Scientists warn against trend of using vag-inal fluid as perfume

The TikTok Trend That Has the Internet Gagging—Is Vabbing the Ultimate Attraction Hack or Just Plain Gross?

TikTok has introduced us to plenty of bizarre trends, but this one might just take the cake. Enter vabbing—the viral practice of dabbing vaginal secretions on pulse points like perfume, all in the name of becoming irresistible to the opposite sex. Influencers SWEAR by it, claiming it’s the ultimate pheromone-fueled dating hack. But before you start reaching for your secret scent, let’s see what science has to say—and spoiler alert: experts are NOT convinced.

The term vabbing—a mashup of vagina and dabbing—went viral when TikToker Mandy Lee made a bold claim: “I swear, if you vab, you will attract people, like a date or a one-night stand.” She even gave a how-to guide, instructing users to dab behind the ears, on the wrists, and a little on the neck. Her video exploded, racking up over 1.5 million views before TikTok deleted it—but by then, the trend had already taken off.

Soon, TikTok was flooded with vabbing testimonials. “You guys aren’t going to believe me… IT WORKED!” exclaimed one user after trying it at the gym. Meanwhile, others on social media doubled down, insisting vabbing was their secret weapon for attracting attention. But before you jump on this trend, let’s break it down—does vabbing actually work, or is this just another case of TikTok wishful thinking?

The Science of Pheromones—Does Vabbing Have Any Real Basis?

The idea behind vabbing is simple: If animals use pheromones to attract mates, humans must too, right? Well, not exactly.

Many species—like moths, dogs, and even some primates—use pheromones for mating, territory marking, and communication. A female moth, for example, can release pheromones that lure males from miles away. But humans? The science is far murkier.

 

Studies suggest that while human body odors can influence attraction, the idea that we release powerful pheromones that dictate romantic compatibility is questionable at best. Sex expert Edwina Caito explains that while human pheromones exist, they don’t seem to work the way they do in animals. “Although our vaginal secretions do contain a small amount of pheromones, it’s not enough to brew up a pheromone perfume,” she says.

Professor Erick Janssen, a neuroscientist at KU Leuven in Belgium, takes it a step further. He outright dismisses vabbing, calling it a fad with no scientific backing. “Pheromones are not things we consciously smell,” he explains, casting doubt on claims that vabbing could actually enhance attraction.

So, while the science isn’t exactly on vabbing’s side, there is another factor at play—confidence.

The Placebo Effect—Does Vabbing Actually Work?

While vabbing might not be a pheromone-fueled love potion, believing in it might be just as effective. Experts suggest that the placebo effect could be responsible for the “success stories” popping up on TikTok.

“If the act of vabbing makes you feel more attractive, that will be perceived as outward confidence, which in and of itself is beautiful,” says Caito. In other words, the belief that vabbing works could make people carry themselves differently—more boldly, more flirtatiously—which in turn attracts attention.

But before you start dabbing, you might want to consider the risks…

The Dark Side of Vabbing—Health Risks and Social Taboos

While some swear by vabbing, others find it downright revolting.

“Hygiene matters,” warns Dr. Dimitriadi. She stresses that inserting dirty fingers into the vagina can introduce bacteria, leading to infections, bacterial vaginosis, or even more serious complications like pelvic inflammatory disease. “Dirty fingers can cause bacterial infections that definitely won’t help you attract a partner,” she adds.

And let’s not forget about STIs. Vabbing involves transferring bodily fluids onto the skin, meaning it could spread infections that are transmissible through skin-to-skin contact. “If someone with an STI vabs and a partner later kisses, licks, or touches those areas, there’s a remote possibility of transmission,” explains Caito.

Then there’s the social etiquette issue. Let’s be real—most people would be horrified to learn that someone standing next to them dabbed vaginal secretions behind their ears like Chanel No. 5.

The internet’s reaction has been brutal.

“I’m DONE with the internet! You women who vab are rotten,” tweeted one disgusted user. Another TikToker wrote, “I’m honestly so revolted,” while a third declared, “I’m never touching another person again.”

So, what do you think? Is vabbing a genius confidence trick, a legitimate attraction hack, or just another case of TikTok going too far? Would you ever try it, or is this a trend you’re more than happy to skip? Drop your thoughts below and share this story—we need to hear what everyone has to say!