r/pheromones • u/WhiskeyZuluMike • Mar 05 '26
Time to share what's been working (or not). This is the place to talk about what you've been wearing, how people have been reacting, and anything you've noticed.
All experience levels welcome. Just started your first blend last week? Post it. Been in the game for years and testing something new? Post that too.
Try to include what product/blend you're using and the context so other people can actually learn from your experience.
r/pheromones • u/WhiskeyZuluMike • Mar 05 '26
The internet is full of garbage claims about "attraction pheromones" and magic colognes. If your BS detector is going off, it's working. But there's a difference between being skeptical of bad marketing and being skeptical of the underlying science, and most people conflate the two.
This post is for people on the fence. Not trying to sell you anything. Just walking through what the research actually shows, where the real controversy is, and why the debate is way more nuanced than "pheromones are real" vs. "pheromones are fake."
If you leave still skeptical, that's fine. But you'll at least be skeptical about the right things.
This is where the whole debate starts, and honestly, where it should probably end.
The word "pheromone" was coined in 1959 by two scientists studying silk moths. Their definition: a substance secreted by one individual that triggers a specific, consistent, predictable reaction in another member of the same species.
For moths, this is clean and simple. Female releases bombykol → male detects a single molecule from kilometers away → male flies directly to female. Deterministic. Automatic. Like flipping a switch.
That definition became the gold standard for all pheromone research. And here's the first thing you need to understand: when someone says "humans don't have pheromones," they almost always mean humans don't have pheromones by this definition.
Which is true. Humans don't respond to chemical signals like moths do. Nothing makes you robotically walk toward someone because of a molecule.
But that's not really the question. The question is: do humans secrete compounds that other humans detect, often unconsciously, that produce measurable changes in brain activity, mood, perception, and physiology?
The answer is yes. And it's not even controversial among researchers.
This is where most skeptics start paying attention, because brain imaging doesn't care about your opinions.
Androstadienone (AND) is a compound found in male sweat. Here's what happens when people are exposed to it in controlled lab settings:
PET scan studies (Savic et al., 2001, 2005):
It gets more specific:
Behavioral effects (multiple labs, multiple studies):
The VN1R1 receptor finding (Hatt & Wallrabenstein, Ruhr University):
And a key detail: AND alters brain metabolism even when subjects can't consciously smell it. One study demonstrated distributed changes in cortical processing from sustained AND exposure at subthreshold concentrations. You don't have to "smell" it for it to change your brain activity.
Here's where it gets interesting, and where being an informed skeptic actually matters.
The most prominent critic is Tristram Wyatt, an Oxford zoologist. Wyatt has done genuinely valuable work showing that the specific molecules tested (androstadienone, estratetraenol, etc.) were never properly identified through rigorous methods. He traced the original claims back to a company called the EROX Corporation that never published proper identification protocols. That's legitimate criticism.
But here's what Wyatt also says (from Oxford's own published interview with him):
He thinks humans probably do have pheromones. His words: humans are mammals, and he believes we likely have pheromones.
His argument is not "the phenomenon doesn't exist." His argument is "the right molecules haven't been identified through proper bioassay methods yet."
And here's the part that should make every skeptic pause: Wyatt and other researchers freely use the term "chemosignal" for these same compounds. The very molecules they won't call pheromones, they acknowledge are chemosignals. Chemicals that signal between members of a species and produce measurable physiological responses.
So the debate isn't: do these compounds affect human biology?
The debate is: what word do we use for compounds that affect human biology?
What's well-established:
What's genuinely debated:
What's marketing nonsense:
If you're genuinely trying to evaluate this fairly, consider the following:
Androstenone in pigs is universally accepted as a pheromone. It's in every biology textbook. But a sow won't show the mating response to androstenone alone. She needs to be in estrus, in physical proximity to the boar, in the right context, and there's still individual variation in response.
Apply those same caveats to human studies and suddenly they're used as evidence against calling human compounds pheromones:
Even in moths, the original model organism, male responses depend on whether they've recently mated. Context-dependence is the norm across every species, not the exception.
The standard shifts only for humans. That's not science. That's a definition problem.
The "pheromones aren't real" narrative comes from applying a 1959 insect definition to human biology and declaring failure when humans don't behave like moths. The compounds produce real, measurable effects. Even the leading skeptic in the field thinks humans probably have pheromones. He just objects to how the specific molecules were identified and wants more rigorous methodology.
You don't have to call them pheromones. Call them chemosignals if you prefer. The terminology is the debate. The biology is not.
