Walk into any health store, scroll through TikTok, or browse the shelves of your favourite beauty retailer, and you\u2019ll be met with a familiar promise: that a pill, powder or potion could be the secret to glowing skin, boosted energy, or even inner \u201cdetoxification.\u201d Among the most hyped are chlorophyll \u2013 the green pigment in plants now found in trendy waters and tinctures \u2013 and collagen, the protein hailed as the holy grail for youthful skin and strong joints.<\/p>\n
But how much of the buzz is backed by science? And how much is just clever marketing dressed up in green juice and glossy packaging?<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s take a closer look to explore what they actually do, what the evidence says, and whether your money (and hopes) might be better spent elsewhere.<\/p>\n
Chlorophyll<\/p>\n
Dark leafy greens like kale and cavolo nero are well known for boosting levels of essential nutrients such as iron, folate and beta-carotene. They\u2019re also rich in chlorophyll \u2013 the pigment that plays a key role in photosynthesis, the process by which plants use sunlight to produce glucose and oxygen.<\/p>\n
Some wellness influencers, including Gwyneth Paltrow<\/a> and Kourtney Kardashian-Barker<\/a>, have popularised chlorophyll water as part of their daily health routines. Both promote it through their respective wellness brands \u2013 Goop<\/a> and Poosh<\/a> \u2013 touting a range of supposed benefits, from reducing body odour<\/a> to supporting detoxification. One of the more persistent claims is that chlorophyll \u2013 in water or supplement form \u2013 can \u201coxygenate\u201d<\/a> the blood.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n But as Ben Goldacre<\/a> \u2013 physician, academic and prominent critic of pseudoscience \u2013 has pointed out, that claim doesn\u2019t quite hold up. The human body, unlike a plant leaf, isn\u2019t flooded with sunlight. And without light, chlorophyll simply can\u2019t perform photosynthesis in the gut or bloodstream. It can\u2019t generate oxygen internally \u2013 no matter how green your smoothie.<\/p>\n So what does chlorophyll actually do? Aside from turning plants (and your poo) a vivid shade of green, its core function is to trap sunlight and convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. Cast your mind back to GCSE biology and the familiar photosynthesis equation<\/a> scribbled across the whiteboard.<\/p>\n Through this process, plants generate food for themselves and for animals \u2013 while releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. It\u2019s a pathway fundamental to life on Earth. But since we breathe in oxygen and eat carbohydrates, we\u2019ve managed to thrive without chlorophyll. And for it to work in humans the way it does in plants, it would surely need to be present in our skin \u2013 effectively turning us into the Wicked Witch of the West.<\/p>\n So what about those wider health claims? Supplement packaging for chlorophyllin<\/a> \u2013 a semi-synthetic, water-soluble form of chlorophyll thought to be more active \u2013 often promises detoxification, glowing skin, improved wound healing and even better body odour.<\/p>\n The suggested mechanisms? Chlorophyll may inhibit bacterial growth or neutralise foul-smelling compounds in the gut. It\u2019s also been proposed as a free radical<\/a> scavenger \u2013 mopping up the unstable molecules generated by toxins or metabolism that can damage tissues.<\/p>\n The evidence is mixed. A few (much older) studies suggest chlorophyllin can reduce the odour of faeces and flatulence<\/a>, although it might also turn them green. There\u2019s weaker evidence when it comes to halitosis<\/a> or body odour. Research supporting its role as an antioxidant is limited, and the buzz around weight loss is largely anecdotal. Realistically, any benefit in that department likely comes from a diet rich in greens \u2013 low in fat and high in fibre \u2013 rather than chlorophyll alone.<\/p>\n Where things get more promising is in wound care<\/a>. Chlorophyll-based dressings have been investigated for their ability to accelerate healing<\/a> and reduce odours from infected wounds.<\/p>\n Collagen<\/p>\n But chlorophyll isn\u2019t the only so-called \u201cmiracle\u201d substance being sold to the wellness crowd. Take collagen \u2013 arguably even more popular than any green powder or superfood pill.<\/p>\n Collagen is a protein and a natural component of connective tissue<\/a> found throughout the body. It gives strength and structure to the skin, bones, ligaments, blood vessels \u2013 even the heart and lungs. Without enough collagen \u2013 or in conditions where collagen production is impaired, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome<\/a> \u2013 tissues can become fragile, prone to damage or slow to heal.<\/p>\n All the more reason, then, to make sure our bodies can produce it. Collagen is made from amino acids \u2013 the building blocks of protein \u2013 so eating enough protein<\/a> is essential. Vitamin C<\/a> also plays a vital role, helping the body synthesise collagen from those amino acids.<\/p>\n But do we really need to supplement it? What does the evidence<\/a> say? Some studies suggest oral collagen supplements may help improve skin appearance, support joint health, increase bone strength<\/a>, and enhance muscle mass. But there\u2019s no convincing evidence that they promote weight loss or treat cardiovascular or autoimmune conditions \u2013 despite the lofty promises made by some brands.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Topical collagen products are even more widespread, but their scientific backing is thinner<\/a>. Collagen molecules are generally too large to be absorbed through the skin, meaning they\u2019re unlikely to have any meaningful impact on wrinkles. At best, they may hydrate the surface and offer a temporary plumping effect.<\/p>\n In short, the research is patchy \u2013 encouraging in some areas, inconclusive in others. And when it comes to supporting your body\u2019s natural collagen production, there may be more effective (and less expensive) options. Foods such as chicken, fish, eggs and bone broth<\/a> ensure a good protein intake. So too are collagen-supporting micronutrients, including vitamin C, copper and zinc<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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