt or a really good pair of jeans—versatile and reliable, no matter what the time of day or year. Unlike fragrances that feature powerful stand-out notes like rose, oud, or citrus, these perfumes instead serve to enhance your natural scent by combining with your skin's natural pH. Basically, making you the main note of the fragrance. Much like natural, fresh-faced makeup has usurped the heavy, all-out glam look in recent years, these subtle, skin-like scents are one of the biggest fragrance trends in the beauty world right now—commonly referred to as skin scents or pheromone perfumes.
With the hashtag #pheromoneperfumes currently racking up almost 27 million views on TikTok, this may well be a trend that you're already aware of. And while you could be forgiven for thinking that this would be just another 'flash in the pan' beauty trend gone viral on social media, there's actually some interesting science behind the idea that pheromone perfumes can make you smell more attractive.
"Pheromones are chemical substances that are secreted by the body," explains perfumer Nic Mastenbroek. "They are a form of communication that works by sending signals to another animal of the same species, triggering a behavioural response or change in hormones."
According to Mastenbroek there are two steroids which are closely related to some possible human pheromones, and studies have focussed on these: androstenone and androstadienone. "These are believed by some researchers to have pheromonal effects. In fact, both have been shown to have an impact on female mood and may even boost sexual desire," he adds. "Fragrance brands are beginning to incorporate synthetic versions of pheromones into their fragrance formulations. Although you won’t be able to consciously smell or detect these, they are included for the purpose of having a subconscious and attracting effect on the person smelling you." Essentially, the concept of pheromone perfumes is that by wearing a fragrance containing these ingredients, you can tap into this primitive animal attraction response. So, if you've ever walked past someone and thought they smelled really really good, this would explain why.
"The aim of a pheromone perfume is to seduce and attract, so pheromone perfumes are often synonymous with romance-inducing smells," explains Mastenbroek. So you'll often find that these fragrances are also oozing with sensual fruity, floral, sweet, gourmand and ambery notes, too. Sounds appealing, right? Scroll down to discover the pheromone perfumes we're obsessed with.
The Best Pheromone Perfumes:
1. DS & Durga I Don't Know What
Wear this multitasking fragrance on its own to enhance your own natural scent or layer it with another fragrance to add a sensual, musky base.
2. Escentric Molecules Molecule 01
Perhaps the most famous pheromone perfume out there, Molecule 01 contains just one fragrance note, Iso E Super, which is proven to enhance the body's natural scent.
3. Phlur Not Your Baby
Packed with typically sensual fragrance notes like vanilla, cardamom, and sandalwood, this warm, sweet fragrance is guaranteed to turn heads.
4. Ellis Brooklyn Iso Gamma Super
This subtle scent also utilises Iso E Super. The addition of cedar, vetiver, and ambergris give it a warm, woody element—a perfect unisex scent.
5. Juliette Has A Gun Not A Perfume
This clever formulation features just one note, a single element called Cetalox. It's typically used in fragrances as a base note, but on its own it serves to complement your own natural scent. The result is subtle but alluring.
6. Maison Crivelli Ambre Chromatique
Rich with amber and incense, this is more of a statement-maker than most pheromone perfumes, but it settles so sensually onto skin.
7. Serge Lutens L'Eau Serge Lutens
This fresh, watery scent smells like clean, post-bubble bath skin.
8. Maison Margiela Replica Bubble Bath
Combining slight florals with a blend of creamy, powdery, and musky notes, this is an elegant scent that lingers impressively on skin.
9. Glossier You
Inspired by the idea of boosting each individual's natural scent, this is the kind of perfume that smells totally different on every wearer.
10. Who Is Elijah Nomad
Although this contains floral notes of rose and jasmine, the warm base of amber, musk, and fir resin takes centrestage—making this one of the sexiest fragrances we've ever smelled.
11. Commodity Milk
Commodity's collection of Personal scents are all designed to serve as subtle boosters for your natural fragrance. Milk is perhaps the most alluring—it's soft, sweet, and creamy.
12. Jusbox Cheeky Smile
Those who are drawn to warm scents will love this fragrance, which perfectly balances musky Iso E Super with woody notes of amber and cashmeran.
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