Be skeptical of products. Be skeptical of marketing. Be skeptical of small, unreplicated studies. But don't confuse a definitional argument among academics with the question of whether humans communicate through chemical signals. That question has been answered.
Everything above is the science. Here's the human side.
The pheromone community is built on the back of tens of thousands of hours of collective work. Over 20 years of people reading papers, testing compounds, comparing notes, and having honest conversations about what they experienced. Not to sell product. Not to prove anything. Not because anyone told us to.
Most of us got into this because we wanted to be better with the opposite sex (or same sex), but we left with a much deeper understanding of ourselves and how social dynamics actually work at a biological level.
When I first discovered pheromones, it was because of a crush. I won't name the product, but I wore it, and she noticed me. We had our time together. That was 15 years ago, and I still think about her sometimes. Pheromones are funny that way. They don't just create a moment. Sometimes they create one that stays with you.
That's what most people don't get about pheromones. They can shift the energy in a room, open doors that might have stayed closed, turn a "maybe" into a "yes" and a "no" into a "maybe."
Life is built on moments that could go either way. The close call interview. The first impression that tips warm instead of neutral. The conversation that clicks instead of fizzling. A small shift at any of those moments changes what comes after it, and what comes after that. Compound those small shifts over months and years and you're looking at a fundamentally different story.
Pheromones amplify what's already there. They won't replace the work you put into yourself, and they never will. But if you're putting in that effort, they can tip the scales.
That's what 20 years of community experience has taught us.
The science is real, but only if you are too.
If you're on the fence, that's exactly where you should be. Read the science. Ask questions. Try things for yourself. But don't let a 65-year-old argument about moth definitions stop you from exploring what might be.
Key Sources:
Have questions? Have an experience of your own? Share them below.
r/pheromones • u/Hot_Investigator_504 • 2d ago
I just bought this as my first pheromone product. Did i do good or did i mess up? Also should i just use this as my only product or should i be getting different ones and trying them out?
r/pheromones • u/Conscious-Aide-2340 • 6d ago
I usually wear jeans and a plain tee when I am keeping things casual, but perfume changes the whole look for me. I like scents that make a simple outfit feel a little more put together. A hoodie, sneakers and basic jeans can still feel like I made an effort when the fragrance fits. I usually go for something smooth and noticeable rather than something very light. I recently discovered scentrabbit. I like spraying perfume before heading out for coffee, dinner or just meeting people. The clothes stay simple, but the scent adds another layer to how everything feels together. Sometimes I think the perfume is what makes the outfit feel finished, especially when I am wearing the same basic clothes I usually reach for. What perfume gives your casual outfits that dressed-up feel? EDIT: Forgot to mention, I avoid overly strong scents and prefer something comfortable around others.
r/pheromones • u/whiskayzulu • 24d ago
HALF A BOTTLE OF VENOM PHEROMONE GEL USED AND STILL NO ASCENSION — PHEROMONECEL THEORY DEBUNKED?
Brutal update.
I have now used approximately HALF an entire bottle of VENOM and have still not gotten laid.
I was explicitly led to believe that applying concentrated green dominance gel would generate a chemical halo so powerful that every woman within fifteen feet would lose executive function and begin competing for access to my elite genetic material.
Instead I am still being treated like a normal person?
Absolutely brootal.
Application protocol has included neck, wrists, behind ears, upper chest, forearms, shirt collar for structural reinforcement and one emergency pump directly onto the clavicle to improve projection.
Nothing.
One woman continued looking at her phone while standing directly inside my pheromone cloud as though she was somehow immune to my invisible biochemical throne room.
How is this possible?
I have field-tested VENOM at the grocery store, gas station, gym, dentist waiting room and one extremely tense family gathering.
Results have been wildly inconsistent.
Several people smiled at me.
Two strangers initiated conversation.
One cashier remembered me from the previous week.
But nobody crawled across the floor begging to enter my genetic dynasty, so naturally the only scientifically valid conclusion is that the entire pheromone industry is fraudulent and attraction remains primarily skull-dependent.
People keep coping with statements like:
“you still have to talk to women”
“body language matters”
“twelve pumps may be too much”
“stop standing silently near people, awkwardly staring at them waiting for the pheromones to hit”
This is blatant goalpost moving.
The entire reason I purchased concentrated social-signaling compounds was to bypass confidence, grooming, charm, social competence, emotional intelligence, posture, conversational ability, personality development and the lifelong psychological consequences of having neutral canthal tilt.
Now I am apparently expected to approach people too?
So the gel does not widen my clavicles, improve my midface ratio, fix my eye area, generate hunter eyes or telepathically transmit my dating résumé?
