Aphrodisiac perfumes work in a way we can't quite explain – they tingle our senses, give us goosebumps and make the hairs on our neck stand up. It's been long theorised that certain perfumes have an aphrodisiac effect on the brain by evoking a strong sexual desire in whomever falls under their charm.
Full disclosure: you absolutely don't need an aphrodisiac perfume solely to woo your date. Sure, they have a seductive and sensual characteristic, but they're also great for boosting your confidence – and there's nothing sexier than that.
And while the scientific evidence on this phenomenon has been a little touch-and-go, we still can't deny the effects that those type of scents have on us. If you haven't smelled one yet, prepare for the kind of reaction that will make you stop and forget yourself for a moment. Seriously, love at first sniff (no kidding).
If you're looking to get your hands on something that can achieve a similar effect, know that you're definitely not alone. But finding one that ticks all the right boxes might be a tad overwhelming. After all, there are sooo many eau de parfums and eau de toilettes to sort through.
Thankfully, we have the answers – to make your life easier, we've put together a full edit of all the best aphrodisiac perfumes for you to choose from, including options that suit all needs, preferences and budgets. So sit back and enjoy, because there's definitely something that will tickle your fancy. Oh, and we've also quizzed some of the best fragrance experts in the field that spilled all the do's and the don'ts when it comes to aphrodisiac perfumes, so scroll ahead.
Best aphrodisiac perfumes at a glance - our top picks:
What are aphrodisiac perfumes?
To put it simply, an aphrodisiac is a substance that can allegedly increase your sexual desire and libido. These can commonly include foods such as oysters and dark chocolate, as well as other objects that evoke your sense of taste and smell.
Now, contrary to popular belief, aphrodisiac perfumes do not necessarily contain pheromones. Instead, much like aromatherapy, they feature scents that many of us find seductive and intoxicating.
Eva Carlo, in-house perfume expert at The Orange Square Company, notes that when it comes to aphrodisiac scents, we tend to turn to notes found in the floral and animal world. “Ambergris and musks both give deep sensuality as well as second-to-none longevity,” she explains. "Mother nature created flowers to seduce for the act of reproduction (pollination) and as
humans, we have taken advantage of this effect for millennia. For example, jasmine, tuberose and Atlantic ylang ylang are heady, intoxicating and fully charged with erotic nuances."
What should you look for in an aphrodisiac perfume?
“Top notes are fleeting and are only for you – think of them as the finishing touch to your glamour ritual or a little magic dust that gives you a feeling of joy and empowerment,” highlights Eva. “It’s really the heart and base notes you want to focus on to cast a spell on all around you. You may well not perceive them but others will.”
Generally, whatever we find sensual and seductive can be considered deeply personal. But at the same time, there are some particular notes that tend to fit the bill. Which ones, you ask? Eva recommends looking for a perfume that contains one or more prominent notes of the following: amber, vanilla, musk, patchouli, sandalwood, rose, cinnamon, jasmine, ylang-ylang, ginger and tuberose.
The best new perfumes to spritz heading into the next seasonGallery31 PhotosAfter more new-in fragrance content? Shop floral fragrances, zesty perfumes, oud perfumes, vanilla perfumes, perfume gift sets and men's aftershaves and colognes aplenty. We also have plenty of haircare, wellness, skincare and makeup buying guides, all of which feature hundreds upon hundreds of products that are worth adding to your checkout *right now*.
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Ahead, our edit of the best aphrodisiac perfumes that exude confidence…
1. Best aphrodisiac perfume with notes of amberMizensir Ambre Magique Eau De ParfumWhy we love it: Luminous and sensual, with a hint of ambery intensity? Yes please. This woody aphrodisiac scent features bold, sweet notes of vanilla and Bulgarian rose, which is guaranteed to turn heads.
Top notes: Mandarin and orange blossom.
Middle notes: Cardamom, Bulgarian rose essence and cachalox.
Base notes: Bourbon vanilla absolute, dreamwood and benzoin.
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2. Best aphrodisiac perfume with notes of leatherMaison Crivelli Hibiscus Mahajád Extrait de ParfumWhy we love it: This bestseller perfume provides an amazing amount of depth, thanks to floral notes of hibiscus and rose as well as the contrast created with hints of leather and spearmint essential oils. Perfect for getting you in the mood.
Top notes: Spearmint and cinnamon.
Middle notes: Damask Rose, hibiscus and leather.
Base notes: Vanilla and ambrette musk.
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3. Best aphrodisiac perfume with notes of jasmineMaison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum (70ml)Why we love it: Bright and sleek, this luxury fragrance needs no introduction. It features woody and ambery notes, which combine with hints of jasmine and saffron to give this world-famous fragrance the iconic olfactory signature we've come to know and love.
Top notes: Jasmine and saffron.
Middle notes: Amberwood.
Base notes: Fir resin and cedar.
