What Is Pheromone Maxxing? How Long Should You Really Go Without Showering?

Are you secretly pheromone maxxing? How long is too long between showers?

Could skipping your shower actually be doing more harm than good?

From fitness and nutrition to health and wellbeing, “maxxing” trends are all about finding ways to optimise everyday life. But the latest trend takes a rather different approach to self-improvement: pheromone maxxing encourages people to skip showers in the hope of boosting their natural pheromones.

The idea is making waves, with Google searches for the trend up 2,800% in the past month. But how long can you really go without showering before it starts to affect your hygiene?

We’ve teamed up with Jason Murphy, Superintendent Pharmacist and Head of Pharmacy at Chemist4U, to explore the truth behind pheromone maxxing, when going without a shower becomes unhygienic, and what happens when you leave your usual washing routine behind.

The Truth About Pheromone Maxxing 

One of the main claims behind pheromone maxxing is that not washing, particularly among men, allows the body to release sex pheromones that make them more attractive. But is there any scientific evidence to back this up?

Jason explains:

“There is actually no concrete scientific evidence that humans produce or respond to functioning sex pheromones. There are a number of studies that suggest that body odour can influence how attractive someone is perceived to be; however, these studies refer to the body’s natural odour rather than odour associated with sweat and a build-up of oils and bacteria on the skin.”

How Long is Too Long Between Showers?

So, how long can you go without showering before body odour and oil build-up become noticeable? Jason explains:

“The average adult can go up to two to three days without showering before body odour and oil build-up become noticeable, but it all depends on factors like lifestyle and activity levels.”

The Downsides of Accidental Pheromone Maxxing

Whether you’re embracing the pheromone maxxing trend or simply leaving more than three days between showers, going too long without washing can have some unwanted effects.

Jason outlines some of the potential health implications below.

1. Body odour

It’s a common misconception that sweat itself is responsible for body odour. In reality, natural sweat is largely odourless, and the smell develops when bacteria on the skin break down sweat, oils and dead skin cells. As Jason explains:

“A common misconception is that body odour occurs when you sweat, when in reality, natural sweat is actually pretty odourless. The smell develops when bacteria on the skin break down sweat, oils, and dead skin cells. If you don’t wash regularly, these can build up on the skin and lead to a stronger, more noticeable smell.”

2. Skin problems

Going too long without washing can also affect your skin, potentially leading to irritation, itching, and infections. Jason explains:

“Prolonged periods without washing can directly contribute to a variety of skin problems, such as Dermatitis Neglecta. Caused by a build-up of sweat, oil, dead skin cells, and dirt, Dermatitis Neglecta can lead to dark, scaly, and crusty patches on the skin.

“Infrequent washing can also contribute to irritated and itchy skin and increase the risk of bacterial and fungal infections, particularly in areas where skin folds and creases create warm, moist conditions, such as the armpits, inner thighs, feet, back of the knees, and neck.

“When moisture is trapped, this can create the perfect environment for certain bacteria and fungi to thrive, increasing the risk of bacterial folliculitis, Erythrasma, ringworm, and athlete's foot.”

Are You An Accidental Pheromone Maxxer?

You might not be deliberately skipping showers to boost your pheromones, but you could be going longer between washes than you realise.

According to research, 12% of Brits only have a bath or shower every three to four days, while 7% go even longer between washes[1].

So, how can you keep on top of your hygiene routine and avoid becoming an accidental pheromone maxxer?

Alex Woods, our bathroom expert here at Victorian Plumbing, shares his advice:

“And while baths can leave you feeling clean, showers are the easiest way to give your skin a thorough rinse. Running water helps wash away sweat, oils, dead skin cells and bacteria, particularly from high-sweat areas like the armpits, feet, and skin folds. So, if you’re trying to avoid becoming a secret pheromone maxxer, regular showers are your best bet.”

Data

Google Glimpse was used to identify all search data, using a worldwide population. The data was sourced and is correct as of 02.10.2026. 

Sources

[1] YouGov