Scent is highly subjective. Your perfume might impress your colleagues, but that doesn’t mean it will attract everyone. There's real science behind a scent’s appeal, with research showing that our sense of smell is closely linked to memory and emotions. When we encounter a pleasing aroma, our brain releases dopamine, the happiness chemical.
Pheromone perfumes are believed to have aphrodisiac effects. They can attract the opposite sex, increase likability, and act as a catalyst for love by using pheromones—colorless, odorless chemicals that influence behavior and trigger psychological changes. These specialized scents complement the natural scent of your skin, subtly yet powerfully affecting those around you without any conscious effort.
So, what is a pheromone perfume? It's a perfume that incorporates synthetic compounds like Copulins to mimic human pheromones and enhance sexual attraction. There are also feel-good perfumes without synthetic pheromones that often use warm, soft notes like vanilla to blend with your natural body odor. Both types are crafted to make you smell irresistible.
We've compiled a list of the buzziest and most highly-rated pheromone and feel-good perfumes. These will boost your mood and confidence, earning you compliments from loved ones and strangers alike.
Our Top Picks
- Pure Instinct Pheromone Perfume
- Tom Ford Vanilla Sex Eau de Parfum
- Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette
- Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady
- Le Labo Santal 33
- Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Eau de Parfum
- Byredo Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum
- MCM Eau de Parfum
- Cosmic Kylie Jenner Eau de Parfum
- Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum
1. Best Viral: Pure Instinct Pheromone Perfume Oil
Why It's a Favorite: Pure Instinct Pheromone Perfume has taken TikTok by storm. Its pheromone-infused formula blends effortlessly with your skin's pH to create a one-of-a-kind scent that exudes a subtle yet irresistible allure. The roll-on design makes it easy to carry with you and reapply, so you can attract good vibes wherever you go.
Key Notes: Australian mango, mandarin, honey, cinnamon, musk.
Best For: Everyday wear, social interactions, and romantic encounters.
An Amazon reviewer says: “Smells wonderful! More of an oil based perfume but dries quickly, and it lasts for several hours. I got several compliments on it and even got asked to go to get a coffee by one of my coworkers! I definitely noticed people were nice to me which is strange but hey I’m not [complaining]!!”
2. Best Designer: Tom Ford Vanilla Sex Eau de Parfum
Why It's a Favorite: Tom Ford's Vanilla Sex Eau de Parfum is an icon of sensual pleasure. Featuring Vanilla Tincture India, a bespoke ingredient crafted exclusively for this scent, it offers a captivating interplay of deep and bright vanilla notes. It's a sophisticated choice for those who appreciate warm, spicy, or gourmand perfumes.
Key Notes: Vanilla Tincture India, vanilla absolute, sandalwood essence.
Best For: Evening wear, special occasions, cold weather, and making a bold statement.
A Sephora reviewer says: “I love the sensual vanilla scent of the perfume. I receive so many compliments when I wear it. The scent makes me feel calm and sexy.”
3. Best Everyday: Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette
Why It's a Favorite: There's no mystery why Marc Jacobs Daisy is widely liked: it’s a fresh and clean floral scent with a touch of fruity sweetness. It’s simple, crowd-pleasing, delicate, and feminine—that’s Daisy's charm.
Key Notes: Strawberry, violet, jasmine, musk.
Best For: Daily use and casual outings thanks to its cheerful, uplifting fragrance.
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I love this scent, it makes me feel so fresh and ladylike. It’s a perfect option for spring and summer when you really feel the need to be elevated.”
4. Best Luxury: Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady Eau de Parfum
Why It's a Favorite: Don’t judge a perfume by its bottle. Many of us are often attracted by unique presentations, but the true essence lies within the scent itself. There are no less than 400 Turkish roses per bottle of Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady, creating a deep, dense, and rich rose scent with spices and patchouli. If you are a rose lover looking for a potent, mature, and classy perfume, this has your name all over it.
Key Notes: Rose, blackcurrant, patchouli, sandalwood.
Best For: Special occasions, evening wear, and those who love opulent fragrances.
A Fragrantica reviewer says: “At first spray I thought I'd made a mistake... it's such a strong, almost acrid smell... but one hour later the magic started to happen on my skin. Two hours later I kept smelling the most amazing smell and wondered what it was. [It] was me. POAL is a very mature scent, but to me as a middle aged woman it's not an old scent. It's the scent of a powerful and interesting woman. It gives me sexy, international travels, money. I feel very expensive and very exclusive when I wear this. It's not a daytime fragrance, but for evenings out.”
5. Best Unisex: Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum
Why It's a Favorite: Le Labo Santal 33 has achieved cult status for its chic and enchanting unisex scent. Its woody, powdery, and spicy notes make it fresh yet deep, casual yet luxurious, and well put together. Santal 33 has become one of the go-to fragrances for New Yorkers. In New York, you can smell Santal 33 in the air.