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4. Best aphrodisiac perfume with notes of bergamotTom Ford Black Orchid Eau De ParfumWhy we love it: This sensual scent is an absolute aphrodisiac. With deep notes of black orchid and patchouli, this timeless, unisex fragrance is daring and iconic, which is exactly what you need for a special night out.
Top notes: Black truffle and bergamot.
Middle notes: Black orchid and black plum.
Base notes: Patchouli and noir gourmand accord.
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5. Best aphrodisiac perfume with notes of vanillaKayali Vanilla | 28 Eau de ParfumWhy we love it: Rich, decadent notes of amber, vanilla and brown sure is a hell of a combo. Great for layering with other perfumes, this fragrance from Kayali is nuanced and perfectly balanced.
Top notes: Jasmine and Madagascan vanilla orchid.
Middle notes: Musk, amber, patchouli and brown sugar.
Base notes: Wood.
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6. Best aphrodisiac perfume with notes of gingerYves Saint Laurent Exclusive Libre Le ParfumWhy we love it: Contained in an iconic YSL bottle, this perfume is fiery, which is perfect for anyone who's into a little bit more spice. So authentic and unapologetic that Aphrodite herself would have approved.
Top notes: Bergamot, mandarin, ginger and saffron accord.
Middle notes: Orange blossom, diva lavender heart and lavandin heart.
Base notes: Vanilla bourbon, honey accord and vetiver.
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7. Best aphrodisiac perfume with notes of patchouliChanel Chance Eau De ParfumWhy we love it: Unpredictable and irresistible. This floral fragrance from Chanel's perfumery features undertones of pink pepper, jasmine and patchouli, all of which combine to form a sensual and rich scent.
Top notes: Pink pepper, pineapple, hyacinth and iris.
Middle notes: Lemon, jasmine and rose.
Base notes: Amber patchouli, musk, vetiver and vanilla.
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8. Best aphrodisiac perfume with notes of roseDior Santal NoirWhy we love it: You'd be forgiven for mistaking this rosy fragrance for an actual flower bouquet. Powered by the musky notes of ambrette, this sensual fragrance works so seamlessly, it becomes one with your skin straight after application.
Top notes: Turkish rose.
Middle notes: Sandalwood.
Base notes: Ambrette seed.
9. Best aphrodisiac perfume with notes of sandalwoodGuerlain Aqua Allegoria Rosa Rossa Forte Eau de ParfumWhy we love it: Majestic sweet roses bathed in sunlight? Sign us up. This peachy fragrance features a warm base of wood. Plus, it also certainly helps that the bottle it comes in basically looks like a love potion.
Top notes: Peach, pink pepper, cassis and almond.
Middle notes: Bulgarian rose and Damask rose.
Base notes: Benzoin, patchouli and sandalwood.
10. Best aphrodisiac perfume with notes of cognacKilian Angels' ShareWhy we love it: Designed as an art deco glass, this perfume features notes of cognac oil, oak absolute, cinnamon essence and Tonka bean absolute. The best part is that the bottle is refillable, helping you be both sustainable and sexy.
Top notes: Cognac.
Middle notes: Cinnamon, tonka bean and oak.
Base notes: Praline, vanilla and sandalwood.
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11. Best aphrodisiac perfume with notes of muskLe Labo Jasmin 17 Eau de ParfumWhy we love it: The traditional scent of jasmine is widely considered to be a natural aphrodisiac. In other words, it's great news that this perfume has a fragrance that revolves entirely around it. 10/10 would recommend.
Top notes: Jasmine.
Middle notes: Vanilla and sandalwood.
Base notes: Musk.
12. Best aphrodisiac perfume with notes of mangoPaco Rabanne Fame Eau De ParfumWhy we love it: Playful, bold and sensual are three qualities we can definitely get on board with. Filled to the brim with the smell of mango and incense, there's not much about this innovative fragrance that we can complain about. *chef's kiss*
Top notes: Mango and bergamot.
Middle notes: Jasmine and incense.
Base notes: Sandalwood and vanilla.
13. Best aphrodisiac perfume with notes of cinnamonByredo Eyes Closed Eau De ParfumWhy we love it: Playful chords of cinnamon, ginger and patchouli combine together to make a warm, sensual composition. It provides an enticing mystery while also feeling welcoming and nostalgic.
Top notes: Cinnamon and cardamom.
Middle notes: Carrot, orris butter and ginger.
Base notes: Papyrus and patchouli.
14. Best aphrodisiac perfume with notes of tuberoseArmani My Way Eau De ParfumWhy we love it: Opening with a playful hint of citrus, Armani My Way is great for stimulating the senses. Plus, tuberose and white flowers are an exciting combo, particularly if you're looking for something to help you get in the mood.
Top notes: Citrus accord.
Middle notes: Jasmine, tuberose and white flowers.
Base notes: Cedarwood and vanilla.
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