Is Chlorophyll Really Good for You?
It’s green, it’s glossy, and it’s suddenly everywhere…from wellness TikToks to trendy drops in your water bottle.
Chlorophyll, the pigment that gives plants their lush emerald hue, has spilled out of the leaves and into your feed. It’s been called a detoxifier, a deodorizer, an acne-fighter, and even a “blood-booster” (whatever that means). But here’s the question that cuts through all the greenwashed glamour: is chlorophyll actually good for you?
Or are we just sipping on grasswater and hope like we tend to do every time a trend pops up?
I’m here to go through the science, the folklore, and the photosynthesis to find out.
What Is Chlorophyll, Really?
Before it became a supplement, chlorophyll was (and still is!) the molecule that makes photosynthesis possible.
It captures sunlight and turns carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
AKA, chlorophyll is how plants eat light.
…but sadly for us, humans don’t photosynthesize (otherwise we’d be green). So why are we drinking it?
The form most supplements use isn’t pure chlorophyll anyway, it’s chlorophyllin, a semi-synthetic compound made from copper or sodium salts derived from chlorophyll. It’s more stable, easier to absorb, and yes, still very green.
But don’t worry, it won’t turn you into a plant (although wouldn’t that be kind of beautiful?). With the way the economy is going, it might be nice to turn into a sunflower for a little while.
The Claimed Benefits
Wellness influencers love chlorophyll, but here’s what chlorophyll is believed to do…and what science has to say about each.
The Claim: chlorophyll helps cleanse your liver and remove toxins.
The Truth: there's actually some evidence that chlorophyllin could bind to certain carcinogens and prevent them from being absorbed by the body. A 2001 study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) found chlorophyllin reduced aflatoxin biomarkers (a type of mold toxin) in humans. Which is a little promising, but in no way is it a full detox miracle.
Another claim is that chlorophyll helps reduce acne and promote glowing skin.
Some small studies, including one in Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, found that applying chlorophyll topically helped reduce acne. Oral chlorophyll was less studied, but anecdotal evidence abounds.
If nothing else, the hydration from drinking green water doesn’t hurt.
One of the wildest claims I saw on TikTok was that chlorophyll neutralizes body odor.
This claim dates back to the 1940s, when chlorophyll was used in nursing homes to reduce odor in wounds and breath.
Some studies (like one from Life Sciences) show reduced trimethylaminuria (a fishy-smelling condition) with chlorophyllin supplements. So…yeah maybe. But it’s not a magic fix for skipping showers.
Chlorophyll is also saying online that it increases blood oxygen and red blood cell production. Chlorophyll’s structure is similar to hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying molecule in blood), but instead of iron at its core, it uses magnesium.
That said, a 2004 study did show that wheatgrass (which contains chlorophyll) helped reduce blood transfusion needs in thalassemia patients. There's no strong scientific evidence that ingesting chlorophyll directly increases blood oxygen levels or stimulates red blood cell production. It just doesn't convert to hemoglobin or replace iron in the body. More research is still needed, but the link is interesting to say the least.
What the Science Says (And Doesn’t Say)
Right now though, the strongest scientific backing for chlorophyll supplements includes binding carcinogens in the digestive tract, possibly helping with body odor, and topical use for acne.
But many of the other claims (like weight loss, cancer prevention, and blood oxygenation) lack real clinical evidence.
That doesn’t mean they’re lies, it just means we don’t really know yet. In the wellness world, the line between curiosity and cure is often blurred by marketing.
Most drops and pills are chlorophyllin. So while the branding says “chlorophyll,” what you’re getting is often a lab-enhanced version, and that’s not necessarily bad.
It just means you should read the label and know what you're actually consuming.
Is It Dangerous?
Generally speaking, chlorophyllin is safe for most people when used in moderation. Side effects are rare but can include greenish stool or urine (don’t panic!), mild digestive upset, and possible sensitivity to sunlight. That’s my personal favorite side effect. Something made to capture the sun might make you sensitive to the light.
As always, if you're pregnant, nursing, or taking medications, talk to a doctor. Natural doesn't always mean harmless.
If you’re drinking green water but eating beige all day, we need to talk. Because here’s the truth, you don’t need a bottle to get chlorophyll. It’s already packed into spinach, parsley, wheatgrass, arugula, broccoli, and kale.
Whole foods deliver chlorophyll plus fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The full orchestra, not just the lead singer.
(And yes, I still love a dropper bottle for fun. Just don’t let it replace your salad.)
So...Is Chlorophyll Really Good for You?
Yes…and no.
Yeah, it has real potential. It might help with detox pathways, body odor, and possibly acne, and it’s low-risk for most, while it encourages hydration and plant-based curiosity.
But no, it’s not a miracle.
It won’t cleanse your soul or cure your every ailment, and it certainly won’t erase the effects of stress, poor sleep, and processed food.
At best, it’s a gentle helper. When I tried it with my husband for a month I notice better GI movements and I felt like I had more energy, but it also could’ve been in my head.
Looking to try it for yourself? This chlorophyll drop supplement on Amazon is easy to use, tastes surprisingly refreshing, and has great reviews for beginners. Start with a few drops in water and listen to your body.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider before taking supplements.
