If you tuned in to the previous season of Netflix’s Love Is Blind, you might have caught an intriguing moment: contestant Taylor Krause dabbing a mysterious oil on her wrists before writing a note to Garrett, the man she eventually married.
The little bottle? None other than Pure Instinct’s Pheromone Unisex Perfume Oil, a viral fragrance that’s been all over TikTok before the show’s release.
The social media platform is still flooded with videos of people trying pheromone perfumes, with some reactions looking a little too good to be true – partners suddenly obsessing over their girlfriend’s or wife’s scent, practically hypnotised.
As a beauty editor, I had to find out for myself if this “magic in a bottle” really works.
What Are Pheromone Perfumes?
Pheromone perfumes are infused with synthetic or natural pheromones, which some claim can trigger subconscious attraction.
In animals, pheromones play a significant role in mating behavior, but with humans? The science is murky at best.
Some studies suggest pheromones might subtly influence how we perceive others, while others argue the effect is more psychological – if you feel confident wearing it, you might naturally act more alluring.
@coralakey Let’s test out Taylor Krause’s Pheremone Perfume Oil from Love Is Blind Season 7!? Would you try this?! #perfume #perfumetiktok #perfumeoil #loveisblind #loveisblindseason7 #loveisblindnetflix #pheremoneoil #perfumeperfume #fyp #trending #realitytv
Since Love Is Blind gave it an unintentional plug, I ordered a bottle of Pure Instinct Pheromone Unisex Perfume Oil from Amazon, and these are the expected notes:
- Top notes: Australian mango and mandarin
- Heart notes: Honey and cinnamon
- Base note: White Musk
Pure Instinct Pheromone Unisex Perfume Oil retails for S$38.49 on Amazon.sg.
My Honest Review: Did This Pheromone Perfume Work?
First Impressions
Upon application, the first thing that hit me was the mango-like scent – fruity, but slightly artificial. If I had to compare it to something, it reminded me of a car diffuser. Not bad, just not what I was expecting.
As it settled, I couldn’t quite detect the musk, and the fragrance faded into something incredibly subtle – almost like a skin scent rather than a traditional perfume.
The Real Test: My Partner’s Reaction
Since pheromone perfumes are meant to attract, I decided to see if my partner would pick up on it. I applied it to my pulse points and waited for him to come home.
First thing he asked was, “Are you wearing a new perfume?” At least he noticed!
When I asked if he liked it, he shrugged and said, “It’s alright, but I still prefer your usual perfume because it smells more like you.” Not exactly the “I-can’t-keep-my-hands-off-you” reaction that TikTok made me expect.
Verdict: Is It a Love Potion?
Not quite. My partner noticed the scent but wasn’t particularly drawn to it. And since I wasn’t in love with the fragrance, it didn’t boost my confidence in the way my signature perfume does.
That said, if you’re into fruity, fresh scents, you might love it. And if nothing else, pheromone perfumes make for a fun little experiment – because who doesn’t love testing out a viral beauty trend?
I can see myself wearing it again, but probably layered under one of my other perfumes to extend its longevity.
Pheromone Perfumes and the Rise of Skin Scents
The resurgence of pheromone perfumes aligns perfectly with one of the biggest fragrance trends we’ve forecasted over the past two years: skin scents.
Unlike the heady, ultra-perfumed era of the 2010s, there’s been a shift toward intimate, barely-there fragrances that smell like an extension of yourself rather than a statement-making cloud.
The continued rise of “your-skin-but-better” fragrances proves that people are gravitating toward subtle, personal scents that evoke a natural sensuality rather than an overpowering presence. Think soft musks, delicate woods, and creamy ambers – notes that feel as if they’re uniquely yours.
Pheromone perfumes fit seamlessly into this trend because their whole premise is about enhancing your natural scent rather than masking it.
But if Pure Instinct didn’t quite work its magic for me, there are plenty of other coveted skin scents and pheromone-enhancing perfumes that have captivated fragrance lovers.
Best Skin Scents and Pheromone-Enhancing Perfumes
1. Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 Eau de Toilette
At first whiff, Molecule 01 shouldn’t be as seductive as it is – yet that’s exactly what makes this now-classic scent so groundbreaking.
Based on a single molecule, Iso E Super, it’s not a perfume in the traditional sense; it doesn’t announce itself loudly. Instead, it melds with your skin chemistry, enhancing your natural pheromones and leaving a trail that is barely perceptible but deeply alluring.
The magic of Molecule 01 is that you may not even smell it on yourself, yet others around you will. It’s gained a cult following (and a few celebrity fans) for being one of those scents that make people lean in closer.
We’ve even heard stories of people being stopped on the street just to be asked what perfume they’re wearing.
Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 Eau de Toilette retails for S$207 (100ml) on Cult Beauty.
2. D.S. & Durga I Don’t Know What Eau de Parfum
Aptly named I Don’t Know What, this fragrance enhancer from D.S. & Durga is designed to give you that effortless “I smell amazing, but I can’t explain why” vibe. Think of it as a secret ingredient rather than a full-fledged perfume.
With notes of bergamot, vetiver acetate, and firsantol (a sandalwood-like molecule), it’s meant to be worn alone or layered with your favourite scents to amplify their appeal. It’s like a fragrance filter – one that makes everything smell smoother, warmer, and more inviting.
D.S. & Durga I Don’t Know What Eau de Parfum retails for S$435 (100ml) at Escentials.
3. Glossier You Eau de Parfum
If there’s one modern skin scent that took over the internet, it’s Glossier You. The name itself tells you everything: it’s designed to smell like you, but better.
With notes of sparkling pink pepper, earthy iris, and a warm, slightly sweet musk, this scent adapts to the wearer, leaving behind a scent that’s soft, warm, and familiar. It’s intimate, like the way your favourite jacket smells after wearing it all day.
I have the rollerball version and keep it in my bag for touch-ups. While the opening is bright, peppery, and floral, I prefer the dry down – it becomes way muskier and a little more sensual over time. I’ve received compliments when wearing it, and unlike Pure Instinct, this actually feels like me.
Glossier You Eau de Parfum retails for S$52 (8ml), S$130 (50ml), and S$185 (100ml) on Glossier.
