Like many others who lean on the wellness-y side of things, when it comes to feeling my best, I have my tried-and-true staples, my ride-or-die routines, and the healthy practices I’ll never dare skip. But when buzzy health trends *inevitably* catch my eye, I tread lightly and approach most anything in this realm with a whole lot of skepticism. So when I started to see influencers, celebrities, and just about everyone on social media chugging (re: mindfully sipping) glasses of water tinted a deep inky green, you can bet my interest was piqued. It was time to ask: what is chlorophyll water, anyways?

Well, ask an expert I did—and the questions didn’t stop there. What are the benefits? Any potential downsides or side effects? Is it really as simple as diluting and stirring into a glass of water? And, of course, where things really get heated: is chlorophyll water actually worth the hype? Craving a clear breakdown of the health trend that just won’t quit my social feeds, I tapped Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Georgia Perkins for guidance. Buckle up—your expert-backed answers await.

Feature image by Riley Reed.

Georgia Perkins is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and creator of Goodness With G, a wellness and lifestyle blog. Perkins takes a holistic approach to wellness in mind, body and spirit. She also offers a one-on-one coaching practice, in which she helps clients “transform their relationship with food and exercise, maintain realistic healthy habits and cultivate a fulfilled, balanced life.”

A natural place to start. After pouring over the countless Reels, imagery, and videos that populate #chlorophyllwater on Instagram, it was clear that I was encountering something more complex than the verdant array of content initially made it seem. Turns out, my assumption was justified.

Upon further consideration, my thoughts drifted back to elementary school, remembering that chlorophyll was what gave plants their green color. From there, my mind goes blank (you’re reading the words of an English major, after all). Perkins rounds out my limited recollection: “Chlorophyll helps plants absorb energy and get their nutrients from sunlight in a process called photosynthesis. Chlorophyll is found in many green vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens. “

She continues, observing that chlorophyll water has risen to prominence in the wellness world because of its possible health benefits. Perkins notes that “while there are many possible benefits to consuming chlorophyll and chlorophyllin (a chemical made from chlorophyll), research is mixed and more studies are needed to confirm the potential health benefits. “

Perkins first addresses this question with an important disclaimer. “If your intake of veggies like kale, collard greens, spinach, Swiss chard, and broccoli is already high, you likely don’t need to worry about taking a supplement. I always recommend starting with the real deal, as food in its pure form is often the  most potent medicine. “

While there’s little scientific evidence to support the following benefits, many supplements claim that chlorophyll can:

What is known? Chlorophyll is high in antioxidants, which Perkins notes, means that it can help protect your cells against oxidative stress. “These properties have been linked to potential cancer-fighting effects in humans, yet more studies are needed on chlorophyll specifically,” says the certified health coach.

In addition to that, and you may have heard this if you’ve also done a chlorophyll water deep-dive on TikTok, chlorophyllin has been seen to improve skin health. Perkins underscores these findings, citing studies conducted on patients with acne, enlarged pores, and sun damage. “Likewise,” she adds, “a few studies suggest chlorophyll may aid in alleviating body odor as well as wound healing.” Okay, I’m here for it.

Despite glasses and bottles of chlorophyll water showing up in abundance, there are alternative ways to reap the benefits. Perkins’ fave way to get her skin-supporting chlorophyll? “I personally enjoy adding it to my lemon water for a little extra flavor—and don’t worry, the color might be potent, but chlorophyll doesn’t have much taste at all! You can also add it to smoothies and juices as well if you prefer.”

Good news: there isn’t a right or a wrong time to be sipping on your chlorophyll water. “I think it can make a great addition to a morning routine or whenever you’re feeling like your body could use an extra boost of nourishment,” Perkins says.

Now for the (less than) fun part. While there are no significant risks of taking liquid chlorophyll, Perkins emphasizes that you should always pay attention to how your body responds to any supplement you introduce to your routine. “Some possible side effects include increased sensitivity to the sun, upset stomach, and discolored stools. Always consult your doctor if you are taking prescription medications to discuss potential interactions as well. “

When it comes to wellness, Perkins is in favor of keeping things as simple and accessible as possible. “It’s a misnomer that drinking chlorophyll water or a greens powder negates a poor diet.” What she favors instead? “I DO recommend that anyone and everyone increase their intake of greens! I always encourage a ‘food first’ approach and let supplements help fill in the gaps.”

In addition to keeping things streamlined, Perkins emphasizes that whatever you bring into your wellness routine is entirely up to you. Adding chlorophyll water to the mix is a personal choice, and it’s one that should be supported by a healthy dose of research and discussions with your healthcare provider. Perkins’ final word on the matter? “Chlorophyll water can certainly be a wonderful addition if it serves you and makes you feel good.”

From Perkins: “When purchasing a chlorophyll supplement (or any supplement), choose a brand you can trust based on the quality and purity of their products, good manufacturing practices and testing.”

NOW Foods, Liquid Chlorophyll, Mint Flavor, 16 fl oz

Reap the detoxification benefits with a liquid chlorophyll that can be taken one teaspoon at a time in either water or juice. Bonus: the natural mint flavor keeps breath fresh.

NOW Foods, Liquid Chlorophyll, Mint Flavor, 16 fl oz, $11.86 (reg. $19.81)

Cymbiotika Liposomal Sulforaphane Matrix + Chlorophyll

Designed to protect and strengthen the body’s cells, Cymbiotika’s Liposomal Sulforaphane Matrix contains phytochemicals that work to reduce free radical damage, lower inflammation, and neutralize toxins.

Cymbiotika Liposomal Sulforaphane Matrix + Chlorophyll, $78

Premier Research Labs Medi Chlorella FX

Well-priced, each bottle contains 90 capsules of detoxifying chlorella—zero additives included.

Premier Research Labs Medi Chlorella FX, $20.67

Sakara Life Detox Water Drops

Perhaps the most well-known detox supplement on the market, Sakara’s detox drops are designed to boost your hydration and keep your energy high. You can even select the monthly subscription option—so you’ll never miss a drop.

Sakara Life Detox Water Drops, $39

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I have tried chlorophyll water for health-wellness after finding out about it through Sakara’s website newsletter; anyhow, I could not afford their beauty water detox; one day while shopping at Walmart, I saw that they had Chlorophyll drops and I thought as a new Year resolution to give it a try and I purchased the drop and I began adding it to my daily glass of water intakes but I’ve not noticed anything different; in fact, I stopped using it daily and only used it occasionally if I don’t have any lemons around the house or lemon juice which I enjoy adding to my glass of water. Also, I did think to try and do a write-up on the Sakara products which would include their Water -Beauty -Detox but I never got around to doing this and this is why I am a poor blogger not going anywhere but un-noticed. Thank you for sharing.

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