Is Chlorophyll Really Good for You?

Written By Michele Gargiulo

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?

Let’s wander 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.
Turns carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
In other words, chlorophyll is how plants eat light.

…But humans don’t photosynthesize. 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?)

The Claimed Benefits

Wellness influencers love chlorophyll. But what do the claims really say?

Here’s what chlorophyll is believed to do…and what science has to say about each:

1. Detoxification

The Claim: Chlorophyll helps cleanse your liver and remove toxins.

The Truth: There's some evidence that chlorophyllin may bind to certain carcinogens and prevent them from being absorbed by the body. A 2001 study in Carcinogenesis found chlorophyllin reduced aflatoxin biomarkers (a type of mold toxin) in humans.
Promising? Yes.
A full detox miracle? Probably not.

2. Skin Clarity

The Claim: Chlorophyll helps reduce acne and promote glowing skin.

The Truth: Some small studies, including one in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, found that applying chlorophyll topically helped reduce acne.
Oral chlorophyll? Less studied, but anecdotal evidence abounds.
If nothing else, the hydration from drinking green water doesn’t hurt.

3. Internal Deodorant

The Claim: Chlorophyll neutralizes body odor.

The Truth: 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…maybe yes. But it’s not a magic fix for skipping showers.

4. Boosts Red Blood Cells

The Claim: Chlorophyll increases blood oxygen and red blood cell production.

The Truth: 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. More research is needed, but the link is intriguing.

What the Science Says (And Doesn’t Say)

Right now, the strongest scientific backing for chlorophyll supplements includes:

  • Binding carcinogens in the digestive tract

  • Possibly helping with body odor

  • 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 false. It just means we don’t know yet.

And 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

  • Possible sensitivity to sunlight

As always: If you're pregnant, nursing, or taking medications, talk to a doctor. Natural doesn't always mean harmless.

Better Sources: Eat Your Greens

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

  • 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.

Yes, it has real potential. It might help with detox pathways, body odor, and possibly acne. It’s low-risk for most, and 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. A quiet green whisper saying: “Let’s treat your body kindly today.”

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.

Related Reads:

Michele Gargiulo http://michelegargiulo.com
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