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A glass full of a green drink that supposedly cleanses the skin, boosts energy and rids the body of toxins. This is what one of the most widely shared wellness videos of recent years looks like. The pigment that makes grass green is suddenly being measured out by the drop and sold as an elixir of health.
However, there is a difference between what viral videos claim about chlorophyll water and what research tells us about it. Some of these promises have a real basis, while others remain just a nice story. Let’s take a look together at what chlorophyll water can really do, what is a myth, and how to drink it sensibly if you want to try it.
Quick summary: Chlorophyll water
- What is chlorophyll water? Water with added liquid chlorophyll, more precisely chlorophyllin, a water-soluble modified version of the green plant pigment. It has become a popular wellness trend.
- Does it really cleanse the skin and detoxify? Most such claims are not reliably supported by evidence. Improvements in skin have only been shown in studies using a gel applied to the skin, and the body detoxifies itself even without supplements.
- Does it provide energy and oxygenate the blood? No. Chlorophyll does not carry oxygen, and the feeling of freshness after a green drink is more likely related to better hydration.
- What proven effect does it have? The strongest evidence in humans concerns binding one specific carcinogen in an at-risk group and reducing odour in health conditions such as stomas or incontinence, not in healthy people.
- Is it safe? Yes, when the recommended dosage is followed. It may harmlessly turn stools and urine green, rarely increase sensitivity to sunlight, and during pregnancy it is best avoided or discussed with a doctor.
- Is it worth drinking? For most people, it makes more sense to get chlorophyll from a varied range of green vegetables. If you want to try the water, drink it in moderation and follow the instructions on the label.
Why is everyone suddenly drinking chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll water has suddenly become popular, mainly because of viral social media videos promising clear skin, energy and detoxification. It is water with added liquid chlorophyll—more precisely, chlorophyllin—which has made it one of the most visible wellness trends. The scenario is always the same: someone drips a dark green tincture into a glass of water, the liquid swirls into an emerald hue, accompanied by promises of clear skin, energy and a body free of toxins. The question is how much of this stands up to the evidence, and how to drink it sensibly if you are tempted to try it.
Interestingly, the trend did not originate with social media. Chlorophyll has been used as both a remedy and a fashionable supplement for nearly a hundred years. It was first studied in the late 1930s by Benjamin Gruskin of Temple University, who examined its effect on infected wounds, but obtained mixed results. Somewhat more convincing was a study in the American Journal of Surgery, which reported in 1947 that chlorophyll derivatives could reduce wound odour in patients at a military hospital. It became widely popular in the 1950s, when it was sold as a deodorant and added to toothpastes, soaps and chewing gum. Its popularity then declined, returning only around 2015 via YouTube and later TikTok. [1,16]
What is chlorophyll and chlorophyll water?
Chlorophyll is a green pigment in plants that captures light during photosynthesis, and chlorophyll water is a drink to which its water-soluble form is added. It is precisely the substance that gives leaves, grass and vegetables their green colour. In plants, it collects light by absorbing solar energy and, together with carbon dioxide and water, converts it into sugar and oxygen. This is the process by which a plant produces its own food. [17]
We consume it more often than we realise, as it is a common part of the diet, specifically green foods. It is found most abundantly in dark leafy vegetables, namely spinach, kale, arugula or parsley, and to a lesser extent in broccoli and other green vegetables. Even more concentrated sources include young cereal shoots and algae, such as chlorella, spirulina or young green barley.
However, when chlorophyll is added to dietary supplements and chlorophyll water, it is no longer the same substance that we consume from vegetables. Pure plant chlorophyll is insoluble in water and difficult for the body to process, so it is replaced with a modified version, chlorophyllin.
Chlorophyll vs. chlorophyllin: What is the difference?
The main difference is that chlorophyll is a natural fat-soluble pigment, whereas chlorophyllin is its modified, water-soluble version, in which the central magnesium atom has been replaced by copper. And although the two names are used almost synonymously, liquid chlorophyll in supplements is, in most cases, actually chlorophyllin. This difference has a direct impact on how our body is able to process this substance.
