Viral: What is the Sharpie lip liner trend? Why are doctors warning against it?

Lip liners have been the 'IT' thing in beauty this year. From celebrities like Zendaya popularising them in the mainstream media to brands like Rhode and Rare Beauty launching their own lines, enhancing lips through liners and glosses has been the focus in 2025.Now, a new trend called the 'Sharpie lip liner' trend is going viral on the internet with influencers participating eagerly. However, doctors are staunchly advising against the trend for obvious health concerns.In the trend, people apply a standard Sharpie in shades matching their lipstick or lip gloss on the edges of their mouths before going over it with either of the two.As is usual with any trend, people have been jumping in on the trend asking influencers what shade of Sharpie they are using without being concerned about them literally applying ink on their lips. Others are even commending their financial viability when compared to the traditional lip liners that have risen in cost due to the high demand this year.Dr Brooke Jeffy, a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona told Fox News Digital that she finds the trend concerning. “The risk is not worth it,” she said. Permanent markers including popular brands like Sharpie contain ink that is made from the chemicals xylene, toluene and urethane resin, as per the website of The Northern New England Poison Centre.Toluene particularly, is found in other solvents and chemicals such as paint pigments, thinner, metal cleaners and gasoline.“I would just have concerns that some of these potential toxins would get absorbed to a level that might be concerning for overall health risks,” Jeffy cautioned.“It’s just so interesting that we live in a world where people are so polarized against certain ingredients that actually are completely safe to use, and they’re embracing using a substance that does actually contain toxins.”Sharpie's website itself warns against using the product on skin. “While Sharpie markers are safe for artistic purposes, caution is advised against using them on skin, as they are not designed for that application,” the site states.Some influencers themselves have been warning people against the trend. “My lips were not burning, but I could definitely feel my lips drying out,” one user reported in a TikTok voice-over. “I wouldn’t recommend doing this regularly … I can definitely taste and smell the chemicals on me.”