Skipping showers is the latest trend. But is there any science to ‘pheromone’ maxxing?
An online trend, dubbed 'stinkfluencing' or 'pheromone-maxxing,' encourages young men to skip showers and rely on natural body odor to attract mates. However, scientific evidence indicates that while many animals use pheromones for communication, humans lack the necessary sensory mechanisms to detect or produce them, rendering the trend scientifically unfounded.
Why it matters
This article highlights the prevalence of pseudoscientific health and social trends on the internet, emphasizing the importance of critical evaluation of online advice, especially concerning personal well-being and social interactions.
There’s a corner of the internet in which “stinkfluencers” promise that the right body odour will work wonders on attracting a mate.
Samuel Cornell and Rob Brooks for 25 September 2026 7 min read Caption: Across parts of the internet where young men trade tips on self-improvement, the latest project is scent. Deodorant is out and washing less is in. Photo credit: Unsplash Across parts of the internet where young men trade tips on self-improvement , the latest project is scent. Deodorant is out and washing less is in.
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