Natural chlorophyll has one practical disadvantage. Due to its chemical structure, it dissolves in fats but not in water, and the body absorbs very little of it. Animal studies suggest that only approximately 1–3% of ingested chlorophyll enters the bloodstream. The rest is broken down in the digestive tract. During the production of chlorophyllin, the magnesium at the centre of the chlorophyll molecule is replaced with copper, resulting in a more stable compound. [17]
The difference between chlorophyll and chlorophyllin
| Chlorophyll | Chlorophyllin | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | natural, in plants | semi-synthetic derivative |
| Central atom | magnesium | copper |
| Solubility | in fats | in water |
| Absorption | low (approx. 1–3%, data from animal studies) | better; measurable in the blood after use |
| Which one does science study? | less researched | most studies examine it |
What effects does chlorophyll water have?
Chlorophyllin is credited with a wide range of effects, from skin health and digestion to detoxification, but most of these have so far only been demonstrated in animals or in small studies. When looking at individual studies, it is worth paying attention to one thing: whether they examined chlorophyllin from supplements, natural chlorophyll from vegetables, or directly drinking chlorophyll water. These are three different things, and the conclusion of one study often does not apply to the other two.
1. Does chlorophyll improve the skin and help with acne?
Several small studies suggest that chlorophyllin applied directly to the skin may slightly reduce acne and improve the appearance of the complexion, but these always involved creams and gels, not drinking chlorophyll water. In a 2015 pilot study, 10 people with mild to moderate acne and enlarged pores applied a chlorophyllin gel twice daily, and after three weeks, the monitored skin parameters improved significantly. A year later, a small randomised study found that chlorophyllin cream increased substances in the skin associated with its renewal, similarly to tretinoin, a proven anti-ageing skincare treatment. [5,7]
The study results sound promising, but they need to be interpreted realistically. They involved small groups of people, short follow-up periods and, most importantly, chlorophyllin was applied directly to the face. Therefore, the study cannot determine whether a glass of chlorophyll water would have the same effect. If someone’s skin “comes alive” after drinking it, it may be more because they are drinking more water and are better hydrated. If you are dealing with acne, proven topical care makes more sense than drinking a green beverage. [7]
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2. Does chlorophyll help with digestion and bloating?
Evidence for effects on digestion in humans is still lacking; promising results come exclusively from animal experiments. In mouse studies, chlorophyllin administered in drinking water helped suppress intestinal inflammation, maintain the impermeability of the intestinal wall, and favourably alter the composition of the gut microbiome. However, these mice had induced diseases, such as liver damage or inflammation of the colon, and were not healthy organisms. [11]
No human study has yet demonstrated that chlorophyll or chlorophyllin improves digestion or helps relieve bloating, although this is one of the most common claims on social media. If you feel better after a glass of chlorophyll water, a large part of the effect may be due to the fluid intake and the improved digestive function associated with it. If you struggle with bloating, adjusting your diet and ensuring adequate hydration are more reliable than relying on chlorophyll water. [11]
3. Does chlorophyll detoxify the body and cleanse the liver?
No, chlorophyll water does not cleanse the body or the liver; the body continuously takes care of removing harmful substances on its own. Detox is not a procedure that needs to be initiated from the outside, but rather the normal work of the liver and kidneys, which continuously process and eliminate waste products. In a healthy person, toxins do not accumulate and wait for a glass of green drink to flush them out. [14]
Detox cleanses have also failed to hold up in research. Experts have found no convincing evidence that such products remove harmful substances from the body, and existing human studies are small and methodologically weak. Chlorophyll water is no exception; no research has demonstrated its cleansing effect in healthy people. If you really want to do something for your liver, moderation with alcohol, a varied diet, and exercise will do more than any “detox.” [13]
4. Does chlorophyll provide energy and oxygenate the blood?
No, chlorophyll does not oxygenate the blood or directly provide energy; the comparison to haemoglobin is based on the similar shape of the molecule, not the same function. The myth arose because chlorophyll and haemoglobin—the red blood pigment that carries oxygen—do indeed have a very similar ring structure made up of four smaller rings. However, a different atom is hidden at its centre. Chlorophyll contains magnesium and chlorophyllin contains copper, whereas haemoglobin contains iron, and it is iron that can bind and transport oxygen. A similar appearance therefore does not necessarily mean the same behaviour. [15]
Moreover, the oxygen that a plant produces during photosynthesis is generated only in the presence of light, and it does not reach your blood or internal organs. The idea that chlorophyll could release oxygen in the body and thereby provide energy is therefore unsupported. If someone feels more refreshed after a green drink, it is more likely due to better hydration or a placebo effect. When fighting fatigue, look for help rather in higher-quality sleep, diet and an active lifestyle.
