Types and Structure of Pheromones

Full chemical name: 5α-androst-16-en-3α-ol
Molecular formula: C₁₉H₃₀O
Molar mass: 274.44
Structural formula:

Characteristics:
A non-androgenic steroid from the group of 16-androstenes, derived from dehydroepiandrosterone, produced as a result of bacterial activity occurring on human skin. On the market, 1 gram of this substance reaches a price of 6000–14,000 PLN. The scent of Androstenol (at high concentrations) is often described as musky or reminiscent of sandalwood [34]. In humans, it is produced exclusively during puberty [128]. It is synthesized by microorganisms from initially odorless compounds present in apocrine secretions [28]. Its presence has been detected in human sweat [26] and urine, primarily in males. It can also be found in the saliva of pigs, for whom it acts as a pheromone. In male urine, it is produced at a rate of 1 mg/day, and in sweat at 50 ng/day. In women, it is mainly produced during the mid-follicular phase, just before ovulation [29]. Women are significantly more sensitive to Androstenol compared to men [60]. The ability of women to perceive Androstenol is closely related to the menstrual cycle [24,38]. About 17% of women who are not in the ovulatory phase remain insensitive to this compound [24]. Androstenol is considered a socio-sexual male pheromone [36]. Its levels are higher in dominant individuals — those who are more successful with women. It functions as an attractant for women [23] and simultaneously as a repellent for men [23].

Androstenol is responsible for altering the level of luteinizing hormone in the hypothalamus [24,25], which in turn affects female fertility. It changes women's mood [26,30] and influences their sexual arousal [23,26,31]. Under the influence of Androstenol, women rate men as more attractive [38,39,40,46]. Additionally, it has been observed that Androstenol applied above the upper lip has a calming effect on women [30]. Moreover, Androstenol can serve as a marking agent. Men avoid restrooms sprayed with this compound [23] (a territory-marking effect by another male) and perceive magazines sprayed with it more positively — as more masculine [27].

How do people perceive you when you use Androstenol?
Androstenol is a social pheromone. It may benefit both women and men [31] (under the influence of this compound, both men and women tend to rate other men more favorably [38]), however, behavioral changes are particularly noticeable in women. They respond with increased frequency, duration, and quality of intimate encounters [31]. Androstenol facilitates social interactions and helps maintain group cohesion. It is a so-called “icebreaker” — a compound that brings people together. It creates an aura of friendliness and opens people up, making them more talkative. It reduces social inhibition in both the user and those around them. It is a signal of youth and health. People who use Androstenol are perceived as more attractive. An excessive dose may reduce the effects of dominance and aggression, increasing the impression of weakness and submissiveness. It helps build romance, friendships, and positive business relationships.

Products containing Androstenol: BTB, Relationship, Pheromax, Chikara.

Full chemical name: 5α-androst-16-en-3-one
Molecular formula: C₁₉H₂₈O
Molar mass: 272.43
Structural formula:

Characteristics:
A male pheromone. A non-androgenic steroid from the group of 16-androstenes. It is an oxidation product of Androstenol. On the market, 1 gram of this compound can reach a value of 30,000–60,000 PLN. It is primarily produced by the male body[45], and can be found in human saliva[66], sweat[45,67], and urine[68]. It is also found in boar saliva[65], meat products, truffles, and celery[64]. An individual who secretes more Androstenone repels rivals attempting to win over their mate. Considered a socio-sexual male pheromone[36]. Associated with aggression and dominance. Some studies show that Androstenone can be perceived negatively due to its aggressive character[30,42,46]. It was found that incarcerated individuals had significantly more of this compound compared to the general population.

Scented Androstenone is produced from odorless compounds secreted by apocrine glands[26], thanks to aerobic skin bacteria[43,73]. At high concentrations, its smell has been described as a mix of sweat and urine, and a sweet, floral (vanilla-like) aroma[69]. Androstenone is a semiochemical compound, but not everyone responds to it. Sensitivity is genetically determined[71]. In 2007, scientists at Rockefeller University proved that the receptor OR7D4 is responsible for its perception, and its activity varies between individuals. Most young people are sensitive to it. Around 20% of adult women are partially anosmic to Androstenone[24], while 2% of the population is completely anosmic[18]. Additionally, perception of this compound depends on menstrual cycle phase[36] and contraceptive use[36]. Half of all adults cannot detect its scent[64]. Interestingly, Africans are more sensitive to it than Americans[72].

