The Rise of Green Chilli as a Lip Plumper: Trend or Danger?
Beauty influencers are known for pushing the boundaries of creativity. Shubhangi Anand, a beauty influencer from Delhi, has found herself at the center of a viral controversy with her unconventional approach to lip plumping. In a recent Instagram video, Anand swapped traditional lip plumpers for a sliced green chilli, claiming it to be a “natural” way to achieve fuller lips. The video quickly went viral, racking up millions of views, but the reactions have been mixed—some people are amused, while others are deeply concerned about the potential risks of such an unusual beauty hack.
What Is a Lip Plumper?
A lip plumper is a cosmetic product specifically designed to provide a temporary boost to lip volume and appearance. These products typically work by:
Stimulating blood flow: Ingredients like menthol and cinnamon can increase circulation to the lips, leading to a fuller look.
Hydrating and filling the lips: Hyaluronic acid and other humectants draw moisture into the lips, making them appear plumper.
Triggering collagen production: Some lip plumpers claim to boost collagen for a longer-lasting effect.
These products are available in various forms, including glosses, serums, and balms. Cosmetic procedures can also enhance lip volume permanently. Research, such as a 2018 study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, has shown that lip plumping products can increase lip volume significantly within minutes of application.
The Green Chilli Lip Plumper Hack:
In the video, Anand, dressed in traditional Indian attire and adorned with intricate jewelry, demonstrates the hack. She takes a green chilli, slices it open, and rubs the exposed end across her lips. While the immediate effect seems to be a fuller look, Anand’s visible discomfort as she feels the heat from the chilli suggests the method may not be as painless as advertised. Despite the burning sensation, she proceeds with the rest of her makeup routine, adding a lip tint and gloss to complete the look. The beauty influencer's video, which has racked up over 23 million views, ends with a provocative question: "Would you try?" The post has ignited a fierce online discussion and sparked heated reactions from viewers. Many viewers have voiced concerns about the safety of applying chilli directly to the skin.
Capsicum: What Is It?
Capsicum, the scientific name for chilli peppers, belongs to a group of flowering plants in the Solanaceae family, commonly known as the nightshade family. The heat produced by these peppers is due to capsaicin, a compound that has applications in cooking, pain relief, and even cosmetics. Capsaicin is the active ingredient responsible for the tingling sensation when applied to the lips and is used in some commercial lip-plumping products. However, its use should always be controlled and formulated for safe skin application.
Are There Any Benefits of Using Green Chilli?
Green chillies contain capsaicin, a compound that gives them their signature heat. When applied to the lips, capsaicin can:
Temporarily increase blood flow, causing lips to swell and appear fuller
Cause irritation, redness, and even burns due to its intense heat, especially on sensitive areas like the lips
This highlights the dual nature of capsaicin, which can provide a temporary cosmetic effect but also poses risks of irritation and discomfort. This effect is short-lived, as it is more of an irritant response rather than a genuine volumizing effect. Doctors and skincare experts were quick to warn against the potential for severe reactions, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin. One dermatologist pointed out that such hacks could also lead to long-term damage, such as hyperpigmentation, if the skin is exposed to sunlight after the chilli application.
Social Media Backlash:
The backlash has been fierce, with many social media users criticizing Anand for promoting dangerous and unrealistic beauty standards. One commenter described the hack as “insane,” while others accused influencers like Anand of encouraging reckless behavior in pursuit of social media attention. Some pointed out that these kinds of trends can have harmful consequences, especially for young followers who may be more inclined to try extreme beauty methods. One frustrated viewer remarked, “People will do anything crazy just for attention,” echoing the growing frustration with influencers who push unproven, potentially harmful beauty trends.
However, not all responses were negative. A few viewers defended Anand, suggesting that natural remedies like this one should be given more attention, especially in a world where people are increasingly dependent on synthetic beauty products. While one commenter argued that natural alternatives like green chilli are preferable to synthetic products, the majority of responses were overwhelmingly critical of using green chilli as a lip plumper.
The real concern lies in the risks involved. While traditional lip plumping products, such as those containing hyaluronic acid or collagen-boosting ingredients, are formulated to be safe and effective, the green chilli hack doesn’t offer any guarantees. Not only can it cause irritation and swelling, but it also lacks the controlled formulation and testing that go into commercial beauty products. More importantly, there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that rubbing chilli on your lips is a reliable or safe way to plump them.
Conclusion:
Beauty trends have always been a topic of fascination and debate, but in the age of social media, where trends spread quickly and influencers often drive what’s considered “beautiful,” there’s an added layer of responsibility. While it’s true that the internet thrives on quirky, outlandish experiments, some of these trends, like the green chilli lip plumping hack, may go too far. For anyone tempted to try it, the advice is clear: proceed with caution—or better yet, skip it altogether.
Instead of following potentially dangerous trends, it’s always safer to stick with products designed for the purpose at hand. Lip plumpers that use ingredients like peppermint oil or hyaluronic acid are specifically made to enhance lip volume without the risk of burns or irritation. While they might not be as attention-grabbing as a chilli hack, they’re far more likely to deliver the desired results without any unpleasant side effects.
Reference:
HealthShots. "Green Chilli as a Lip Plumper." Accessed December 11, 2024. https://www.healthshots.com/health-news/green-chilli-as-a-lip-plumper/.
Dr. Nima London. "How Capsicum Works in Lip Plumpers." Accessed December 11, 2024. https://www.drnimalondon.com/blog/how-capsicum-works-in-lip-plumpers/.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)