Pheromones are airborne chemicals that are excreted by a variety of species including plants, insects and humans, but they may not be smelled at all. They leave the body via sweat and oils and are able to affect the behavior and physiology of other members of the same species. Any pheromones that do drift into a receiver’s nasal passages will instantly communicate a chemical message and evoke any number of conscious and subconscious reactions.

Pheromones can cause an instinctual, almost automatic, response that scientists call the “releaser effect.” There are a number of documented uses of pheromones among insects, reptiles and mammals, including use in defense against predators, marking territory, and laying down a trail for other members of the group to locate a found food source.

In terms of reproduction, pheromones act a sexual attractant, specifically signaling the perfumer’s readiness to engage in the mating process. The power of these subliminal messengers is absolutely amazing.

Researchers are still trying to uncover the compelling mystery behind the effects of pheromones in people and continue to perform genetic research to unlock the codes that link pheromones to the intimate workings of our inner minds.

Whether or not sex pheromones are detectable by the human nose may be still in dispute, but it’s safe to assume that the possibility of an irresistible odor print is enough incentive to keep exploring.

There are a number of substances that have strong effects on humans, leading scientists to believe that pheromones aren’t the only factors affecting people’s behavior and biochemistry. For example, a number of chemical components found in male sweat have the ability to change the balance of Cortisol in females, leading women to feel relaxed in the presence of her man’s fragrance and enjoy other benefits like a more regulated menstrual cycle. Outside of the natural man stink of a long-time partner, though, smells haven’t been proven to actually drive a woman crazy. That includes Axe.

This hasn’t stopped marketers from capitalizing on buyers who are willing to shell out big money for a chance to make use of the ultimate scent of desire. Perfumes which can cost upwards of $100 for a sixth of an ounce, laced with synthetic pheromones, really only show women that you have $100 to spend on a sixth of an ounce of liquid (which has its own attractive qualities).