Human Pheromones - Fact or Hype?

Deciphering the question of what effect pheromones have on human behaviour is a little like watching the battle between pro and non UFO believers. Do they really exist? For the last three decades, despite the research and studies conducted on whether we as humans attract by pheromone, there is still nothing "set in stone" about whether they are real or just a lot of marketing hype.
Do Pheromones Really Work?
The debate between pro pheromone advocates and non believers continues. The problem is, there is no official evidence they actually play a part in human behaviour. Certainly research has pointed to evidence suggesting they may be evident in our day-to-day behaviour but until somebody comes out and produces concrete, unrefutable evidence they exist in humans, then we can only surmise they exist.
Examples of studies include such things as human pheromones being linked to the reproductive system in men an women. Also, they've been associated with the relationship between a mother and child. Who doesn't have an attachment to their mother in an instinctive way? Is this pheromones at play?
Did You Know?
Animal pheromones were well understood more than three decades ago. In fact, pheromones were used by manufacturers as pest control to lessen the incidence of damage on crops in horticultural areas.
Pheromone Studies
Studies suggest human pheromones not only exist but they are gender targeted. What does this mean? Basically it means they affect heterosexuals and homosexuals individually. So heterosexual to heterosexual and homosexual to homosexual.
Dr. Winifred Cutler was the first to suggest pheromones could be marketable as a perfume or spray. Her findings made people sit up and take notice during the 1980's and what followed was the beginning of the pheromone enhanced product. She produced some interesting findings including the ability of the male pheromone to have an effect on the well being of women. Dr. Cutler heads up the Athena Institute and visiting the website makes for some interesting reading.
Despite the research being conducted the fact remains, there are still skeptics out there who are yet to be convinced about the validity about pheromones having an effect on human behaviour.
Pheromones Instill An Air Of Confidence?
There has been a school of thought surrounding the air of confidence brought on by wearing a pheromone product. Quite simply, some are suggesting that by simply knowing you are wearing the stuff, this inner confidence can equate to an outward confidence thus making a person more attractive to be around. To me, that makes sense. Wouldn't you rather be around someone confident as opposed to someone "down in the mouth?"
Another school of thought surrounds the business and work environment. Pheromones have been suggested as a possible "weapon" for business and sales people to help their work endeavours. With the sales area in particular being a very competitive environment, wearing a pheromone product could help a salesperson gain a little more confidence in himself and then making them more attractive to the buyer. What do you think? Do sales people need any more confidence than they already have?