What scents in men do women find appealing?

If you've ever found yourself moving closer to someone just because they smell amazing, you'll be pleased to know there's solid science behind this urge. So, what exactly makes a man's scent so captivating to women? It’s less about high-end colognes and more about pheromones (though a good cologne certainly doesn’t hurt).

Pheromones are invisible chemical signals released by both men and women, as well as many animals and insects. These compounds play a key role in nature’s mating rituals, sparking attraction on a primal level. This might explain why the fragrance industry invests heavily in convincing us that a pleasant scent boosts our appeal. Interestingly, women are drawn to unexpected aromas in men, such as citrus, baby powder, and even Good & Plenty candies. However, scents like cherries or charcoal barbecue smoke tend to be less appealing to women [source: Johnson].

Men, take note: women aren’t fans of stale sweat. While pheromones themselves are odorless, lingering body odor can be a turn-off. Women have more sensitive olfactory receptors than men and prefer fresh scents, like androstenol, which forms when sweat mixes with oxygen [source: Fox]. On the other hand, androstenone, the pheromone associated with prolonged body odor, is a major deterrent for women.

Even with regular showers and a spritz of your favorite cologne, attracting women isn’t guaranteed. However, studies show that wearing cologne can reduce feelings of tension, anger, or confusion, making you more enjoyable to be around. Skip the synthetic pheromone sprays unless you’re willing to experiment, as their effectiveness remains debated. While some studies hint at minor benefits, pheromones seem to work best in close, intimate settings. Still, initial attraction often depends on other factors [source: Fox].

Though this might sound like anecdotal wisdom, research supports it. However, numerous variables make definitive conclusions challenging. Human attraction involves complex decision-making, influenced by how confident or appealing someone feels at the time [source: Fox]. For an extra edge, try dabbing grapefruit juice behind your ears. Studies reveal that women who smell like pink grapefruit are often perceived as five years younger [source: Weir].