Chlorophyll Supplements: Real User Experiences, Benefits, and Doubts
It started with a viral trend: people drinking tall glasses of green water and claiming their skin glowed, their digestion improved, and their body odour disappeared. Soon, "liquid chlorophyll" was everywhere - from social media feeds to supermarket supplement aisles.
But behind the influencer hype lies a mix of curiosity, genuine results, and confusion about what chlorophyll actually is. Technically, chlorophyll is the green pigment that allows plants to convert sunlight into energy - but most supplements on the market contain chlorophyllin, a semi-synthetic version bound with copper or sodium.
"Everyone on TikTok was drinking green water and saying it made their skin glow - I just wanted to see if it’s real." -trendcurious "It went viral overnight, suddenly every supplement aisle had bottles of ‘liquid chlorophyll.’" -socialsceptic "It’s weirdly satisfying to drink, like minty water, but I can’t tell if it’s actually doing anything." -freshstartuk
For many, the attraction lies in its simplicity - it’s green, it looks healthy, and it seems like an easy shortcut to detoxing or radiance. But do real users actually notice meaningful changes?
Why People Start Taking Chlorophyll
The reasons for trying chlorophyll are as varied as its shades of green. Some start out of pure curiosity, others after watching influencers credit it for "skin transformation" or "internal deodorant" effects. A few turn to it after struggling with acne, digestive issues, or persistent body odour.
"I bought it hoping it would help with hormonal acne - everything online said it detoxes the skin." -breakoutjourney
"Started for body odour, stayed because I just feel cleaner overall." -mintymornings
"I saw vegans recommending it for energy and digestion, so I added it to my morning routine." -plantpowereduk
These motivations reflect chlorophyll’s unique crossover appeal - it sits at the intersection of skincare, gut health, and natural wellness. The idea of "drinking your greens" resonates with those who already value plant-based living or want an effortless way to feel healthier without overhauling their diet.
Skin, Digestion & Energy: The Reported Benefits
Among those who see results, the improvements are often described as steady and subtle. The most common theme across user reviews is clearer skin - especially among those prone to hormonal or inflammatory acne.
"My skin cleared up after about two weeks. I didn’t change anything else, so I’m giving chlorophyll the credit." -clearglow88
Some believe the skin benefits stem from chlorophyll’s antioxidant and mild antibacterial properties, while others suggest it may simply improve hydration and detoxification through better digestion.
"It helped with my bloating and evened out my digestion - less cramping and gas." -gutbalance
Alongside digestion, energy and mood often come up as unexpected positives. While chlorophyll doesn’t contain caffeine, users often report a cleaner, steadier kind of alertness.
"Genuinely more awake and focused. I swapped coffee for this and feel better." -greenswap
These reports echo small studies suggesting chlorophyllin may help support oxygen transport and reduce oxidative stress - but the evidence is still limited. For most users, the difference seems to come from feeling refreshed, hydrated, and consistent with their wellness routines.
The Body Odour Connection
If one benefit stands out above all others, it’s the deodorising effect. Across forums, dozens of users mention a noticeable reduction in body odour - sometimes within days. This has led to chlorophyll being nicknamed "nature’s internal deodorant."
"I have hyperhidrosis and used to worry about smell - chlorophyll actually fixed that for me." -confidentagain
"After a week, my sweat stopped smelling completely. It’s like internal deodorant." -freshconvert
"Didn’t expect it to work, but even my partner noticed I don’t need deodorant as much." -honestswitch
This effect isn’t new - chlorophyllin was studied in the 1940s for its deodorising potential, particularly in medical settings for patients with wounds or incontinence. Modern users seem to rediscover this same benefit, particularly those with sweat-related odour or sensitivities to conventional deodorants.
Still, responses vary. Some people need higher doses or liquid forms to notice a difference, while others find tablets sufficient. The consensus: it doesn’t mask smell; it seems to neutralise it.
When Things Go Wrong: Side Effects & Green Surprises
Not every chlorophyll journey is smooth sailing. The most common complaints are digestive - bloating, mild nausea, or changes in bowel colour that can alarm first-time users.
"Nobody warned me about green poop - thought something was seriously wrong." -toomuchgreen
"It gave me awful nausea the first few days, like seaweed water sickness." -herbnovice
"Felt detox-y at first but then realised I was just taking too much too fast." -slowstart
While these effects are usually harmless, they highlight the confusion around dosage. Many people take far more than necessary, assuming more green equals more benefit. In reality, 100-300mg per day is plenty for most - and chlorophyll’s strong colour can cause visible "green" side effects even at normal doses.