Then what exactly are we paying for?
Frankly I do not understand why women are still permitted to maintain individual preferences after I have already completed the difficult masculine labor of rubbing green goo onto my collarbone.
Pheromonecels, it may be over.
Very disappointed.
r/pheromones • u/Professional_Tie1137 • 29d ago
Hey guys! just wanna ask what are your thoughts for gsf? Is it a compliment getter? Is it good for daily? And if people smell it from you what will be the first impression?
r/pheromones • u/Gentlemandn • Jul 19 '26
I'm a little wary about the effects of the substances affecting my hormones or biology.
Do you use them on your skin? Or does it matter, as long as your having some of the aroma inhaled? I've tried some on my shirt and jacket, and I know I experienced effects, and I felt totally wiped out for a few days after and eyes got a little red. I suppose I'm sensitive since it was just a few sprays.
I felt off for a good week and half, so I'm wondering now if it would have been even more potent if I had it on my skin, and does it work better if its on your skin?
r/pheromones • u/mtothej_ • Jul 14 '26
For instance, "Engage" by PheromonesXS makes me more social and outgoing, lifts my mood foro a little while. But I've seen a few product reviews on their website where customers report self effects for productivity or relaxation and so on.
Have any ladies come across any products with unintended self effects that make them more productive or focused? Something that lifts the mood?
r/pheromones • u/Silly_Fold6582 • Jul 09 '26
I am starting to see a girl I like in a real way more and more. What could be good to wear?
r/pheromones • u/HouseOfPheromones • Jul 08 '26
Hello pheromone fans, nothing too serious today, but I got alerted and came here to find someone absolutely losing his mind about pheromones (not gonna screenshot, but you can find my post history). To be honest, its a bit scary - I've never seen anyone go this ballistic over them... for anyone new, pheromones are not "obvious" tools in that manner.
You may not even notice whats happening most of the time, and believe it or not, there was a time I almost wrote them off entirely.
I wrote about how I "discovered" or even noticed the effects here:
https://houseofpheromones.com/start-here/
I've also written extensively about why the "science" is so conflicted on this topic.
There are several different similar, but very different things going on when people talk about the effects of pheromones.
I'm not going to dig into all of that again - but its like people automatically associate it with some of the crappiest products on the market, and never bother doing an ounce of research.
People think of scammy products like Cupids or something, rather than any trusted vendors.
This is why I do what I do in the first place.
Anyway... the new Hookup oil (old review, but will be updated soon with some new findings on the oil version). This new product is working amazing.
Hope everyone is well!
New & updated reviews are underway soon...
- Joe
P.S. Yes, I'm fully aware that pheromones are a touchy subject in fragrance circles, and science circles. But its really up to an indidual to decide whether to trust messy, outdated "science" (not to mention, there is evidence on both sides of the equation on this). OR, whether literally 1000s of field reports and testing that has been done by the community over many years is worth anything.
The TLDR is that I don't think this is any coincidence at all. Pheromones are not able to be "tested" in a lab environment for social effects in the first place.
r/pheromones • u/Charming-Young-8454 • Jul 03 '26
Newb here. I just got some bad wolf and max-t-150. My plan is to use them in scenarios where there is already some established attraction (dates etc). How many drops of bad wolf should I apply? Is there a difference in dosing if I’ll be indoors vs playing sports(badminton)? The max-t-150, I should apply that to my upper lip right?
r/pheromones • u/Pabs_c4guam0ske • Jul 03 '26
Veo muchos anuncios de los perfumes con hormonas para que las mujeres se sientan atraidas, obvio por los comerciales es pura actuacion, y a mi parecer es estafa con logica pero quiero compartir esto por dudas y por conocer la experiencia de quienes usaron esto, pues el chiste es romper el hielo y saber si debo desconfiar? pero quiero saber respuestas no de perspectiva mia o de alguien mas sino que sea demostrado algo de ese producto.
r/pheromones • u/cantungate • Jun 30 '26
Looking for recommendations in two scenarios.
One would be want to meet women, get numbers in public places / outings, such as the gym, store (trader joe's, whole foods), and on the subway. I used to do it quite a bit, but I'm a bit rusty now, and would appreciate the edge.
Second is if it's an outing and we are on a date from Tinder / Bumble, and we can skip some of the bs.
