Chlorophyll, if you remember from Bio classes is the green pigment in algae and plants that helps them absorb energy from light during photosynthesis. What you may or may not have learned is that it’s also an antioxidant that is known to help the body fight off free radicals, which are responsible for just about every aging response the body has on its own.
Recently on TikTok, many dermatologists have been sounding off in duets (the official name for those split screen video responses), helping to explain why people are experiencing such dramatic results after drinking this emerald infusion. Some MDs explain that only when applied topically, chlorophyll has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin, helping to reduce redness and the appearance of acne. Others chalk up the clearer (and very quick!) skin results to the fact that chugging the drink is actually just helping people amp up their water intake—another factor that’s long been known (by every supermodel) to be good for skin. Others say that you probably already consume chlorophyll without even knowing it in many of the foods you eat, so you’re likely getting the benefits to be had that way.
“Foods with the richest sources of chlorophyll are spinach, parsley, watercress, and chlorella algae,” says Carly Brawner, holistic nutritionist and health coach at Frolic and Flow. “It’s best absorbed in the body when eaten with some fat, and is most abundant in fresh, raw veggies.” If you’re wanting to just eat your fruits and veggies to get your daily dose of chlorophyll, know that vegetables can lose their chlorophyll levels as they’re cooked, so you end up absorbing a lower concentration than when taking it in a supplemental form.
So what should you make of all of this? We asked dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, if this drink should be added to our regimens next to our cleansers and creams, and she explained that there might not be a definitive answer (just yet, that is). “It’s one of those wait-and-see situations. While it could theoretically help, there’s no science at present to back it up,” she says. “We’ve been saying that same thing about oral collagen, however, and a study recently showed that there may be a benefit.”
Like many trending topics, not having a clear cut answer isn’t necessarily a problem. If consuming chlorophyll water has you feeling good, there’s no reason to give up the green drink. However, if you do decide you want to incorporate this easy recipe as a means to help clear your skin, it’s always best to consult with your doctor or dermatologist. They’ll be able to tell you whether this TikTok talking point makes sense for your specific needs.
Also, you can try this soothing herbal face mask for some topical chlorophyll, which is the furthest thing from bore-o-phyll we’ve ever concocted:
Oh hi! You look like someone who loves free workouts, discounts for cult-fave wellness brands, and exclusive Well+Good content. Sign up for Well+, our online community of wellness insiders, and unlock your rewards instantly.