It looks like a magic potion. It swirls beautifully in your glass. It promises detox, glowing skin, fresh breath, and sky-high energy. But what if we told you that those trendy liquid chlorophyll drops filling your feed are more style than substance?
In today’s world of viral wellness, even a green pigment gets promoted as a superfood. At Kungul, we go beyond trends. We believe real wellness comes from truth, not hype. So, before you buy that bottle of emerald-green promises, let’s take a closer look at what liquid chlorophyll really is, how it’s made, and whether it’s worth your money or your health.
What Is Liquid Chlorophyll Really Made Of?
Despite what labels suggest, most “liquid chlorophyll” products do not contain real chlorophyll. What you’re drinking is chlorophyllin. It’s a lab-made version of chlorophyll that’s chemically altered to be stable in water.
Why the switch? Natural chlorophyll is fat-soluble and unstable once extracted from plants. It breaks down quickly and doesn’t give that vibrant green colour. Chlorophyllin solves those problems. Manufacturers create it by extracting chlorophyll from plants like mulberry leaves, nettles, alfalfa, or algae. They use solvents like ethanol or acetone or a method called supercritical CO₂ extraction. Then, they replace the magnesium in its molecular structure with copper. That’s how they make it water-soluble and shelf-stable chlorophyllin.
Image from https://learn.ddwcolor.com/tag/green
Can Chlorophyll Improve Skin, Odor, or Digestion?
Some small studies suggest chlorophyllin may help improve acne, but only when applied to the skin. A 2015 study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology showed reduced acne in just 10 participants using a topical gel. These results don’t apply to the oral drops being sold online.
Many claim it works as an internal deodorant. That idea comes from a 1980 study study in a nursing home. It found a mild reduction in fecal odor. However, modern and larger studies haven’t confirmed these results.
Others say it helps with detoxification. One study from Oregon State University showed chlorophyllin reduced DNA damage in rats and trout exposed to toxins. Some human trials showed it may reduce aflatoxin biomarkers, but the results are specific and limited.
Some suggest it helps with weight loss. A 2014 study showed green plant membranes, including chlorophyll, increased satiety in overweight women. But chlorophyll wasn’t used alone, and no large-scale studies have replicated the result. Many people also believe chlorophyll boosts energy levels. This idea is based on its role in photosynthesis. But humans don’t do photosynthesis. There’s no scientific basis for this claim.
Some lab research suggests chlorophyllin might support gut health. It may help reduce inflammation and influence gut microbiota. But most of this research is early-stage or based on animals. We don’t yet know if these effects apply to humans. Used in moderation, chlorophyllin is generally safe. Institutions like the Linus Pauling Institute report no serious side effects. However, some people experience green stool, mild digestive discomfort, or increased sun sensitivity. That’s because chlorophyllin, like chlorophyll, can act as a photosensitizer.
The Problem With What’s Not on the Label
Another concern is product quality. Many liquid chlorophyll products contain glycerin, sweeteners, preservatives, and artificial flavors. These ingredients are not always clearly labeled on the front. If your product doesn’t list full ingredients, that’s a red flag. As we explain in our Kungul guide to reading labels, the truth is always behind the branding. There’s another issue. The FDA does not regulate chlorophyllin like a drug or dietary supplement. That means manufacturers can make big claims without proving safety or effectiveness.
The Best Way to Get More Chlorophyll Naturally
If you really want the benefits of chlorophyll, the best way is to eat more green vegetables. Foods like spinach, kale, parsley, arugula, asparagus, and green beans are full of natural chlorophyll. The darker and greener the veggie, the more chlorophyll it contains. These foods offer more than just a pigment. They also contain fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and real flavor. They satisfy both your body and your mind, especially when shared with the people you love.
Choosing a plate of greens may not go viral on TikTok. But it will do more for your health than a bottle of artificially green water ever could.
As someone who has spent years working in labs, isolating plant compounds and extracting chlorophyll from leaves, I know the science behind this molecule. I’ve used chromatography to remove chlorophyll so I could study the tiny active molecules hiding behind it.
And I’ll be honest: chlorophyll is fascinating, but it’s not a miracle cure. Marketing has turned it into something it’s not. It doesn’t detox your body, clear your skin overnight, or give you superhuman energy. That kind of health claim, sadly, belongs in a bottle, not in real life. No green drop can fix a lifestyle lacking real food, rest, hydration, and balance. Health is built day by day, not drop by drop.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by health products, supplements, or beauty buzzwords, Kungul is here to help. With expert-backed content like the hidden dangers of lash lifts and how to avoid endocrine disruptors, we give you the tools to make safe, conscious decisions. And with our free app, you can scan any product label to check for hidden toxins and understand what you’re really putting in or on your body. Because at Kungul, we don’t just scan products, we support your path to a cleaner, kinder lifestyle.
Let’s choose wellness that’s honest. Let’s choose health that lasts.
