Doctors Debunk TikTok’s ‘DIY Botox’: Two-ingredient ‘miracle cream’ made from flaxseed and water becomes the latest beauty hack to sweep social media – but scientists say it’s nonsense
Because it costs up to £400 per round, Botox can be an expensive investment.
So perhaps it’s no wonder that a two-ingredient DIY Botox has become the latest sensation to take over Tiktok.
Made from flaxseed and water, beauty bloggers from all over the world claim that the homemade serum has a freezing effect on their skin, just like Botox.
US-based Jenna, who goes by the handle @itsjennnnnaa, shared her innovative beauty regime with followers on the social media app, helping the video rack up nearly two million views.
The post attracted numerous comments from viewers, desperate to know how long to leave the mask on and how many times a day it should be applied.
However, despite the popularity of the trend, doctors have discredited the flaxseed gel trend and warned that it should not be used in place of Botox.
US-based Jenna, who goes by the handle @itsjennnnnaa, revealed her innovative beauty regimen to her followers on the social media app
Jenna shared every step in a TikTok video, including squeezing the formula through cheesecloth
Hundreds of people have made the sticky liquid and claimed health benefits
In the clip, Jenna, one of thousands who have tried the trend, combined two tablespoons of flaxseed and two cups of water in a saucepan before bringing it to a boil. She simmered the liquid gel for 10 minutes and then poured it into a cheesecloth.
The next step, which she described as either “very disgusting or very satisfying,” was squeezing the liquid through the cloth into a bowl.
The product can then be stored in the refrigerator for up to 30 days before being spread over the skin as a facial mask.
Jenna admitted that she was hesitant to experiment with flaxseed because she has sensitive skin. However, she said she was “so happy” she did and emphasized that her skin responded exceptionally well.
She then demonstrated the results by showing that her forehead appeared ‘frozen’ after applying the formula.
One fan commented: ‘I’ve been using chia and flaxseed for a few months now and my face feels like I’ve had a facial, it’s crazy!’, while another claimed: ‘Flaxseed gel has saved me from eczema/dermatitis’.
Meanwhile, someone else added: ‘It’s also a non-toxic alternative to hair gel.’
But medical experts advise against the slimy formula because it has no scientific basis.
Dr. Max, a popular Tiktok creator with nearly 400,000 followers, explained that it’s “not even close” to Botox.
The TikToker showed off the results of using the flaxseed serum, showing how her forehead didn’t budge after the formula was applied
However, doctors have claimed that it is nonsense and that there are no benefits. Dr. Max, (pictured), a popular Tiktok creator with almost 400,000 followers, explained that it is ‘not even close’ to Botox
A dermatologist (left) said it ‘won’t penetrate’ the skin
“There are so many gray areas when it comes to skin and scalp,” he explained.
“Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it can’t irritate your skin.”
“I can tell you definitively that flaxseed applied topically to the skin is not, I repeat, not Botox,” said Dr. Jennifer Ashton. Chief medical correspondent for ABC News.
‘It doesn’t work in the same way as Botox, it doesn’t have the same properties as Botox.’
Cosmetic Botox acts as a neuromodulator, causing temporary muscle paralysis to smooth the skin by minimizing wrinkles and fine lines.
Botox is derived from botulinum toxin and can also be used to treat several health conditions, including chronic migraines, spastic disorders, cervical dystonia, and detrusor hyperactivity.
The gel you often see on TikTok is made from dry flaxseed, soaked in boiling water and stored in the refrigerator for up to 30 days.
“If you apply it to your face, there is a possibility that you may experience some contact irritation, dermatitis and possibly even an allergic reaction,” Ashton warned.
“The biggest risk here – and this goes for almost every medical trend on TikTok – is that someone follows this as qualified, credible medical advice and information. It’s not.’
“Your skin is the largest organ in the body,” she continued. ‘That means that anything you put on your skin can and will be absorbed into your bloodstream. So choose wisely.’
As an alternative, Ashton suggested opting for natural oils, such as olive oil, coconut oil or avocado oil, as a full-body moisturizer, over products with chemical ingredients.