Studies show that Androstenone emphasizes masculinity and dominance. Under its influence, women perceive men as more attractive, while men keep their distance[125]. However, men who like its scent rate other men more positively. It is even used to spray hard-to-sell seats in cinemas, theatres, etc.[63]. Heterosexual women and homosexual men sit more often in those seats, while heterosexual men tend to avoid them.

How do people perceive you when you use Androstenone?
Products with Androstenone are mainly used by men pursuing women, although they may also work for women. It creates an aura of dominance and, in excessive doses, may intimidate and provoke aggression. People will see you as strong, dominant, and assertive. These products help make a strong impression and draw attention. Androstenone commands respect, sending signals like "don’t mess with me." Other men may become more submissive and respectful toward the user. It can also boost the user's confidence, assertiveness, and boldness. Women may fear this power — but also find it attractive. Since women naturally prefer strong, confident men, Androstenone increases a man's appeal. Results depend on the user's mindset and behavior. Because of its intense scent, Androstenone products should be layered with personal perfume.

Products containing Androstenone: BTB, NPA Man, The EDGE Man, Relationship, Chikara, Pheromax.

Full chemical name: 5α-Androstan-3α-ol-17-one, 3α-Hydroxy-5α-androstan-17-one
Molecular formula: C₁₉H₃₀O₂
Molar mass: 290.44
Structural formula:

Characteristics:
A male pheromone. A metabolite of DHEA, produced exclusively by humans. Androsterone creates a dominance effect without the aggression of Androstenone, projecting calm alpha male energy. It acts as a catalyst, boosting the effectiveness of other pheromones by up to 17%. Heterosexual men produce more of it than women and homosexual men[74]. Studies show that adrenaline increases Androsterone secretion, making it a signal of victory and masculinity[140]. Its levels decrease with age, so supplementation is recommended for men over 25. Women perceive its scent positively, while men do not.

How do people perceive you when you use Androsterone?
It emphasizes masculinity and increases interest in the wearer. Men see the user as a role model. Androsterone isn’t overtly sexual but gives a fatherly, protective aura. It reduces women's anxiety and helps them relax. Recommended for attracting older women.

Products containing Androsterone: Chikara, BTB.

Full chemical name: Androsta-4,16-dien-3-one
Molecular formula: C₁₉H₂₆O
Molar mass: 270
Structural formula:

Characteristics:
A non-androgenic steroid from the 16-androstenes group. It has been detected in blood [52] (men: 98 ng/100 ml, women: 36 ng/100 ml [121]), sweat [53], semen [54], and axillary hair [55,56]. In low but effective doses, it has no noticeable odor (confirmed by 70% of participants) [48]. In high concentrations, it is characterized by a strong musky scent. 30% of respondents describe the scent note as masculine, similar to clothing or soap. It possesses unique properties compared to other androstenes [58]. Androstadienone alters glucose utilization levels in the brain [58], particularly in areas not strictly associated with the sense of smell, and stimulates specific brain regions responsible for emotions. When inhaled, it increases heart rate, respiration rate, and skin temperature in women [49]. Interestingly, for these effects to occur, there must be interaction between a woman and a man, as the results are context-dependent and do not appear during interactions between two women or two men. Androstadienone is considered by many scientists to be the only true male pheromone [57,22,11]. It has been called a vomeropherin. People who smell of this compound are perceived as more masculine [110]. Numerous documented studies on this compound have shown that it may act as a modulating pheromone [33], as it affects women's brain activity in a highly specific way. It alters their psychological state [58], reducing negative mood and enhancing positive mood, while also preventing a decrease in positive mood and an increase in negative mood (even when additional negative stimuli are applied) [48], all without the conscious perception of its scent [48,49]. Even nanomolar concentrations of androstadienone affect a woman’s emotional state and arousal, regardless of her menstrual cycle phase [49]. The compound also improves attention and focus [75].
From a neurological standpoint, women’s reactions to androstadienone go far beyond the olfactory system, activating brain areas responsible for concentration, social perception, emotional processing, and sexual behavior [131]. It has been proven that androstadienone alleviates premenstrual syndrome. It increases intimacy and comfort, as well as enhancing tenderness. Both women and men respond to androstadienone, though the results differ by sex. It improves women’s mood and increases arousal, but it may negatively affect men's mood [78]. It produces a stimulating, euphoric effect, preventing a decline in positive mood and a rise in anxiety, anger, and irritation [48], which are typically observed with placebo. The effects of androstadienone are almost immediate. The compound begins to act 20 seconds after inhalation [117]. Within 10 minutes, women become less anxious, lost, and irritated, and instead become more euphoric, aroused, excited, and sociable [108]. These effects persist for up to 75 minutes after exposure [117].