5. Does chlorophyll help you lose weight?
Chlorophyll water itself has not been proven to support weight loss. The study commonly cited as evidence actually investigated an entirely different substance. In a randomised study from 2014, 38 overweight women took either the studied dietary supplement or a placebo before breakfast for twelve weeks, with the supplement group losing significantly more weight on average. [6]
However, the active substance was not chlorophyll or chlorophyllin, but so-called thylakoids, the green membranes from spinach leaves in which chlorophyll is stored. They increase the release of the satiety hormone GLP-1, so the body receives the signal that it is full sooner, and the person then eats less. Weight loss was therefore due to the structure of the membrane, not the green pigment, and chlorophyll water does not contain thylakoids. If you want to lose weight, the foundation remains a calorie deficit and lifestyle changes. [6]
6. Does chlorophyll protect against cancer?
Chlorophyll water does not prevent cancer; the strongest evidence in humans concerns only one specific carcinogen in a high-risk population, not general prevention. This evidence comes from a high-quality 2001 study in which 180 healthy adults from China’s Qidong region, where liver cancer rates are exceptionally high due to mould-contaminated food, took 100 mg of chlorophyllin or a placebo three times daily for four months. In the chlorophyllin group, a urinary marker of DNA damage caused by aflatoxin—a carcinogen from mould—decreased by 55%. [2]
For the average person, this does not imply a reason to drink chlorophyll for cancer prevention. It makes more sense to not smoke, limit alcohol or eat a high-quality, varied diet.
7. Does chlorophyll help against body odour and bad breath?
Chlorophyllin has a documented deodorising effect, but almost exclusively in specific medical conditions, not against ordinary sweating or bad breath in healthy people. Odour removal is by far the oldest and best-supported use of chlorophyllin.
The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) recognises it as an over-the-counter internal deodorant for reducing odour associated with colostomy, ileostomy and faecal incontinence. Its mechanism is local. Chlorophyllin binds to odour-causing substances in the intestine before they are excreted, so it targets odour originating in the digestive tract, not sweat or breath. It therefore does not work against ordinary sweating or bad breath. [12]
| Effect | What does science say? | Type of evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Healthier skin and less acne | There are indications of benefits, but only with gel applied to the skin, not when consumed orally | Small human studies |
| Better digestion, less bloating | Unconfirmed in humans, promising only in animals | Studies in mice |
| Detox and liver cleansing | Unsubstantiated; the body cleanses itself | No evidence in humans |
| More energy and better blood oxygenation | Myth: chlorophyll does not transport oxygen | No evidence; disproven |
| Weight Loss | The effect in the study was due to thylakoids, not chlorophyll | Human study |
| Protection against cancer | Effect on the binding of one carcinogen in a high-risk group | One high-quality human study |
| Odour reduction | Demonstrated in ostomy and incontinence, not in healthy individuals | Older human studies |
| Stronger immunity | Weak and inconsistent evidence, not confirmed in humans | Animal studies |
How to drink chlorophyll water and how much?
Liquid chlorophyllin is most commonly added drop by drop to a glass of water and consumed in the morning. There is no officially established dosage for chlorophyll water as a wellness drink. Whether you drink it in the morning or evening is not important; follow what feels most comfortable for you and, above all, the instructions on the label, as products vary in chlorophyllin concentration.
The most commonly recommended dose comes from a U.S. drug monograph, not from recommendations for a beverage. FDA recognises chlorophyllin as an over-the-counter internal deodorant and sets its dosage at 100 to 200 mg per day divided into smaller doses, with the option to increase it to a maximum of 300 mg per day. The only approved use is reducing odour associated with colostomy, ileostomy, or faecal incontinence. This figure is often automatically applied to chlorophyll water as well, even though no standard dosage has been established for it. [12]
Chlorophyll can be consumed daily, and when following the recommended dosage, long-term use is considered relatively safe for healthy people. However, any potential effects are not immediate and may take days to weeks to become noticeable, if at all. In any case, the supplement does not replace a varied diet or medication, and if you are dealing with a health issue, consult a doctor first.
What form of chlorophyll should you take?
Chlorophyll is sold as liquid drops, tablets or powder, with drops being easiest to dose into water, tablets being convenient for travel and powder suitable for smoothies. There is no major difference in effectiveness between the forms; it is more a matter of convenience and taste.
How should liquid chlorophyll be stored?
