Sharpie Lip Liner Trend Goes Viral Despite Health Risks from Toxic Chemicals

In a bizarre twist of beauty trends, social media influencers are now touting the "Sharpie lip liner" hack, using everyday permanent markers to outline their lips before topping them with gloss or lipstick. Yes, you heard that right—those same Sharpies you used for labeling boxes are now doubling as a budget-friendly alternative to traditional lip liners, with shades like red and coral stealing the spotlight on countless viral videos.

While some users rave about the cost-saving trick, others aren’t so sure. One TikTok influencer admitted, "My lips weren’t burning, but they were drying out fast. I could taste and smell the chemicals." And honestly, that’s where the red flags start waving. Dr. Brooke Jeffy, a dermatologist from Scottsdale, Arizona, didn’t mince words when she called this trend downright risky. She pointed out that Sharpie ink contains chemicals like xylene, toluene, and urethane resin—substances more at home in paint thinners and gasoline than on your face.

"The risk just isn’t worth it," Dr. Jeffy warned, highlighting potential health concerns from absorbing these toxins through the skin. She also noted the irony of a society that shuns safe cosmetic ingredients while embracing something as toxic as marker ink. Even Sharpie’s own website advises against skin application, stating their products are for artistic use, not personal grooming.

For those who’ve already tried it, Dr. Jeffy isn’t sounding the panic alarm just yet. Her advice? Simple—stop doing it. This trend might look like a creative shortcut, but it’s a gamble with your health. Let’s stick to products actually made for our faces, shall we?