TikTok’s Strangest Seduction Trend Yet: “Vabbing”

TikTok has long been a breeding ground for unusual and sometimes eyebrow-raising trends — from viral dance routines to odd “life hacks” and unconventional beauty experiments. But one recent fad making the rounds among women on the platform has left many both intrigued and skeptical: a practice called “vabbing.”

Vabbing involves applying vaginal secretions to pulse points — much like perfume — with the belief that it can increase sexual attraction. Advocates claim it works by harnessing the body’s natural pheromones, though scientific opinion remains divided.

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A Twist on an Ancient Desire

Throughout history, people have sought countless ways to enhance their allure — love potions, carefully chosen scents, symbolic jewelry, and even the “cook your way to their heart” approach. Vabbing is the latest in this long line of attraction strategies, but with a decidedly modern and provocative twist.

In vabbing, the woman collects a small amount of her own vaginal fluid and dabs it on areas where perfume is traditionally applied, such as the wrists, neck, or behind the ears. Proponents insist it’s a confidence booster as much as a seduction tactic.

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How the Trend Took Off

Sexologist Shan Boodram, author of The Game of Desire, says she has personally practiced vabbing for over 15 years. She believes it can subtly influence attraction, explaining:

“If copulins — chemicals naturally secreted by the vagina — are used like perfume, they can draw people who are attracted to women with vulvas.”

Boodram describes the effect as less about “tricking” someone and more about embracing personal empowerment:

“It makes me feel like an enchanted goddess with a delicious secret.”

The practice gained wider attention after TikTok creator Mandy Lee posted a video sharing her experiences with vabbing, which quickly racked up over a million views. In her words:

“I swear, if you vab, you’ll attract people — get dates, or even free drinks all night.”

Other users, like @jewlieah, chimed in with similar anecdotes, claiming a noticeable boost in romantic interest for days after vabbing.

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The Science — and the Skepticism

Pheromones are well-documented in the animal kingdom. They act as powerful chemical signals, guiding behaviors from mating to bonding — for example, newborn rabbits rely on their mother’s pheromones to find her for nursing.

But when it comes to humans, things get complicated. Dr. Alexandra James and Dr. Andrea Wahling from La Trobe University note that while vaginal fluids do contain pheromones, research on their effect in human attraction is still inconclusive.

Some scientists theorize pheromones could subtly communicate genetic compatibility, potentially influencing attraction subconsciously. Others argue human behavior is far too socially and culturally complex for pheromones to have the same impact they do in animals.

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Health Considerations Before You Try It

Medical professionals caution that if someone chooses to try vabbing, hygiene must be a priority. Dr. Dimitriadi from the Centre for Surgery explains:

“Using unwashed fingers inside the vagina can injure delicate tissue or introduce harmful bacteria, possibly leading to pelvic inflammatory disease or bacterial vaginosis.”

She also warns that if a person has an existing vaginal infection, the discharge might have an unpleasant odor — the opposite of the desired effect.

In other words, while vabbing might not inherently harm you, the risks come from poor hygiene and ignoring underlying health issues.

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Bottom line: Vabbing may make some women feel confident, empowered, or even luckier in love — but science hasn’t confirmed its seductive powers. Whether it’s genuine chemistry at work or just the placebo effect paired with a self-assured attitude, the trend has definitely sparked curiosity, conversation, and more than a few raised eyebrows on TikTok.