BY ELIZA JONES
You know that moment when you scroll past yet another TikTok of someone misting their face with a mysterious green potion and swearing it’s “nature’s Botox”? That’s chlorophyll spray, and according to beauty TikTok, it’s the new holy grail for calming acne and turning your face into a radiant green goddess glow-up.
The method? Dead simple. People are mixing liquid chlorophyll (yes, like the stuff that makes plants green) with water and spritzing it on their faces like it’s the secret to eternal youth. A few drops, a chic little spray bottle, and voilà, “glass skin,” they say.
As someone who is deeply suspicious of TikTok trends but also pathologically curious, I had to find out: is this green goo actually doing anything for breakouts... or are we just collectively bored and DIY-ing salad dressing for our pores?
What the Science Says (Spoiler: It’s Not All Nonsense)
Okay, so chlorophyll—specifically copper chlorophyllin, a semi-synthetic version—isn’t total woo. It does have antioxidant and antibacterial properties. A small (like, very small—10-person small) clinical trial showed that a topical 0.1% copper chlorophyllin gel helped reduce mild-to-moderate acne and even minimized the look of large pores in about three weeks. Green magic? Sort of.
Chlorophyll also contains vitamins A, C, E, and K (hello, glow), and dermatologists say it might help reduce inflammation and kill acne-causing bacteria on the surface. That green tint also happens to cancel out redness, so your skin might look calmer just from a subtle color correction.
But let’s not get carried away: this is not a miracle fix. It’s a gentle boost, not a full-on breakout slayer.
What TikTok Gets Wrong (Or At Least Overhypes)
First off, slathering or spritzing pure chlorophyll on your face every night? Probably not necessary. Drinking it? That’s a whole other rabbit hole with even less evidence, no clinical studies prove that chugging chlorophyll water clears your skin. Plus, it can turn your pee green (I wish I were joking).
And if your acne is deep, cystic, or hormonal? This trend won’t touch it. TikTok doesn’t always show you the unfiltered truth, and I’ve seen a few creators skip the crucial sunscreen convo altogether, dangerous when you’re experimenting with actives, even natural ones.
Also: DIY chlorophyll mists can introduce bacteria if you’re not careful with your bottles or formulations. At best, it’s harmless. At worst, it’s a waste of time.
If You’re Still Chlorophyll-Curious…
Okay, if you’re still intrigued (guilty), here’s how to do it safely, or better yet, how to get the same anti-redness, anti-breakout effects without DIY-ing your way into trouble:
🧪 Anti-inflammatory serums
Premium: SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF (pricey, but stacked with antioxidants)
Drugstore: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% — a fan favorite for a reason
💥 Proven acne-fighters
Premium: Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, Murad Acne Control
Budget: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash (salicylic acid), Clean & Clear Persa-Gel (benzoyl peroxide)
💧 Soothing mists (aka non-green spritzes that won’t stain your pillow)
And yes, eat your greens
Spinach, parsley, kale, they have chlorophyll and plenty of skin-friendly nutrients. But no, you don’t need to drink $12 chlorophyll water daily to have good skin.
My Takeaway? Cute Trend, Just Don’t Ditch Your Actives
Would I replace my entire skincare routine with a chlorophyll spritz? Absolutely not. But is it kind of a vibe on a hot summer night after cleansing, when your skin is irritated and you just want to pretend you’re a woodland fairy? Honestly, maybe.
If you want to try it, go gentle. Think of it as a bonus step, not your main acne treatment. And always, always follow up with SPF. No green mist is going to save you from UV rays.
Want a routine that actually works for your breakouts without the guesswork? Download SkinAI and get a science-backed, personalized skincare routine that adapts to your skin, lifestyle, and even trends like this one. Yes, antioxidant boosts included.