Chlorophyll is sensitive to light, heat and air, so store it in a tightly sealed, preferably dark bottle in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Light, especially ultraviolet light, along with heat and oxygen, gradually breaks down chlorophyll molecules and reduces its quality. Dietary supplements are usually formulated to last, but it is still worth following the manufacturer’s instructions. Some brands recommend storing the product in the refrigerator after opening, while others only require room temperature away from heat and sunlight. [4]
What does chlorophyll water taste like, and how can you make it at home?
Chlorophyll water has an earthy, grassy, or slightly bitter taste, but the flavour can easily be softened with citrus, mint, or by adding it to a smoothie. It has a natural plant-based taste that some people enjoy more than others. If plain water with drops does not suit you, you can also find flavoured versions on the market, most commonly mint or menthol.
You can easily prepare it at home:
- Pour water, ideally cold, into a roughly 300ml glass.
- Add the recommended number of drops according to the dosage instructions on the label.
- Add lemon or lime juice and stir.
- You can add a few fresh mint leaves or an ice cube.
You don’t have to add chlorophyll only to plain water. It also works well in a green smoothie, can be added to chilled mint tea, or to coconut water, which nicely balances its earthiness. The only important thing is to follow the dosage instructions on the label.
Does chlorophyll have side effects?
Chlorophyll is considered relatively safe when the recommended dosage is followed. The most common side effects include harmless green discolouration of stool and urine, occasional mild digestive discomfort, or, rarely, increased sensitivity to sunlight. Expert reviews conclude that chlorophyll and chlorophyllin supplements have not been associated with serious adverse effects over decades of common use. [18]
What should you watch out for?
- Green discolouration of stool and urine. It is harmless and merely reflects the intense green pigment passing through the body. However, it is worth knowing that chlorophyllin may interfere with certain tests, such as a faecal occult blood test or colour assessment of urine, so before undergoing such a test, tell your doctor that you are taking it. [18]
- Mild digestive discomfort. Some people may experience bloating or cramps at higher doses. However, these are rare at usual intake levels. [18]
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight. It is rare but documented in humans. During digestion, the body converts chlorophyll into pheophorbide, a substance that increases the skin’s sensitivity to light. Cases have been reported after taking both chlorella and chlorophyll supplements, in which skin reactions appeared on areas exposed to sunlight. If you notice unusual skin irritation after sun exposure while taking the product, discontinue use and remember to protect your skin. [3,10]
- Copper content. Since chlorophyllin contains copper, prolonged and significant overdosing could theoretically contribute to an excess of it. However, safety limits are set well above usual dosage levels, so there is no cause for concern when following the instructions on the label. [20]
Is chlorophyll safe during pregnancy?
The safety of chlorophyll and chlorophyllin during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been studied, so it is recommended to avoid it during this period or use it only after consulting a doctor. The molecule itself is not considered dangerous; however, there are no controlled studies involving pregnant or breastfeeding women, so no one can reliably assess its effect on the fetus or child. There is also uncertainty surrounding the excipients that supplements sometimes contain. [19]
Is it worth drinking chlorophyll water?
For most people, it is cheaper and, according to experts, more sensible to obtain chlorophyll from a varied selection of green vegetables than from a supplement whose benefits have not been reliably proven. Most of the claimed effects are based on small-scale or animal studies. Green leafy vegetables also provide chlorophyll in a natural package together with fibre, vitamins and anti-inflammatory compounds that may work synergistically—something a supplement alone cannot offer. [9,16]
If you are drawn to green supplements, a more sensible choice than chlorophyll dissolved in water may be a whole green superfood, which, in addition to chlorophyll, also contains other nutrients. The best-known options include chlorella, spirulina and young green barley.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Chlorophyll water is harmless for healthy people at normal doses, but it is not demonstrably “healthy” in the sense that it provides proven benefits. Most of its claimed effects come from animal studies or personal experiences, not human research.
The exact number of drops cannot be determined universally, as it depends on the specific product and its concentration. Therefore, follow the label, as manufacturers convert the dosage into drops differently. The often-cited amount of 100 to 200 mg per day (maximum 300 mg) also comes from a U.S. monograph for chlorophyllin as an internal deodorant, not from recommendations for drinking chlorophyll water.
When the recommended dosage is followed, daily use is considered safe for healthy individuals. Any potential effect is not immediate and may take days to weeks to become apparent.
No, chlorophyll is not a source of iron because it contains magnesium, while chlorophyllin contains copper. In healthy individuals, it has not been reliably demonstrated to increase red blood cell production. Evidence regarding blood counts comes from narrow and methodologically weaker studies. If you suspect anaemia, consult a doctor and rely on proven solutions: iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid.
