What is Vabbing? Does It Work? And Is It Safe?

Social media can be a treasure trove of interesting stories and information. It can also be the source of skyrocketing trends – which is the case with the newest “perfume” trend called Vabbing. AKA Vaginal Dabbing.

But does this “newest” trend really work or is it just another clever video that had gathered a ton of views and likes because of the promise of titillating effects? Also, what do health experts say about the practice? Let’s take a deep dive into vabbing.

The Old and New of Vabbing


First, the practice of putting vaginal fluid on body parts other than the vagina isn’t anything new. It’s a practice that’s been around long before it was advertised by these guys…

  • 2018 in Secret Keeper’s Club when the hosts talked about a man who used his ball sweat as perfume to drive the ladies wild.  
  • 2019 by sexologist Shan Boodram told the world how she had vabbed for over 15 years before going on a date.
  • Recently, TikTockers like Mandy Lee and Jewliah have brought it back again and it’s taken the world by storm.

But like I said, the idea isn’t anything new.

It’s all based on the idea of pheromones. People swear that adding a little human juice to places like behind the ear, in the armpit, or other places that would help emit the scent will trigger human chemical communication. Women say they’ve worn the unsexiest clothing at the gym and still go hit on big time. Or, anytime they’ve vabbed and gone on dates, the men have fallen head over heels in love with them.

But does this really work? What do health experts have to say?

The Science Behind Vabbing


 Well, here’s where you might be a little disappointed (or not – at least stay to the end of this section to make your own conclusions).

Doctors and other experts are eager to point out that vabbing on a scientific level (including extensive pheromone research) doesn’t actually work – and for several reasons.

First, while many mammals secrete a love scent that attracts a partner, it only works because there’s a sensory organ found in the roof of the mouth of these animals. And, we humans don’t have that. We’ve evolved far past having one.

Second, doctors are also imploring the public to let vaginal fluid stay in the vagina. The main reason is that vaginal fluid (aside from acting as a lubricant) is acidic based in order to help protect the lady parts from infection. Also, when things are healthy down there, the fluid has no smell at all.

However, vabbing advocate and relationship expert Tracey Cox points out that even if dabbing some female perfume behind the ears doesn’t have any basis in science, there is definitely a placebo effect.

So, if you’ve made it this far in the article, here’s where you might still decide that it might be worth a try if you really want to go for it.

Being adventurous and exerting sexual power can make the “vabber” more confident and flirtatious. This is probably what is causing all the success in their dating and sexual lives. It’s like slipping on some sexy underwear. The person on the other end might have no idea what’s under your clothes, but you do. And that power oozes into your personality in great ways. After all, confidence is sexy AF.

Are There Dangers In Vabbing?


In short, yes. If someone wants to adopt this perfume practice, there are a few things that need to be strictly followed to make sure everyone stays safe(r).

Stay safe and clean!
  • First and foremost, anyone with an STI should not be vabbing in any way. Period.
  • Any vaginal fluid needs to be put in places that will NOT be touched by another person (hence some people putting in their armpits). This is especially vital if you’re going on a date with someone you’ve just met.
  • Make sure you’ve washed your hands thoroughly before inserting your finger. You don’t want to introduce any dirt or infections.
  • If you’ve vabbed and are at the gym, wipe down the equipment thoroughly (which, in my opinion, people should be doing anyways, yuck).
  • If there’s any scent or discoloration, don’t stop vabbing and talk to your doctor.

Other Things To Consider


  • Vaginas contain microbes, and moving those microbes to other parts of the body might result in infections (one example being moving a yeast infection).
  • Since there are no long-term studies on vabbing, health experts still don’t know the long-term effect.
  • For those who don’t want to get into this trend, having good hygiene, self-care, and nurturing self-confidence and self-love are even more powerful (not to mention beneficial).

Do you have any opinions on Vabbing? Share in the comments!

Lovense blog has one, passionate drive - to bring everyone valuable content revolving around sex toys, sex education, safe kink practices, and even a bit of entertainment just to make you smile.

It's this drive that proudly earned us the title "Best Sex Blog in the World" in 2020. But we haven't stopped there. We're always on the hunt for new material and ways to help you learn, grow, and stay safe in the world of sex.

So jump in and start reading. There's tons to discover!

For questions and issues regarding copyright, please contact us by email here.

Join newsletter

Stay up to date on sexy articles & hot deals!