Should You Hop On the Chlorophyll Wellness Trend?

The rise of TikTok over the past year has ushered in many different viral trends, from vintage fashion revival to beauty tips and tricks. Lately, TikTokers have been obsessed with liquid chlorophyll. The last time many of us heard the word chlorophyll may have been in high school biology class, as the pigment that gives plants their green color, but as of right now, the #chlorophyll hashtag has more than 148 million views on the video sharing app, with popular creators, dietitians, and doctors discussing the benefits (and downsides) to the trend. Users claim chlorophyll can clear skin, reduce bloating, and even help people lose weight. But is this simply another Internet trend, or something you should actually try?

The truth is, there's limited research that supports the benefits of chlorophyll—but that doesn't mean you shouldn't use it. The TikTok approved "chlorophyll drops" in water actually contain chlorophyllin, whch is a mixture of salts derived from chlorophyll, but not actually chlorophyll (despite brands naming them so). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration claims people over 12 years old can safely consume up to 300 milligrams of chlorophyllin every day. Learn more about its proposed benefits below.

Though TikTok boasts lots of benefits, the pros of chlorophyll (or chlorophyllin, in many cases), is really rooted in being an abundant source of antioxidants. Popular TikTok holistic plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Youn claims its anti-inflammatory properties makes it beneficial for digestion. TikTokers' claim that chlorophyll can promote weight loss is a pretty unfounded side effect of the plant pigment, but it could lie in its anti-inflammatory antioxidants which reduce bloating.

According to some science journals, including a study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology and another in the Korean Journal of Investigative Dermatology, chlorophyll's antioxidant properties can help reduce pore size, acne, and signs of aging.

The jury's still out on the chlorophyll trend, since its claimed "benefits" don't have a lot of research behind them. But, just like with everything, it seems balance is key. If you eat a well balanced diet with lots of greens, you're consuming chlorophyll and its benefits, already. Popular TikTok dietitian Steph Grass reviewed the trend, saying, “If you eat one cup of spinach, you’re getting in about 24 mg of chlorophyll, which is equivalent to about a little less than a dropper of liquid chlorophyll."

So if you're eating your greens, you're not only getting the antioxidant properties of chlorophyll water, but you're also getting more vitamins, minerals, and fiber—all the things that make you your healthiest.