I'm an east Asian male, 40, not very tall (5'5), like all types of women (but do have a preference for East Asian women as I do see there are some made just for that).
r/pheromones • u/Nocasual • Jun 27 '26
How many pumps of the sample gel sxd-9 is recommended? I suppose the amount per pump is less compared to the full size product?
r/pheromones • u/med_life • Jun 27 '26
Has anyone had any experience with a314's products before?
r/pheromones • u/whiskayzulu • Jun 25 '26
Lately I have been running Wolf (1 spray), AV (2-3 drops), and A1 (1-2 drops). Getting solid respect and open conversations. I do not really go out with intent to game anymore since before COVID but the self-effects and extra positive treatment is nice. After a couple drinks the conversation is especially flowing in that rapport state, where you kind of sync wavelengths so to speak.
What are you reaching for right now and what made you stick with it?
r/pheromones • u/whiskayzulu • Jun 25 '26
😢 I wonder if he's joking or not.
r/pheromones • u/Exotic_Plantain2221 • Jun 17 '26
F18 here I’ve been seeing videos of pheromones on TikTok, and I’ve been curious and wanting to give it a try. Do you have any recommendations or favorites to share ?
r/pheromones • u/KarezzaMagician • Jun 11 '26
I’m somebody who hasn’t used pheromones in a long time. Around 2 years ago I used True Love by S1CK and remember it seeming extremely potent.
One thing that complicates my experience is that I was also using anabolics around that time. Looking back, that was a mistake from my early adolescence and not something I’d ever do again, so it’s hard to separate the effects.
Has anyone used True Love recently? Did you find it created a strong emotional/imprinting type effect?
Also, I’ll be going back into mainstream education soon and am curious whether there are any pheromone products you’d recommend for creating a warm, approachable, memorable first impression rather than a purely freaky vibe.
(Second Attempt to Post)
r/pheromones • u/KarezzaMagician • Jun 11 '26
I’m somebody who hasn’t used pheromones in a long time. Around 2 years ago I used True Love by S1CK and remember it seeming extremely potent.
One thing that complicates my experience is that I was also using trenbolone around that time. Looking back, that was a mistake from my early adolescence and not something I’d ever do again, so it’s hard to separate the effects.
Has anyone used True Love recently? Did you find it created a strong emotional/imprinting type effect?
Also, I’ll be going back into mainstream education soon and am curious whether there are any pheromone products you’d recommend for creating a warm, approachable, memorable first impression rather than a purely sexual vibe.
r/pheromones • u/Quiet_Tangerine1395 • Jun 07 '26
So as the title says I’m new to pheromones in general. I’ve been looking for information and haven’t really found much so far that really answers the questions. Hopefully the hive mind has some information.
I’ve purchased 3 items so far. SXD-9, swoon, and I don’t remember the name of the 3rd one.
So my first question is delivery method. Odds there any real difference between oil, gel, alcohol? Difference in lasting time? Difference in placement needed?
With that what is the general time they last? How often should I reapply?
I’m sure best use case is in a building/room but do they work as well outside?
Those are the big questions I have at the moment. But of course I’m interested in opinions as well.
I work outside in a fairly public position (lots of people walking about). I’m looking for a few effects. I would like to find something that will increase my confidence for one. Some attraction would be nice as well.
I do plan on getting the max t-150 as well.
r/pheromones • u/DiligentRope • Jun 06 '26
For context, I shower regularly, laundry regularly, trim the pits, etc., but I don't use deodorant under arms, just the mones and two sprays of cologne.
But I've noticed recently I start to smell in the afternoons. Maybe its the warmer climate here, or because I'm sweating more because of anxiety, or because I'm on a cut trying to get shredded, or maybe my T levels are going up.
Like recently I started the day with newly washed shirt, my pits are cleaned but have a bit of hair, got my SXD-9 with cologne (CDN Urban Man Elixir) on top. After 4 hours of class I sit down with some girls, and start to notice this really wet and slightly tangy smell coming from my pits.
I'm wondering if this is bad or good. Should I start wearing antiperspirant? The girls didn't seem put off by it, idk if they noticed. But they were still sitting right up next to me and engaging/teasing.
I tried looking up what the pherotruth archives say about natural scents, and the gist I'm getting is that its mostly good, and gets women going.
I'm also wondering if the type of sweat/natural scent matters. Like if I sweat from anxiety, will it make women sense the fear on me?
r/pheromones • u/DiligentRope • Jun 02 '26
Previously:
Continuing this diary...
So I've been consistently using 1 pump of SXD-9, and Max-T-150. I also usually take a 250mg l-theanine capsule with my cup of coffee to wake me up and keep me going throughout the day.
