The 6 Best Pheromone Perfumes That Shake Up the Laws of Attraction
Consider these scents je ne sais quoi in a bottle.
By Nykia Spradley - published
In many ways, scent can be considered a superpower. The right compilation of notes can unlock core memories, shift moods, or—in the case of the best pheromone perfumes—utilise the laws of nature to draw someone closer to you. Pheromone fragrances—also known as skin scents—are extremely singular, blending traditional fragrance notes with synthetic pheromones for scents that are like your skin, but better.
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“Pheromones are molecules that are not made to activate the olfactory system but the pheromone system, to elicit a behaviour,” master perfumer and chemist Christophe Laudamiel tells Bazaar. As pheromones are substances given off by the body to attract someone else, Laudamiel adds, these substances are extremely species-specific, which means only other humans are affected by human pheromones.
Certain fragrances—like intense woods or sweet gourmand notes—may elicit a greater carnal desire within some people than bright, fruity florals do, but ultimately, it all comes down to personal scent preference. To help inspire your next spritz, we’ve rounded up some of the best pheromone perfumes, from Glossier, Maison Margiela Replica, and more brands that editors and experts love. These scents make it easy to subtly spark attraction for just about any fragrance lover.
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Most Versatile
The Original Pheromone-Infused Essential Oil Perfume Cologne, $37.03, Pure Instinct at Amazon SG
Pros: Travel-friendly
This essential oil blend contains notes of mandarin, mango, honey, and white musk. What gives it a pheromonal edge is that the fragrance changes based on your skin’s pH, which makes its scent completely unique to everyone who wears it.
Key notes: Honey, cinnamon, mandarin orange, Australian mango, white musk
One satisfied customer writes: “I love wearing this I feel like I cannot leave the house without wearing it. I get so many compliments I’ve worn it without perfume and with. It enhances your smell and attracts a lot of attention.” —Taniyah T.
Most Viral
You, $130, Glossier
Pros: Also available as a rollerblade
Glossier You’s warm and slightly floral formula aims to highlight your skin’s natural scent. The blend features key notes of pink peppercorn, iris, and Ambrox, letting you shine through after it dries down.
One satisfied customer writes: “This scent is absolutely perfect! Soft and subtle, clean and fresh. I love that I can wear this to the office. I have co-workers who are extremely sensitive to perfumes and this doesn’t phase them, they actually compliment me on how I smell.” —Miranda M.
Best Floral
Replica Lazy Sunday Morning, $220, Maison Margiela
Pros: Great for everyday wear.
The name of Maison Margiela Replica’s warm floral fragrance perfectly suits its blend of lily of the valley, iris, and white musk. A few spritzes can mentally transport you to the ease of a lazy weekend, lounging in a bed made with crisp, clean sheets.
One satisfied customer writes: “Clean and lovely. I wear it to bed and when I wake up. I catch whiffs of it throughout the day that smell floral but like fresh flowers not overly heady.” —hulieta
Best For Layering
Missing Person Eau de Parfum, $163, Phlur at Selfridges&Co.
Pros: Plays well with most scents
You know when you can smell the scent of someone you’ve embraced long after they’re gone? That’s exactly what Phlur’s Missing Person captures in a bottle. Its notes of skin musk, bergamot nectar, and blonde wood work well alone, or this scent can serve as the perfect base layer to a range of fragrances.
One satisfied customer writes: “Love this fragrance so much! it’s perfect for every day and work. the scent is very subtle but I get compliments all the time!” —Anonymous
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Best For Date Night
Lover Eau de Parfum, about $239.69, The Maker
Pros: Expert favourite
This perfume from The Maker is inspired by the bond between two lovers. Its fig, jasmine sambac, and oud notes nicely evolve over time, just like a fiery romance. The popular woody scent also happens to be a favourite among beauty experts.
One satisfied customer writes: “I would say this is a clean warm woody scent. It is very seductive to me. Sprayed directly on my skin not my clothes, and that mixes with my natural oils to be my new signature scent. Absolutely in love.” —tonyabarnes
Most Nostalgic
Slow Dance Eau de Parfum, $250, Byredo at Selfridges&Co.
Pros: Versatile
Slow Dance’s sweet myrrh, geranium, violet, and vanilla notes may unlock memories of high school dances or even your very first kiss. Its blend is paradoxical, mixing masculine and feminine, smoky and sweet, for a nicely balanced fragrance.
Meet The Experts
Christophe Laudamiel is a French perfumer and chemist, and cofounder of DreamAir Creative Studios in New York City. He has worked with companies like Procter & Gamble, Fragrance Resources, International Flavors and Fragrances, and more.
This article originally appeared in Harper’s BAZAAR US.