Getting ready for a date, most of us worry about what we're wearing, whether there's anything stuck in our teeth, maybe which conversational topics to cover.
But whether we smell like pheromones that attract wolf spiders? That's a new one, and viral claims say it's true of anyone wearing a specific lotion sold at Ulta and Sephora.
Numerous videos with millions of views on Tik Tok and other social media platforms claim that a popular scented body butter has two ingredients that attract wolf spiders.
Here's the theory, as spelled out on Reddit. "The chemical analysis reveals that “farnesyl acetate, diisobutyl phthalate and hexadecyl acetate of the spider webs exhibited higher relative abundance in sexually receptive females” also, “Two choice behavioral essays verified that the blend of farnesyl acetate and hexadecyl acetate attracted males”.
"Farnesyl acetate is primarily used in skincare for fragrance and same for Hexadecyl Acetate (cetyl acetate) for fruity smell and waxy appearance. Cetyle acetate is commonly used as a thickening agent for body cream and lotion.
"Summury: combine farnesyl acetate with hexadecyl acetate in right dosage and it might bring all the thirsty boy spiders to your yard. Because you may also smell like a thirsty girl spider."
Reddit picked up the claim, then it was everywhere. A well-known comedian even put it on X, where it was seen by 16 million people.
Many others posted saying that these ingredients are in many, many products, not just the ones social media is talking about.
For its part, the company that produced the lotion says it's not true. "Hey babe! Of course this rumor is untrue! None of our products, including Delicia Drench + 59 Mist contain these alleged arachnid attracting ingredients," Sol de janeiro wrote on one video.
The lotion retails for $48 and reportedly smells so good that one reviewer wrote, "spideys are welcome." She added, "This body butter is THICK but so luxurious when you lather it on your skin. I can feel the hydration and it’s so refreshing. The smell is delicious and actually took on a deeper scent when I put it on my skin but I love it, I note the vanilla and then sandalwood clearly. If spiders are attracted to this, I don’t blame them. Yummy!"
Others piled on, saying the spider talk is ridiculous.
"Super hydrating- 10/10! I was first hesitant to buy because of the spider rumors, but people need to stop believing everything the see on the internet. It smells like heaven and attracts NO SPIDERS!"