Do Pheromone Colognes Work? (Should You Use it?)

Pheromone cologne and pheromone perfumes haven’t been proven to work by actual science, but there’ve been mixed reviews about whether it’s the real deal from users.

Pheromone cologne at least seems to have a placebo effect that may produce the intended results at times.

Animal pheromones have been used in some of the most iconic perfumes in the world of fragrance.

Fashion houses like Chanel, Gucci, and Gaultier have included pheromones in their cologne selection for years, but that seems to be derived from the pleasing notes they add to scent rather than any conclusive evidence that they attract women.

There isn’t enough material to prove that human pheromones exist, and thus essentially undermining the mooted effectiveness of pheromone products.

Whether or not pheromones work will usually be up to your interpretation and experience.

What are Pheromones?

Pheromones are chemical substances produced by animals.

These substances provoke a response in other animals of the same species that is designed to instigate social behavior between the two individuals. 

This substance has been likened to the one produced by hormones.

The difference between the two is that the former affects external behavior. 

The reaction doesn’t just have to be of a sexual nature, but it can trigger arousal.

Human interest in the topic is based on whether the smell of this substance can increase arousal in the opposite sex.

The inconclusive research on the topic has provided theories about the possible existence of various human sex pheromones, but there continues to be no confirmation on these being real pheromones. 

Of these potential options, the androstenone pheromone which only men produce is the most promising one.

Androstenone is hypothesized to have a pleasant effect on females of varying levels according to certain stages of the menstrual cycle. 

According to this theory, pheromones play a part in the attraction between genders—with androstenone at the forefront.

Can Humans Sense Pheromones?

Animals sense this substance through smell, which is a sense that is underdeveloped in humans.

Despite this underdevelopment, if this substance exists it could be sensed through smell, especially when it comes to androstenes, which are said to be secreted in axillary sweat.

The scent of a pheromone is something that can only have an impact if it exists, but if we are to theorize that it does, then people could mimic other species in reacting to each other through smell.

The impact of this potential reaction has already started being explored in the world of fragrance.

What are Pheromone Colognes or Pheromone Perfumes?

Pheromone cologne is a scent designed specifically to build on the potential reaction created by the substance, at least in theory.

They’re meant to emulate that reaction through smell, and, supposedly, evoking attraction.

Pheromone cologne is made for men and meant to entice the females of the species, but there’s also perfume created for them to potentially be more attractive to men.

Pheromone spray also exists and can be spritzed directly onto the skin without the extra fragrances present in cologne.

Does Pheromone Cologne Work?

The lack of scientific results behind the study of pheromones hinders the factual confirmation on whether pheromone cologne works.

Those who’ve used the cologne have reported mixed reviews and the triumphant results can usually be explained by placebos.

Even if there’s no scientific backing or consistent analysis of the cologne, the advertising behind it suggests that it boosts your confidence.

This confidence boost can, in turn, increase the level of attraction on its own, so the placebo can be enough to insinuate that the cologne works.

Despite the inability to confirm whether pheromones exist in the human population at this time, the Federal Drug Administration has approved several fragrances that are said to work to boost this substance and the reactions it can trigger.

Are Pheromone Colognes for Men or Women?

Pheromone cologne is created with men in mind, but there are perfumes for females looking to test these reactions out too.

Pheromone cologne is based on the power of androstenone, as it’s meant to provoke attraction in females through the masculinity it suggests in its profile.

Colognes with the Most Pheromones

If you’re interested in pheromone cologne, there are various options you can try out.

These are the ones purported to contain the highest levels of pheromones:

1. Nexus Pheromones

This pheromone cologne states that it uses a combination of seven pheromones.

It’s also meant to last up to ten hours.

While at the pricier end of the spectrum, it’s meant to offer some of the best results on the market.

2. Pherazone for Men

This cologne is meant to have the highest level of pheromone content available to purchase by using ten times more than its competitors.

It contains six pheromones, has a long-lasting effect, and is supposed to work for heterosexual, gay, and bisexual men alike.

3. True Instinct

This cologne has a high content of androstenone, androstadienone, androstenol, and androsterone.

The mix of these four options is said to cover all the bases of attraction, from the first meeting to the ease of conversation and, ultimately, the sexual attraction.

4. Evolve-XS

The blend in this cologne is long-lasting and meant to be highly successful with just one spritz.

Try not to use too much of it as the androstenone content may become overpowering.

5. RawChemistry

This cologne attracts instantly through its powerful blend of elements.

It’s hand-crafted from start to finish, and best suited to oily skin, where it can last up to ten hours.

The Bottom Line

The efficacy of these colognes hasn’t been accurately established, but that hasn’t stopped the industry from experimenting with them to see whether they can boost the level of attraction between individuals. 

There are several cologne options, with more emerging on the market as users continue to purchase them, which suggests that science doesn’t need to have the final word on the matter to increase the popularity of these products—and the theories behind them.