Purity, Forms, and Brand Confusion
Perhaps the biggest source of misunderstanding is what’s actually in the bottle. Most "liquid chlorophyll" supplements are not true plant-derived chlorophyll but chlorophyllin, a semi-synthetic compound in which magnesium (found in natural chlorophyll) is replaced by copper or sodium.
"Most ‘liquid chlorophyll’ is actually chlorophyllin - not the same thing at all." -labelreader
Copper-based versions can cause nausea or discomfort for those sensitive to metals, and users are becoming increasingly aware of this difference.
"The copper-based ones made me queasy; switched to magnesium chlorophyll and it’s way gentler." -sensitivebelly
Transparency is a recurring theme in online discussions. With so many unregulated products sold online, users prefer brands that clearly disclose their source and composition.
"I only trust brands that show their ingredients clearly. The cheap Amazon ones are sketchy." -ingredienthawk
Brands like Now Foods, Nature’s Way, Synergy, and Double Wood are often mentioned positively for their clarity and testing. However, some users prefer food-based sources like wheatgrass or spirulina powders, which offer chlorophyll in its natural context - with fibre, magnesium, and other cofactors intact.
The Skeptics: "Just Eat Spinach"
Not everyone is convinced chlorophyll supplements are worth the price - or the hype. Many sceptics argue that the same nutrients can easily be obtained from a balanced diet rich in leafy greens.
"You can get the same thing from a green smoothie - why pay £25 for it?" -budgetbiologist
"It’s just chlorophyllin with copper. You’d be better off eating kale." -leaflover
"Did nothing for me. I’ll stick to salad." -minimalmeds
Their point isn’t wrong - real chlorophyll is abundant in vegetables like spinach, parsley, and chlorella. But supplements can offer convenience for people who struggle to maintain a nutrient-dense diet or who want a portable, low-effort routine. For some, it’s less about nutrition and more about accountability - the ritual of adding a green drink to their morning.
Unusual or Unexpected Experiences
Beyond the obvious claims of clearer skin and fresher breath, users report a surprising variety of secondary benefits - many of which haven’t been scientifically confirmed but are nonetheless intriguing.
"Weirdly enough, my period cramps got milder after a month of taking it." -cyclelight
"My hair seems thicker and shinier - could be placebo, but I’ll take it." -glowgrain
"Helped me recover faster after workouts, less muscle soreness." -fitandgreen
Some speculate these effects may be due to chlorophyll’s trace mineral content and antioxidant capacity, rather than the pigment itself. Whether placebo or real, the diversity of positive anecdotes has kept interest alive long after the TikTok trend cooled.
Pharmacist’s Perspective - Evidence, Risks, and Safe Use
"Chlorophyll supplements are mostly safe, but research on their benefits is limited," explains Alessandro Grenci, Superintendent Pharmacist at Medino.
Grenci points out that while chlorophyll has antioxidant and mild deodorising properties, the evidence for major health or skin benefits is still emerging.
"Copper-based chlorophyllin can upset digestion or cause nausea if overused. Stick to reputable brands and moderate doses." -Alessandro Grenci
He recommends that anyone interested in chlorophyll start with small doses and be aware of product labelling - especially distinguishing between natural and synthetic forms.
"They may support odour control or antioxidant intake, but shouldn’t replace fruits, vegetables, or medical treatment." -Alessandro Grenci
In short, chlorophyll can be a gentle wellness add-on, but it’s not a substitute for a balanced diet or skincare routine.
Conclusion - A Trend with Green Appeal, Not a Miracle
For many UK users, chlorophyll supplements deliver tangible but modest benefits. Skin looks slightly clearer, digestion feels easier, and odour control can be remarkable. But it’s not the miracle detox solution that social media promised.
"It’s fun to take, but don’t expect miracles - it’s not skincare in a bottle." -realisticremedy
"I’ll keep using it for freshness, but greens and hydration still matter more." -simplewellbeing
"Worth trying if you’re curious, just don’t buy into all the detox marketing." -greenguide
At its best, chlorophyll can be a pleasant way to add colour - and perhaps a mild antioxidant lift - to your daily routine. At its worst, it’s a pricey green placebo. The difference, as always, lies in expectations, quality, and consistency.
And if in doubt, remember what one sceptical user said: you can always just eat spinach.
