The perfume industry is constantly evolving, and the competition is getting tougher. Many perfumers search for various formulas or marketing campaigns to attract a more significant share of a vast market. However, products famous on social media, such as pheromone perfumes, are raising safety concerns.
It’s generally safe to use pheromone perfumes if you don’t have a perfume allergy. Just like other perfumes, they primarily consist of oil, water, and alcohol. The formula also includes pheromones or musk that typically don’t trigger adverse reactions.
Suppose you’ve come across videos on your TikTok or Instagram reels testifying about the effectiveness of pheromone perfumes and want to try them. In that case, read the rest of the article to ensure you — and the people around you — stay safe while using these products.
The Science Behind Pheromone Perfumes
It’s important to first learn how pheromone perfumes are made to better understand whether or not they’re safe to use.
To put it simply, all perfumes consist of varying proportions of three main components:
- Water
- Alcohol
- Oil or fragrances
Although these ingredients seem harmless at first glance, it’s worth noting that each perfume is made differently.
In addition, perfumes are not a modern invention. They came into use thousands of years ago, giving men and women the impression that smelling good can help them seem more attractive.
To get ahead of the game, some perfumers are now giving customers the option to be scientifically attractive using scents that tap on the natural human response to pheromones.
These facts resulted in the following events:
Centuries of Use Have Led to Numerous Formulas
The distinct characteristics of various perfume brands result from combining different synthetic and natural chemicals using classic or modern techniques.
Before people gained access to laboratory technology to generate synthetic scents, past perfumers used animal musk or plant extracts. One musk that stands above the rest comes from the musk deer, hence the name.
The chemical comes from the male deer’s scent gland and has been widely used in male cologne or hygiene products. Unknowingly, past perfumers had already used what is now one of the progenitors of pheromone perfumes.
Even in modern times, this chemical is still highly priced for its use in perfumery, cosmetics, and home needs.
Animal Rights Advocacies Have Led to Synthetic Musks
The significant decline in the musk deer population has encouraged animal rights advocates to take a stand and stop the use of natural musk in perfumes. Their efforts were largely successful, resulting in the production of synthetic musks, which are relatively cheaper.
However, research has shown that musk ambrette — a type of synthetic musk — led to adverse skin reactions in some people. The condition also gets worse with exposure to sunlight. That’s why some people prefer to purchase products that have “natural musk” in them.
At present, there’s no information about how many people are allergic to musk ambrette. Moreover, there isn’t any information from the FDA regarding the safety or risks of using this particular chemical yet.
How to Use Pheromone Perfumes Safely
If you’ve never had any problems with perfumes before, it’s unlikely that you’ll experience adverse reactions when using pheromone perfumes.
Still, before jumping in on the bandwagon and buying these popular products, there are some steps you can take to ensure safety. Remember that the tips below apply when using any perfume or cosmetic product.
1. Read the Label
Make it a habit to read the label of any new product you want to try, especially if it’s meant to stay on your skin for hours. In addition, it’s best to scrutinize products that list “fragrances” as an ingredient. It’s a vague description of the chemicals present in the perfume.
The FDA lists some chemicals in fragrances that are likely to cause adverse reactions in people with hypersensitivity.
The list includes seemingly harmless scents, sometimes labeled as “jasmine fragrance” or something similar. However, it may contain amyl cinnamal, a synthetic scent resembling jasmine but known to cause allergic reactions.
2. Do A Skin Test
If you’re interested in musky scents but want to use sustainable pheromone perfumes, feel free to try those with synthetic musks. However, before purchasing the product, do a skin test. Dab the perfume on your wrist or the inside of your elbow and observe your reaction.
The symptoms to watch out for include the following:
- Headache
- Sneezing
- Redness or rashes on the application site
- Itchiness on the application site, your eyes, or your throat
3. Use the Product Sparingly
Even after going through and passing steps 1 and 2, it doesn’t mean that your perfume is totally safe. Although pheromone perfumes are generally safe, it’s still wise to be extra cautious when using any product on your skin.
Perfumes are supposed to work with your natural body oils to bring out the unique scent that makes you pleasant or attractive to other people. Apply the liquid strategically in the following places:
- Your wrists
- Below your ears
- The back of your knees
Final Thoughts
Pheromone perfumes help make you feel more confident about yourself. However, while it may be safe for you, scent appreciation is subjective and some people may be sensitive to the chemicals in your perfume.
Therefore, it’s always best to use pheromone perfumes sparingly and strategically for maximum effect and the safety of the people around you
Sources:
- Oklahoma University: Pure Ambition by KCC, Inc.
- ScienceDirect: Pheromones
- Glamour Magazine: TikTokers are obsessed with pheromone perfume for its aphrodisiac effects. Here’s what a fragrance expert thinks
- WWF: Musk Deer
- WebMD: 3 Questions About Fragrance Allergies
- National Library of Medicine: Contact allergy to fragrances: current clinical and regulatory trends
- National Library of Medicine: Contact and photocontact allergy to musk ambrette
- FDA: Allergens in Cosmetics