Similar to me, you might have come across pheromone perfumes when perusing your preferred scent forums or TikTok. Pheromones are chemicals generated by animals to communicate silently with one another and trigger specific automatic reactions, if you’re scratching your head. But when it comes to scents, co-owner and vice president of Eye of Love Jacqui Rubinoff explains, “these perfumes aim to create a subtle yet intriguing allure, making the wearer more magnetic and appealing to those around them.”
However, it’s possible that pheromone fragrances don’t actually exist in that sense. Within the fragrance industry, the notion of “pheromone perfumes” is frequently misinterpreted. A true pheromone isn’t usually found in perfumes, though some products may contain substances like iso e super, which can stimulate particular pheromone receptors. Escentric Molecules inventor and perfumer Geza Schoen notes that there are no precise duplicates of the body’s pheromones on store shelves. But worry not—many fragrances still exist that are regarded as “pheromone perfumes” because of their capacity to amplify and augment your skin’s inherent aroma. Like skin fragrances, the best pheromone perfumes are cosy and close to the skin, blending nicely with your body chemistry to create a unique scent that no one else can duplicate. When I wear them, I notice that people who aren’t even near to me stop to inquire, “What are you wearing?”
Top picks for the best pheromone perfumes in 2024
There is a pheromone perfume out there that you will enjoy, regardless of whether you prefer softer smells or are trying to attract a certain person. To compile this list of the top eight pheromone perfumes under $50, we conducted in-depth interviews with reputable perfume experts, conducted extensive web research, and personally tested a number of them.
1. PHLUR Missing Person Eau de Parfum
From the first sniff, thousands of people have been enthralled with Missing Person. Its musky aroma melds flawlessly into the skin, and delicate undertones of woodsy and floral notes give it a captivating depth and complexity.
Important notes: Australian sandalwood, blonde wood, sheer jasmine, cyclamen, neroli bloom, orange flower, skin musk, bergamot, nectar, and white musk
Dimensions: 1.7 ounces
Stars for Nordstrom: 3.7 out of 5.
“I discovered this Pheromone Perfumes this year, and I couldn’t help but kick myself for not trying it sooner,” an ELLE editor writes. I’m not sure who or what it was, but it reminds me of someone or something I’ve smelled in the past. In any case, it gives me a calmness that is, well, addictive. I’ve tried a lot of perfumes, but this is one of the few that I actually find myself wearing most days—sometimes even as a treat right before bed. — Carol Lee, associate beauty e-commerce writer for ELLE.com
2. Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 Eau de Toilette
Iso E Pheromone Perfumes, the only note in this fragrance, is said by Schoen to “stimulate specific pheromone receptors.” We keep returning to the perfume because it has a special something that makes it reminiscent of cedarwood and has a gentle, ambery scent.
Important information: ISO E Super
Dimensions: 3.4 oz.
The Neiman Marcus rating is 4.3 out of 5.
“People stop me to ask what perfume I’m wearing, although I can’t smell it—that’s the deal with this perfume,” a Neiman Marcus reviewer writes.
3. Diptyque L’Eau Papier Eau de Toilette Pheromone Perfumes
Diptyque has successfully captured the mouthwatering aroma of booksellers, giving us a whiff similar to that of freshly turned pages. The enigmatic and seductive L’Eau Papier anchors itself in a deep blonde wood, with notes of freshness, muskiness, and a hint of pepper.
Key notes: harmony of rice steam, white musks, mimosa, and golden woods
Dimensions: 3.4 oz.
Stars for Nordstrom: 4.4 out of 5
“While the siliage of this Pheromone Perfumes fragrance isn’t much, the true power of it lies much closer to the body,” a Nordstrom reviewer writes. It’s clean, cosy, and seductive all at once. A favourite among those who don’t have to leave a trace but are nonetheless well-known for their amazing scent among their close friends .
4. BYREDO Blanche Eau de Parfume
Ben Gorham, a Pheromone Perfumes, set out to create a scent that embodied the colour white. It’s reasonable to assume he was successful because this scent makes you think of white roses, crisp linens, and fluffy clouds drifting in a flawless blue sky.
Important notes: Violet, neroli, white rose, pink pepper, aldehyde, peony, blonde woods, sandalwood, and musk
Dimensions: 3.4 oz.
Rate Byredo: 4.5 out of 5 stars
“This was a blind buy, but I do not regret it,” a Byredo reviewer writes. Before opting to buy, I studied a tonne of reviews about this smell because I was searching for something clean and fresh. It fulfils every expectation I had. What a pleasant, fresh, daily aroma!
5. Glossier Glossier You
Every day when you go through New York City’s streets, you can’t help but smell the adored Glossier You. The best thing about this scent is that it varies significantly depending on the user; it has a supporting cast of base notes that help you, the main character, smell amazing.
Important notes: Ambrox, iris, pink pepper, and ambrette seeds
Dimensions: 1.7 ounces
Glossier: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Editor at ELLE says: “Glossier You has the second-skin feel and sparkling peppercorn notes that make it my favourite Pheromone Perfume layering base. Although its baby pink container gives the impression that it smells light and delicate, the vial contains a strong, spicy aroma that complements almost all odours.—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com
6. D.S. & Durga I Don’t Know What
The notes of bergamot, Iso E Super, and ambrox super in this perfume, or fragrance enhancer, come together to create a clean, woodsy scent. Layer it to give any fragrance a distinctive personality, or wear it alone for a subtle everyday smell.
Important notes: Iso E Super, sandalwood, amber, and bergamot
Dimensions: 1.7 oz.
Stars for Nordstrom: 4.5 out of 5
According to a Nordstrom review, “It is such an interesting scent that gives you this unique and unforgettable experience by combining freshness, floral, and woodiness all in one bottle.” A fantastic new finding that I wholeheartedly endorse!
7. Eye of Love Matchmaker Red Diamond Pheromone Perfume – Attract Him
Eye of Love was assisted in creating this musky and sweet aroma by Patti Stanger from The Millionaire Matchmaker, which is said to increase your appeal to others. Better still, it’s kept in a striking scarlet glass diamond.
Important notes: Vanilla, amber, musk, black currant, lily, grapefruit, jasmine, and citrus
Dimensions: 3 oz.
Eye of Love: 4.2 out of 5 stars
“I wasn’t too crazy about the smell at first, but I kept on and I absolutely love it and now wear it all the time,” a reviewer of Eye of Love writes. And I’m placing more orders!
8. Pure Instinct Pheromone Unisex Perfume Oil
Since this perfume oil responds to the pH of your skin, no two people will smell the same thanks to its social media fame. Once more, the fragrance’s main objective is to enhance your natural aroma rather than cover it up. There is a hint of fruitiness due to notes of mango and honey, as well as a spicy hint of cinnamon.
Important notes: musk, honey, cinnamon, mandarin, and Australian mango.
Dimensions: o.34 oz.
Stars on Amazon: 3.9 out of 5
“I like how it smells, my wife likes how I smell, and my coworkers, family, and friends have all made me feel really good about myself when I wear this Pheromone Perfumes fragrance,” an Amazon reviewer writes. Along with Pure Instinct, it complements my other colognes nicely and lasts the entire day. The bottle will last me a long time because a little goes a long way.