Chlorella is a whole freshwater algae that, in addition to chlorophyll, contains proteins, vitamins and other substances, whereas chlorophyll is simply the green pigment itself.
Not by drinking it directly; there are only indications for gel applied to the skin. Any improvement in the skin after drinking chlorophyll water may be more related to increased water intake.
Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been studied, so consult your doctor first. It is safer to obtain chlorophyll from regular green vegetables.
Yes, chlorophyll can temporarily turn stool and urine green, which is harmless. It may also cause a false-positive result on a faecal occult blood test, so inform your doctor that you are taking it before undergoing such an examination.
Chlorophyll has not yet been shown to strengthen immunity in humans; the evidence is weak and inconsistent. It is attributed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but these have mainly been demonstrated in animal studies.
What should you take away from this?
Chlorophyll water is a safe and harmless trend, but most of its claimed effects have not yet been reliably proven. The strongest evidence in humans concerns binding one specific carcinogen in people at high risk, but not detoxifying the body or oxygenating the blood. Its deodorising effect has been demonstrated in medical conditions such as stomas or incontinence, not in healthy people.
That is why, for most people, it makes more sense to get chlorophyll from a variety of green vegetables, which provide it along with fibre and vitamins. However, if you still want to try the water, drink it in moderation and according to the label.
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[2] EGNER, P.A. et al. Chlorophyllin intervention reduces aflatoxin–DNA adducts in individuals at high risk for liver cancer. – https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.251536898
[3] JITSUKAWA, K. et al. Chlorella photosensitization. New phytophotodermatosis. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6735553/
[4] KOCA, N. et al. Effect of pH on chlorophyll degradation and colour loss in blanched green peas. – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814605009088
[5] MCCOOK, J.P. et al. Ability of sodium copper chlorophyllin complex to repair photoaged skin by stimulation of biomarkers in human extracellular matrix. – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4966572/
[6] MONTELIUS, C. et al. Body weight loss, reduced urge for palatable food and increased release of GLP-1 through daily supplementation with green-plant membranes for three months in overweight women. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24993695/
[7] STEPHENS, T.J. et al. Pilot Study of Topical Copper Chlorophyllin Complex in Subjects With Facial Acne and Large Pores. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26091384/
[8] SURESH, H.D. et al. Synthesis and Bio-evaluation of Soluble Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin Complexes from the Leaves of Aloe vera. – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0254629921005081
[9] WOHLFORD, L. 6 things to know about chlorophyll. – https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/what-are-the-benefits-of-drinking-chlorophyll-6-things-to-know.h00-159855345.html
[10] ZHAO, C. y. et al. Chlorophyll-induced pseudoporphyria with ongoing photosensitivity after cessation – a case series of four patients. – https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jdv.13169
[11] ZHENG, H. et al. Chlorophyllin Modulates Gut Microbiota and Inhibits Intestinal Inflammation to Ameliorate Hepatic Fibrosis in Mice. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30564133/
[12] 21 CFR 357.850 -- Labeling of deodorant drug products for internal use. – https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/part-357/section-357.850
[13] “Detoxes” and “Cleanses”: What You Need To Know. – https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/detoxes-and-cleanses-what-you-need-to-know
[14] Detoxing Your Liver: Fact Versus Fiction. – https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/expert-qa/detoxing-your-liver-fact-versus-fiction
[15] Does chlorophyll improve anemia? – https://examine.com/faq/does-chlorophyll-improve-anemia
[16] Drinking chlorophyll is a popular wellness trend. Does it really work? – https://www.nationalgeographic.com/health/article/drinking-chlorophyll-benefits-risks
[17] Chlorophyll and Metallo-Chlorophyll Derivatives | Linus Pauling Institute | Oregon State University. – https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/chlorophyll-metallo-chlorophyll-derivatives
[18] Chlorophyll and Metallo-Chlorophyll Derivatives | Linus Pauling Institute | Oregon State University. – https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/chlorophyll-metallo-chlorophyll-derivatives
[19] Indication-specific dosing for Derifil, Chloresium, PALS (chlorophyll), frequency-based adverse effects, comprehensive interactions, contraindications, pregnancy & lactation schedules, and cost information. – https://reference.medscape.com/drug/derifil-chloresium-chlorophyll-999414
[20] Listing of Color Additives Exempt From Certification; Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin. – https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2002/05/20/02-12544/listing-of-color-additives-exempt-from-certification-sodium-copper-chlorophyllin