Key Notes: Sandalwood, cedar, leather, cardamom, amber, iris.
Best For: Anyone looking for a versatile, gender-neutral fragrance.
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Very unusual earthy fragrance I have gotten several compliments already on it It could be for both men or women.”
6. Best All-Around: Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Eau de Parfum
Why It's a Favorite: Bombshell is the top-selling Victoria's Secret perfume, known for its vibrant, sexy, and glamorous fruity-floral scent. It's versatile enough for both day and night, making it a staple in many fragrance collections. With Bombshell, you can truly "smell like an angel."
Key Notes: Purple passion fruit, Shangri-La peony, vanilla orchid.
Best For: Any occasion, from casual outings to special events.
A Victoria’s Secret reviewer says: “Very lovely fragrance. I love to smell it on my significant other. She enjoys the fragrance and loves the choice I made in selecting fragrance.”
7. Best for Evening: Byredo Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum
Why It's a Favorite: A floral note composed of a steady woody aroma, it doesn't feel too intense but has a strong presence. Byredo's Mojave Ghost is perfect for nighttime wear thanks to its enchanting and mysterious scent. It's designed to evoke the ghost flower of the Mojave Desert, retaining lightness and elegance while gradually revealing its true intensity.
Key Notes: Ambrette, magnolia, sandalwood, cedar.
A Nordstrom reviewer says: "I’ve been wearing this [scent] for about three years now and it never disappoints. I get stopped every time I wear it and it drives men wild. I cleaned out my closet recently and found a dress I wore over a year ago, it smelled as fresh as the day I wore it."
8. Best Perfume Bottle: MCM Eau de Parfum
Why It's a Favorite: MCM Eau de Parfum not only offers a delightful and nostalgic fruity-floral scent but also features an iconic and stylish bottle. This scent will remind you of your favorite soap and shampoo products, making it likable and pleasant. The design is a nod to the brand's luxury luggage, making it a perfect addition to any vanity.
Key Notes: Raspberry, apricot, peony, jasmine, sandalwood, vanilla.
A Macy’s reviewer says: "I love this fragrance from MCM. It’s such a treat to wear and to display! I’m so happy to wear this daily and all year long since it’s not overbearing. The woody and floral scent lasts for hours as well. I’ve received many compliments from co-workers and my very opinionated husband! The detail and texture of the bottle [look] like I have my own little mini MCM bag on my dresser. You’ll enjoy this very sophisticated scent!"
9. Best Celebrity: Cosmic Kylie Jenner Eau de Parfum
Why It's a Favorite: Kylie Jenner's Cosmic Eau de Parfum has quickly become a favorite among fans and fragrance enthusiasts. Surprisingly, it offers a sweet and fresh floral scent that contrasts with Kylie's typically bold and glamorous style.
Key Notes: Star jasmine, blood orange, amber, musk.
Best For: Fans of celebrity fragrances and those looking to add a touch of glam to their collection.
A Kylie Cosmetic reviewer says: “I was skeptical when I saw all of the five star reviews for this perfume but I wanted to try it so I ordered the mini tube size and fell in love with it at first spray. I immediately ordered the full bottle. I love it - it’s quite floral on me at first but wears beautifully, settling into a very sexy, skin-like but still fresh musk. The smell lasts all day but [I] find myself wanting to keep applying it because I just can’t get enough.”
10. Best Men’s: Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum
Why It's a Favorite: Last but not least, we couldn’t forget about a men’s fragrance. If you’re looking for a pheromone perfume for your significant other, consider Chanel Bleu. It’s a timeless choice for men, renowned for its fresh, clean, and sensual composition. It seamlessly transitions from day to night, thanks to its blend of citrus and woods. The underlying musky undertone makes it perfect for a date or evening out.
Key Notes: Citrus accord, labdanum, sandalwood cedar.
Best For: Daily wear, professional settings, and special occasions.
An Ulta review says: “It's Chanel. What else needs to be said? It is in my top 2 colognes EVER. This eau de parfum is my favorite of the entire line. It is the perfect balance of grapefruit and manly. Just perfect. I like it better than the parfum and the toilette. This cologne is a hitter. Attention grabber. Compliment getter. Neck snapper. It is pricey but you get what you pay for. It's Chanel and it's pricey but it's CHANEL. And it lives up to it and is worth every penny. MUST MUST MUST HAVE”
Which Pheromone Perfume Should I Choose?
Choosing a pheromone perfume requires you to identify the notes you like and see if the scent interacts well with your body’s chemistry. If you want to skip testing fragrances door to door, just go for Pure Instinct Pheromone Perfume Oil. It contains a proprietary blend of natural ingredients and gender-friendly pheromones sourced from Italy, including Androstenone and Copulins. This effortlessly wearable scent enhances your body chemistry, creating a unique signature fragrance that nobody else can replicate. It's a standout choice among the best pheromone perfumes of 2024.