Fig.1. Activation of the female brain as a result of the action of androstadienone

How do people perceive you when you use Androstadienone?
Androstadienone improves the well-being and increases the arousal of the women you interact with. It relaxes them and enhances their mood. When you bring a woman into a positive emotional state, androstadienone helps you maintain it. Women feel less nervous around you, more open and sociable, calm, and safe. When you use androstadienone, you are perceived by others as more masculine. Androstadienone is often referred to as the "pheromone of love" due to its usefulness in relationships and intimate situations. A study conducted in 2002 [129] confirmed the positive impact of androstadienone on the sex life of postmenopausal women, as well as improvements in their mood and a calming effect.

Products containing Androstadienone: BTB, Pheromax Man.

Full chemical name: Estra-1,3,5(10),16-tetraen-3-ol
Molecular formula: C₁₉H₂₄O
Molar mass: 268.36
Structural formula:

Characteristics:
A compound structurally similar to estrogens [76]. It is considered the female counterpart to androstadienone [58], found in the urine of women in the third trimester of pregnancy [101]. It is regarded as a true female pheromone [11,97]. Estratetraenol remains an odorless pheromone even in high concentrations [60,102,103], yet it activates the human brain in a unique way (Fig. 2). It is perceived exclusively through the vomeronasal organ (VNO). The compound is undetectable by 80% of the population. The remaining portion describes its scent as sweet or floral. Men are particularly sensitive to the effects of estratetraenol [111]. Small doses affect mood changes [48] in both men and women [11]. The compound is responsible for psychophysiological arousal [49] and the activation of specific brain areas in men [100,104]—namely regions responsible for attention and awareness [96]. Estratetraenol increases men’s skin temperature and decreases women’s [49], alters skin conductance, breathing rate, and heart rate [11,97]. It instantly increases arousal levels in women and reduces fatigue [108]. The effects are highly context-dependent [109]—it enhances men’s positive mood (in any situation) and reduces negative mood, but only when there is interaction with another man. When erotic stimuli are present, both women and men experience a significant increase in sexual arousal [77]. It improves men’s concentration levels [109]. It has been proven that men prefer women who smell of estratetraenol [91]. People who smell of this compound are perceived as more feminine [110]. It has been discovered that estratetraenol shortens men’s sleep duration by nearly two hours [98]. It can be used to address prolonged sleep issues and general fatigue associated with daily rhythm [99]. It also reduces the negative effects of so-called jet lag that occurs during long airplane flights.

Fig.2. Brain activation due to the action of Estratetraenol

How do people perceive you when you use Estratetraenol?
It emphasizes femininity and increases sexual attractiveness. It enhances arousal and is often described as a “female love pheromone.” Men rate women wearing it as more attractive[91]. Can help with fatigue and jet lag symptoms.

Products containing Estratetraenol: BTB, Pheromax Woman.

Full chemical name: Volatile short-chain fatty acids (C₂–C₅)
Molecular formula: Varies (mixture of acetic, propanoic, butanoic, isobutyric, and valeric acids)

Characteristics:
The term copulins refers to a group of short-chain, volatile fatty acids first identified in rhesus monkeys in 1971. Inhaling these substances triggered immediate copulation and ejaculation in male monkeys. An identical mixture, though in different proportions, was later discovered in human female vaginal secretions [92]. The composition of copulins changes throughout the menstrual cycle, peaking in the fertile phase [93,94]. The use of oral contraceptives significantly reduces their secretion [79]. Copulins have been recognized as distinctly female pheromones [79,80]. They exert a strong erotic stimulation and influence male perception [92]. Exposure to copulins increases testosterone levels in men by up to 150% [93]. Women who emit copulins are perceived more positively by men [38]. Interestingly, studies show that the less conventionally attractive the woman, the greater the perceptual benefit she gains from copulins. The scent of copulins makes physical attractiveness less relevant to male observers [93]. They also increase the frequency of female sexual intercourse [31].

How do people perceive you when you use Copulins?
Copulins emphasize your femininity. Men become more interested in you and perceive you as more sexually attractive. They increase desire and lower men's resistance to your presence.

Products containing Copulins: Pheromax Woman.