TikTok has introduced us to plenty of bizarre trends, but vabbing might be one of the most controversial yet. This viral practice claims that dabbing vaginal secretions onto pulse points—such as the wrists, neck, and behind the ears—makes a person more attractive to the opposite sex. While influencers swear by it, scientists are far less convinced.

What Is Vabbing?

Vabbing, a combination of “vagina” and “dabbing,” is based on the idea that vaginal fluids contain pheromones—chemical signals that allegedly enhance attraction. The trend exploded when influencer Mandy Lee claimed in a viral TikTok video that vabbing was the secret to getting more dates.

“I swear if you vab, you will attract people, like a date or a one-night stand,” she stated, according to the Daily Mail. She added that there’s no need to be fresh out of the shower, just relatively clean. “Dab vab behind the ears, on the wrists, maybe a little on the neck.”

Her video gained over 1.5 million views before TikTok removed it, but by then, the trend had already spread across social media, with users eagerly sharing their own vabbing experiences.

Is There Any Scientific Basis for Vabbing?

The logic behind vabbing is simple: if animals use pheromones to attract mates, then humans must as well, right? Unfortunately, science suggests otherwise.

Pheromones are well-documented in the animal kingdom, helping species communicate for purposes like marking territory, signaling danger, and attracting mates. For example, female moths can release pheromones that draw males from miles away.

But for humans, the evidence is lacking. According to a study on “body odors” and sexual attraction, while pheromones play a crucial role in animal communication, their significance in human romantic compatibility is highly debated.

Speaking with Cosmopolitan, sex expert Edwina Caito expressed skepticism.

“Humans do secrete sex pheromones, but the jury is still out on whether or not they still create a reaction as they once did,” she explained. “Although our vaginal secretions do have a small amount of pheromones, it’s not enough to brew up a pheromone perfume.”

Professor Erick Janssen, a neuroscientist at KU Leuven in Belgium, also told EuroNews that while pheromones impact animal behavior, their effect on humans remains unproven. He dismissed vabbing as a “fad” and said, “Pheromones are not things we consciously smell.”

Placebo Effect: Does Vabbing Work Because of Confidence?

While vabbing itself might not scientifically enhance attraction, the placebo effect could be at play.

“If the act of vabbing makes you feel more attractive, that will be perceived as outward confidence, which in and of itself is beautiful,” Caito noted.

When someone believes they are more desirable, they may carry themselves differently, leading to increased attention. Confidence has long been known to be a key factor in attraction.

The Risks of Vabbing

If you’re still considering trying vabbing, be aware of the potential risks.

Hygiene Concerns

Before vabbing, it’s crucial to practice proper hygiene. Inserting unwashed fingers into the vagina introduces bacteria, increasing the risk of infections.

Dr. Paraskevi Dimitriadi, a gynecologist in London, warned that improper hygiene could lead to serious health issues.

“If you use dirty fingers inside your vagina to collect discharge, you can not only potentially traumatize the tissue but also spread infection, potentially causing something as serious as pelvic inflammatory disease,” she told the Daily Mail.

She also noted that improper hygiene could cause bacterial vaginosis or thrush, both of which produce unpleasant odors—likely the opposite of what vabbing enthusiasts intend.

Risk of Spreading STIs

Vabbing isn’t just about applying bodily fluids to one’s own skin—it’s also about potential contact with others.

“Vabbing isn’t the best idea if you have an STI, as those that can spread via skin-to-skin contact or bodily fluids could be passed,” Caito explained.

If someone applies vaginal fluid to their skin and later engages in intimate contact, there is a remote possibility of transmitting bacteria or viruses.

Social Etiquette Concerns

Beyond health risks, vabbing raises questions about social norms and consent. Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of someone using vaginal fluids as a personal scent, and some online reactions have been outright disgusted.

“Ok, I’m done with the internet! You women who are into vabbing are rotten,” one Twitter user wrote.

Another TikTok commenter expressed disbelief: “I’m honestly so revolted.”

Given these strong reactions, it’s worth considering whether the potential benefits outweigh the controversy and potential backlash.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try Vabbing?

At the end of the day, vabbing is likely more about personal belief than scientific reality. While some users claim it boosts their confidence and success in dating, experts argue that it is unlikely to have a biological basis in attraction.

Whether you find vabbing intriguing or unsettling, one thing is certain—it has sparked widespread discussion.

What do you think? Would you ever try vabbing, or is this one TikTok trend you’re happy to skip? Share your thoughts and see what others have to say!