Delhi Influencer’s Green Chilli Lip Plumper Hack Sparks Controversy: Experts Warn of Skin Damage

A viral Instagram video by Delhi-based beauty influencer Shubhangi Anand has taken the internet by storm, amassing over 24 million views. In the video, Anand demonstrates a so-called “natural lip plumper” hack by rubbing a sliced green chilli on her lips. While the bold experiment has sparked amusement and curiosity, it has also drawn sharp criticism from dermatologists and netizens alike for promoting risky beauty practices. Experts, including Dr. Teena Singh, a facial aesthetics specialist from Lucknow, have warned that this trend could cause significant skin damage, particularly for those with sensitive or chapped lips. This article delves into the controversy, the science behind the hack, and safer alternatives for achieving fuller lips.

The Viral Green Chilli Lip Plumper Hack

In her now-viral Instagram reel, Shubhangi Anand, dressed in traditional attire, slices a green chilli and rubs its exposed end onto her lips. The video, captioned “Would you try?” with chilli and fire emojis, shows her applying a lip tint and gloss afterward, seemingly to enhance the plumping effect. The clip has garnered millions of views, with reactions ranging from amusement to outright condemnation. While some viewers found the hack intriguing, many criticized Anand for promoting a dangerous beauty trend that could harm delicate lip skin. Social media comments labeled the method as “reckless” and “the dumbest thing on the internet,” highlighting concerns about unrealistic beauty standards and health risks.

The controversy surrounding Anand’s video underscores a broader issue in the influencer-driven beauty industry: the pressure to create attention-grabbing content often overshadows safety. As beauty trends go viral, followers—particularly younger audiences—may be tempted to try unverified hacks without understanding the potential consequences. This incident has reignited discussions about the responsibility of influencers to prioritize health over clout.

Expert Reaction: Why Green Chilli is Harmful for Lips

Dr. Teena Singh, a facial aesthetics expert and hair transplant surgeon from Lucknow, responded to the viral video with a stark warning about the dangers of using green chillies as a lip plumper. “In reality, if anyone applies chilli or any such compound on their lips, irritation will occur first. This irritation can lead to inflammation, resulting in vasodilation, which is the increase in blood flow and expansion of blood vessels. While this may create a temporary plumper appearance, it is not a reliable or safe method for achieving fuller lips,” Dr. Singh explained on Instagram.

The active compound in chillies, capsaicin, is responsible for the burning sensation and temporary swelling observed when applied to the skin. However, this reaction is an inflammatory response rather than a true plumping effect. Dr. Singh emphasized that individuals with sensitive skin or pre-existing conditions like cracked or chapped lips are at higher risk. “Using chilli on cracked lips can lead to severe inflammation and further damage to the skin,” she cautioned, noting that such damage could exacerbate discomfort and increase the likelihood of infections.

Is It Scientifically Safe?

The science behind using green chillies as a lip plumper hinges on capsaicin, the compound that gives chillies their heat. Capsaicin triggers vasodilation, increasing blood flow to the lips and causing temporary swelling and redness. While this may mimic the appearance of fuller lips, dermatologists stress that this effect is not a genuine enhancement but rather an irritant response. The temporary plumping comes at a cost, as capsaicin can cause a range of adverse effects, including:

• Severe Irritation: Capsaicin can cause intense burning, stinging, or discomfort, particularly on the delicate skin of the lips.
• Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may develop allergic responses, leading to swelling, rashes, or blisters.
• Pigmentation Issues: Prolonged use or sun exposure after application can result in hyperpigmentation, leaving dark patches on the lips.
• Long-Term Damage: Repeated irritation can weaken the lip’s skin barrier, increasing susceptibility to dryness, cracking, or infections.

Dr. Shareefa Chause, a dermatologist from Mumbai, echoed these concerns in a recent statement, noting that applying chillies can cause “intense burning, redness, peeling, and even blistering.” She emphasized that the risks far outweigh the short-lived cosmetic benefits, especially for those with sensitive skin or pre-existing lip conditions. The consensus among experts is clear: green chillies are not a safe or reliable method for lip enhancement.

Safer Alternatives for Lip Enhancement

For those seeking fuller lips without risking skin damage, dermatologists recommend safer, scientifically backed alternatives. Over-the-counter lip plumpers containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, menthol, or peptides are designed to hydrate and temporarily enhance lip volume without causing irritation. These products work by stimulating blood flow or retaining moisture, offering a gentle plumping effect that lasts for hours.

For more permanent results, professional treatments such as hyaluronic acid-based lip fillers, performed under medical supervision, provide natural-looking volume with minimal risks. These procedures are conducted in clinical settings by trained dermatologists or aestheticians, ensuring safety and efficacy. Unlike the green chilli hack, these options are formulated to protect the delicate lip skin while delivering reliable results.

Additionally, maintaining lip health through proper hydration and care can enhance their natural appearance. Regular use of moisturizing lip balms containing ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E, or aloe vera can keep lips soft, smooth, and naturally plump. Drinking adequate water and consuming a nutrient-rich diet also supports overall skin health, contributing to a fuller, healthier lip appearance.

The Bigger Picture: Influencer Responsibility and Beauty Trends

The green chilli lip plumper trend is part of a larger wave of influencer-driven beauty hacks that prioritize virality over safety. In April 2025, the India Influencer Governance Council (IIGC) introduced a Code of Standards to address misleading and harmful content promoted by influencers. This initiative highlights the growing need for accountability in the digital beauty space, where unverified hacks can lead to physical harm or unrealistic beauty expectations.

Social media platforms like Instagram amplify trends at lightning speed, often without sufficient scrutiny. While Anand’s video may have been intended as a quirky experiment, its massive reach underscores the influence of such content on impressionable audiences. Comments on the video, such as “Inappropriate beauty standards and insane methods to achieve those standards,” reflect public frustration with influencers who promote risky practices for attention.

This incident also draws parallels to past controversies, such as Hollywood actress Blake Lively’s admission of using chilli peppers in lip gloss during her high school years. While such anecdotes may seem harmless, they highlight a recurring pattern of unconventional beauty hacks that prioritize temporary results over long-term safety. Dermatologists urge consumers to approach viral trends with caution and prioritize expert-backed methods to protect their skin.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional before trying any beauty hacks, especially those involving irritants like chillies, to avoid potential skin damage or complications.