Women Try Vabbing to Boost Attraction: Does This Trend Really Work?

Today’s dating scene, heavily influenced by TikTok culture, has introduced us to a new term: vabbing.

A portmanteau of vagina and dabbing, this trend involves applying vaginal secretions to pulse points such as the wrists, neck, and behind the ears—akin to applying perfume. The purpose? To attract a partner using one’s natural essence.

The concept gained traction from a TikTok video by influencer Mandy Lee, which has since been removed. Lee claimed that vabbing got her “free drinks all night.” Since then, TikTok users have hotly debated the practice, with responses ranging from endorsement of its enigmatic effects to outright disgust and skepticism.

Switching Perfume for Vabbing: A New Strategy to Increase Attractiveness

But what does the science say about this? It’s well-documented that many animals use pheromones for sexual signaling, yet the evidence for similar chemical communication in humans is rather inconclusive. A comprehensive review in 2012 of all existing studies found the proof of human pheromone communication to be “weak.” Much of our understanding is derived from studies on animals and may not directly apply to human interactions.

However, some research suggests a potential effect. Studies have shown that women produce copulins, volatile fatty acids found in vaginal fluids, which increase during the peak fertility times of their menstrual cycle. In one study, exposure to copulins led men to perceive women—and even themselves—as more attractive.

Moreover, there is evidence that natural body odors play a subtle yet significant role in mate selection. Research involving over 500 participants found that factors like relationship satisfaction and sexual attraction could be linked to the HLA complex in the immune system, which is present in body fluids such as sweat and saliva. While vabbing might seem far-fetched, the concept that scent influences human chemistry is not unfounded.

Yet, no specific human pheromone has been definitively identified. This suggests that at best, vabbing may be based on pseudoscientific principles, with a possible placebo effect. Nonetheless, the real appeal might lie in the boost of confidence it provides to some women.

If vabbing boosts your self-assurance, you might naturally present yourself as more alluring—and this change in demeanor could modify how others perceive and react to you. Whether it’s deemed repulsive or brilliant really depends on individual perspectives.