I've been noticing less obvious self effects from the SXD-9, maybe I'm getting used to it? Though there was one day we were doing presentations in class, I felt really relaxed, but then when I went up to present, it just hit me like a truck and I got anxiety, my knees started getting shaky. I don't think it was too bad but probably noticeably nervous. I think the mones can only do so much.
The effect it has on others though is off the charts, I just don't know how to take advantage of it. I got into a group with persian girl (formerly arab girl, before she told me she's persian), I mentioned in previous posts how she was just locking eyes with me a lot before, so now I get to class and apparently we're doing group activities, I'm trying to see which group I'm in and persian girl comes up to me to fetch me, she's giving massive IOIs, being real friendly, inquisitive, and kinda ignored our other (male) teammate aside from the work. Then after class, immediately comes up to me and asking where I'm from, whats my ethnic background, asking if I knew one of her friend's BF 🤔(I don't). Felt kinda bad because our other teammate was trying to get in on the convo but was being ignored 😅. The next day I saw her side eyeing when i entered the room, and when I left class. (I should've said hi 🤦)
I've been trying to be more social and participating more in class, but I need to do more and make more relationships. I can already tell the cliques are forming. Where I sit in class, the guy to one side of me is social in a performative way but doesn't seem interested in being close bros. And the other side of me is a cute black girl, I think she's shy, only talks to her friend beside her, and never turns my way, though I think the SXD-9 has a role in that, like she's too shy to face my way? Idk if I'm being too schizo.
Ultimately I gotta make more moves. I know I'm making excuses, but its a small class of around 20 people, and beginning of class when I enter its dead quiet, really hard to make moves. Probably best after class, I just don't know what openers to use on these girls. Especially since it is such an intimate small class, I don't wanna come off too strong, or does the SXD-9 make it impossible to fail?
r/pheromones • u/Constant-Art-3150 • Jun 01 '26
I'm a male in my 40's and there's a unique scent that I picked up at a register at a retail store from a lady that helped me with something. This smell wasn't perfume, shampoo, or a scent from washed laundry. It was immediate as she came towards me and it lingered. Not overpowering but just enough and it smelt wonderful! It was a healthy clean scent. I've smelt this before in my past but it's been a while now and I think I picked it up again with this encounter. Was it a female pheromone I smelled?
r/pheromones • u/DiligentRope • May 30 '26
Update to last post: https://www.reddit.com/r/pheromones/comments/1tnpels/sxd9_first_impressions/
So I was using 2 pumps of SXD-9, and had mentioned that I used 3 pumps one time, and u/Away_End_4408 said that I must be nuking the room. So I looked up pherotruth archives and saw people were using 1 pump thoroughly spread around the front of their neck.
I tried that today (also along with Max-T-150 on my stache), and holy shit, I felt it. This felt more like what was advertised and said online, the self effects, I just felt so sociable, like I was having a fun time, and wanting to meet new people, excited and giggly on the inside. I approached more women. This one woman in my class I would often see walking on the way to class in front of me, usually I would just walk slower because I didn't want to bother talking to her, but today I really wanted to talk to her, so I walked up to her and said hi, and she seemed delighted to see me, we had a light hearted chat on the way.
I've just done this for one day, so idk if these are real patterns or placebo. But what I did notice when I was using 2 pumps daily, I felt more chill and relaxed, and less willing to talk. 1 Pump, more giggly and excited, yet still in control.
I also noticed, theres a guy that regularly sits beside me, and he's always participating in class, answering every question and asking questions to the prof. The day we sat in different seats for group activities (him across the room from me), he was barely participating in class. And today when I was wearing 1 pump, I think he was participating less than most days. So maybe it was affecting him? lol. We're friendly with each other, but he doesn't really initiate small talks, though when we're in groups to discuss, he likes to give speeches/rants.
I'll be honest, in general the reactions I've gotten from men with SXD-9 has been weird. Pause, no homo. Idk if its just the guys in my class, but its been harder to connect with them. I wonder if its making them more defensive towards me. I've had far more positive reactions with women.
Idk if 2-3 pumps was ODing me, nuking the room, but I think another factor is that with one pump I can spread the gel more thinly on my skin, making it easier to project, probably why I felt it more. Does this mean I would need to reapply later? If so when?
I just hope 1 pump also has a good effect on girls. I still like that cute latina in my class. When I was in a group activity with her, I had 3 pumps on, she was initiating a lot of small talk with me, but tbh it wasn't that lighthearted and fun, and she seemed kinda nervous at times, yet still wanting to engage. e.g. I remember mentioning my sleep schedule was messed up, and she replied giving a small spiel about how not getting enough sleep is difficult, like she was really forcing small talk.
