As much as I've tried to deny it, vabbing has a hold on me [1]. Not in the literal sense — I very much so refuse to ever take part in the trend — but it's the idea of what makes people want to "vab" that I find fascinating.

When trying to understand its popularity, one word consistently kept coming up: pheromones. Studies have shown [2] that someone's natural aroma can play a role [3] in partner selection, so while the hard-hitting scientific evidence that it leads to meaningful relationships or better sex is fickle at best, there is a slight possibility that pheromones can impact someone's attraction, and therefore behavior, toward you.

Enter: pheromone perfumes. Last year, discourse around the topic blew up on TikTok [4], with many users saying that they have noticed an increase in compliments, tips, and even better overall treatment after incorporating pheromone oils or sprays into their beauty routines. Even still, the idea of using pheromone fragrances [5] to attract a new partner still only seemed anecdotal. Nevertheless, it got me thinking: could pheromone perfumes better the sex life of someone already in a committed relationship? Being that I'm well on my way to year seven with my partner, there was only one way to find out.

I purchased the Pure Instinct Roll-On Pheromone Infused Perfume [6] ($17) on Amazon, which the brand says blends with your natural pH to create a one-of-a-kind scent. It didn't have an exactly distinguishable scent profile, and I couldn't quite pin down whether or not it was fruity, floral, or spicy (in fact, it kind of smelled like a hair salon — if you know, you know). But undeterred, I took a shower and rolled it onto the areas that I usually apply perfume: my wrists, neck, chest, and behind my knees.

I won't get into the specifics of my sex life on the internet, but when wearing this perfume I will say that my partner said the following phrases in between some very . . . heavy . . . breaths: "those pheromones must be ripe today," "you're looking ripe," "I might have to use some of whatever you have on." I will also mention that he was much more cuddly and touchy-feely than normal, even before we actually got down to business. His love language is already physical touch, so when I say this behavior was kicked up a notch, believe me: it means he did not want to get off of me.

Based on my experience alone, I would definitely recommend using a pheromone perfume if you're trying to spice up your sex life or just want to have your partner in a tizzy for a bit while establishing your superior bedroom skills. For me, this oil just enhanced my partner's normal characteristics in the bedroom, and I think that may be the case for others as well (i.e. if they're a giver, they'll be even more generous, if you catch my drift).

That said, I don't think this (or any) fragrance will cause your partner to do a complete 180 in the way that they act or treat you if they don't make it a priority in the first place. In other words, don't buy the oil expecting your partner to change at the drop of a hat. I'll definitely be keeping this as my secret weapon for special occasions, but in reality, I already enjoy my sex life. The pheromone perfume was just a fun bonus.