TikTok trend ‘pheromone-maxxing’ encourages men to skip hygiene

A new social media trend known as ‘pheromone-maxxing’ is gaining traction among young men on platforms like TikTok. Proponents of the trend argue that reducing personal hygiene—such as skipping showers, avoiding deodorant, and wearing the same clothes for multiple days—allows natural body scents and pheromones to surface, which they claim increases attractiveness to women.

While the trend is presented by some creators as a free and effective way to improve romantic success, it stands in contrast to traditional hygiene practices. The movement is an extension of ‘looksmaxxing,’ a broader trend focused on enhancing physical appearance through various methods.