There’s a lot of lore around the idea of pheromone perfumes. Can we disarm those around us with the way we smell? Is it our natural odour that’s making us attractive? Are we physiologically drawn to some and not others because of unseen chemical interactions that trigger our primal centres?
It sounds esoteric and a little left of field, but there’s actually some science there. Consider the fact your heart rate drops when you hug someone you love, or the way you’re compelled to wear your significant other’s clothing. Maybe it explains why we hesitate to wash the sheets after sharing a bed with the object of our affections, or why the tingly warmth of skin renders us a little speechless.
The fragrance industry is obviously privy to this phenomenon and so many brands have pheromone perfumes designed to either mimic that fuzzy feeling, or to actually enhance our own natural fragrance. So if you want to smell like yourself only better, disarm a crush, or turn up your innate sense of elusive hotness, a pheromone perfume might be just the magic potion you’re searching for.
The RUSSH edit of the best skin-like pheromone perfumes, below.
What are pheromones?
Pheromones are chemical signals released by the body that allegedly influence how we perceive and respond to one another, often beyond conscious awareness. They’re thought to play a role in attraction and emotional connection, interacting with scent receptors to shape mood, intimacy and desire.
What is a pheromone fragrance?
A pheromone fragrance is designed to work with your natural body chemistry, blending skin-mimicking notes to create a scent that feels intimate rather than overt. Some fragrances claim to use synthetic pheromones, but this science is pretty vague. It’s also difficult to know for sure given there’s no requirement to reveal an entire ingredients listing when it comes to fragrance.
Essentially a pheromone fragrance will sit close to the skin, evolve uniquely and amplify your sense of allure and personal magnetism.
The best pheromone fragrances to try:
Editions de Parfums By Frédéric Malle Musc Ravageur
This fragrance takes musk to the highest degree. It’s warm, sensual and a little bit dramatic – a magnet for compliments and attention.
Glossier You
You is formulated to smell familiar and nostalgic, like an old t-shirt or your boyfriends sweater. It also takes on a life of its own based on the wearer , so you get a signature that’s uniquely yours.
The Nue Co. Us Pheremone Fragrance+
The Nue Co creates functional fragrances that solicit emotions. Pheremone is a soapy skin-like mix of natural and synthetic notes that are designed to amplify your own smell. There’s creamy musk, Earthy moss and soapy orris and fresh pear.
Byredo Eyes Closed
While not a pheromone fragrance per se, Eyes Closed is a heady mix that represents the space between two people – think the closeness that comes just before or after a kiss. It’s ever so slightly spicy thanks to ginger and cardamom, but mostly tender and delicious.
Escentric Molecules Molecule 01
Escentric Molecules walked so the rest of the industry could run. The original skin musk, Molecule 01 uses a single synthetic note, Iso E Super, that is essentially perfumery’s take on pheromones. It’s super soft, only noticeable by those in close proximity. And like Glossier You, it takes on a life of its own depending on the pH of the wearer.
Mihan Aromatics Guilty Story
If you want to turn up your aura but prefer something with a little more intensity, Guilty Story is it. Inspired by indulgence and unplanned late nights, it marries vanilla, saffron, neroli and sandalwood.
D.S. & Durga I Don’t Know What
I Don’t Know What is another Iso E Super mix but with the addition of synthetic notes like vetiver acetate, civetone and firsantol. It has a gentle warmth when worn alone, or can be layered with other perfumes to add complexity.
Vyrao 70 Magnetic
Vyrao utilise neuroscience to create scents that solicit emotions. Magnetic is all about coming back to self and self identity – it’s creamy, plush and grounded with notes of frankincense, angelica seed, iris and juniper wood.
Images: @fredericmalle, Vyrao
