Post: #1

Hi all! I'm pretty new here (just posted my first intro thread over in the new user section with my About Me blurb, you can read it if you'd like).
I'm fairly new to pheromones, having come across the idea recently while searching for a new "signature scent" over at Basenotes and Fragrantica (haven't worn cologne in years).

I have a pondering that I would like to share and explore with you.

Ambroxan (synthetic Ambergris) and Iso E Super are two 'molecules' commonly used today in colognes/perfumes (not always advertised). My understanding is both are reported to have pheromone-like qualities, and can help the longevity and projection of other scents, making these synthetics very popular in the perfume industry.
I have little hands-on experience yet with this (just ordered Molecule 01 & Molecule 02 by Escentrics recently, which supposedly isolate these two synthetics; waiting for arrival), but I'm anxious to try them out. I've sampled Terre d' Hermes which is supposedly 55% Iso E Super, but didn't get much reaction other than "that smells nice". To be fair, I used very little (trying to err on the side of subtle).

Anybody have any knowledge or experience they can share with these two products/synthetics? Used alone, together and/or with other pheromone products? How about layering?

These questions go out to both the men and women. ;)

Thanks!

-Gym

Post: #2

I use iso e super in all my mixes. Nice little molecule. Search engine should come up with a few other guys who have played around with it too.

I have tested it quite a bit and ime it's very very subtle in phero effects. A bit tricky to spot iso e hits.

Its a bit social feeling with a muted effect similar to Alpha nol and Androsterone sulfate, albeit considerably weaker than either.
Imo it needs to be combined with other molecules for max efficiency and to tease out its buffering and enhancing qualities.
Little goes a long way and this molecule adds a nice high gloss finish on already good mixes.

Perfumersapprentice is a better source of iso e than overpriced escentrics. Just a tip bro.

Whale vomit.
I had planned on doing some phero based research on ambergris but it's illegal in the US to use in mixes and even one drop can be considered distribution. Too much red tape so I flushed the idea. We branched off from that and are testing a few plant sterols now.

Post: #3

Hi thundr. I think I've heard/read about you, Apex right? Thanks for your expert input!

I did read your thread about Ambergris. I understand the moratorium on Ambergris is being challenged, since it can be obtained without harm to whales. Do you have any experience with Ambroxan, the legal alternative? Have you experimented mixing or layering it with Iso e super?

Post: #4

A quick question about Ambergris, since we are talking about it and you seem pretty knowledgeable - I've read banter on other forums/reviews for Creed colognes that they 'supposedly' use real Ambergris in their products. Whale vomit collected from privately-owned beaches etc. Can you glean any truth to this?

Post: #5

i've got a jug of iso-E super from perfumers apprentice. I haven't recognized the self effects yet.

Post: #6

(05-29-2014 6:41 PM)dexter Wrote:  i've got a jug of iso-E super from perfumers apprentice. I haven't recognized the self effects yet.

Is there supposed to be self effects? I read rumors using too much could cause headaches, but I'm not sure about that one.

Post: #7

(05-30-2014 5:59 PM)Gym Wrote:  Is there supposed to be self effects? I read rumors using too much could cause headaches, but I'm not sure about that one.

I'm not sure, I got it because I read an old Tacitus post. Just posting on what I noticed (or didn't notice) with Iso E Super.

Post: #8

I got my Molecule samples, and did a trial run with each one, layering both with a weak cologne (Kenneth Cole T-Shirt) to hopefully help notice the effects/difference. I as well as my wife and daughter were on hand to give feedback. Both molecules were applied as a base, with the layering scent on top. I did not apply either directly to my skin, but to the cuff if my shirt.

Molecule 01 (ISO E Super) + KC cologne: projection increase and slight alteration of scent. All who smelled it said they liked how it smelled (with the slight difference), but couldn't put their finger on how to describe the difference. All were very pleased.

Molecule 02 (Ambroxan) + KC cologne: projection decrease! No noticeable change in scent other than it seemed muted from those who smelled it. I had heard this could happen if the Ambroxan was applied second (trapping the scent), but that is not what I did. Perhaps I did not wait long enough for it to dry before applying the cologne. At any rate, not pleased.

These are just my first trials. I plan to try more combinations and application strategies. I will report back with new info as I get it. If you all have suggestions or feedback, that might help with my future trials ;)

-Gym

Post: #9

ambroxan has a pretty noticable smell, i pulled some out that I got from perfumers apprentice and mixed it with ethanol a while ago. i applied it to my wrist and it was very distinct. I haven't mixed it with KC (is Kenneth Cole T-shirt the name of a cologne?) but it is very noticable alone, and drives me to keep wanting to smell it over and over again.

Post: #10

I tried Molecule 02 (ambroxan) by itself today and I agree it has a unique smell. To me it smells kinda like a beach bag that you brought to the beach with your towel and other stuff in it, at the end of the day. Of course I know it's supposed to smell like the ocean somewhat, so that idea could have been somewhat planted.
I am compelled to smell it over and over again, but I can't tell if it's because I like it or because I want to figure it out and can't lol