Perfumes are not only popular among women. Male perfume or cologne also has a big share in a vast market and performs a similar function to women’s perfume — to boost the user’s confidence and make them feel more attractive. Many women also prefer to wear a masculine scent, making people wonder whether male perfumes contain pheromones.
Male perfumes with natural musk from musk deer contain pheromones. However, due to the high price of the natural material and calls for animal rights and the protection of wildlife, many perfumers manufacture male perfumes with synthetic musk that doesn’t contain pheromones.
In the rest of the article, I will explain the difference between natural musk and synthetic musk. I’ll also discuss how to tell which male perfume likely contains pheromones. So read on before shelling out some cash on your next perfume.
Natural Musk Vs. Synthetic Musk
Natural musk is a chemical derived from the glandular secretions of musk deer (Moschus berezovskii). This substance is essential for deer reproduction, as it helps males attract females during the breeding season.
Way before pheromone perfumes became a trend, musk had been widely used for hundreds to thousands of years because of its distinct and long-lasting fragrance. And musky scent has always been linked to masculine attractiveness in various cultures.
Many big perfume companies globally invest in this perception. Interestingly, later studies revealed that the material contains steroids or pheromones responsible for territory marking and deer mating.
Several other animals, such as peacocks and musk rats, also have glandular secretions with pheromone functions but are less potent than the musk from male deer. That’s why many perfumers invested in male musk deer.
However, due to the stressful conditions the deer were put through, the quality and composition of the secretions diminished. There was also an alarming population decline, calling for global limitations on the use of natural musk.
This is where synthetic musk came to be. Numerous laboratories synthesized chemicals that resemble muscone (the active chemical in natural musk) to compensate for the lack of natural resources.
Although they were successful in replicating the characteristic musk scent, the synthetic musks didn’t contain similar volume or functions to the pheromones. One synthetic material, musk ambrette, was even found to cause contact allergy among some people.
How to Tell If Your Perfume Contains Pheromones
Tens of thousands of male perfume and cologne products are available globally. And although many products claim to contain pheromones, it can be hard to tell which ones really do. Still, there are a few ways to help you determine whether or not your perfume has them.
1. The Label Indicates Natural or Organic Musk
Many perfume brands only put “fragrance” on the ingredients list. However, some products will indicate clearly when they use natural or synthetic musk.
Natural musk appeals to those who care about authenticity and safety, whereas synthetic musk is for those who support animal rights and prefer sustainable products.
As mentioned, natural musk is more likely to contain pheromones. Still, it’s worth noting that not all products with natural musk will have considerable amounts of pheromones.
2. The Product is Expensive
To be clear, not all expensive male perfumes contain pheromones. Several factors affect the price of perfume, including brand and history.
However, it’s also true that male perfume that contains natural musk will likely be more expensive. This is mainly due to the current limitations and global protection for musk deer.
In addition, collecting musk with abundant pheromones requires proper timing. During the breeding season, the secretions naturally contain larger concentrations of pheromones. And wild forest musk deer likely have healthier amounts of pheromones than those in captivity.
3. The Product Explicitly Says Pheromone Perfume
Due to the popularity of pheromone perfumes, some perfumers are starting to advertise their products as one. It can be challenging to tell if it’s simply for a marketing campaign. Still, it can be worth a try.
However, remember to do a skin test before buying any new product. As mentioned, some people experience adverse reactions when using products with synthetic musk.
Final Thoughts
Much debate has been going on regarding the effectiveness of pheromone perfumes. And while many people on social media testify to the power of pheromone perfumes, it’s worth remembering that scent appreciation is subjective.
Therefore, choosing between pheromone perfume and regular perfume should largely depend on your preference. Instead of focusing on being pleasing to others, you should first consider if you’re comfortable with the scent and feel of the perfume on your skin.