Don't Try It! This Is The Danger Of Using Spidol As A Lip Liner

Illustration of using markers for lip liners (Tiktok/Rachelmen)

JAKARTA - The trend of beauty is increasing every time, including the unusual and worrying for experts. One of them is the trend of using the marker as a lip liner or lip liner, which is widely uploaded on TikTok.

The idol they use is Sharpie, a permanent marker brand that is usually used for writing or drawing on a non-slit surface. This trend suddenly reaps the spotlight of health experts.

A certified dermatologist based in Arizona, Dr. Brooke Jeffy, said that the trend of using permanent markers as lip liners should not be tried. He said that the trend is unsafe and has the potential to endanger health.

Permanent markers usually contain chemicals such as xylene, toluene, andurethane resin. These ingredients are commonly found in paint solvents, metal cleaners, to gasoline.

If used on the skin, these ingredients do risk irritation, skin damage, especially sensitive and thin lip area skin which can make the risk even greater. These materials can also cause toxic effects on the body.

The risk is not comparable. I'm afraid the chemicals in the marker can be absorbed into the body and cause toxic effects," Jeffy said, quoted by Fox News Digital, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

Jeffy emphasized that the trend of using permanent markers as lip liners must be stopped. He suggested that people use beauty products that have been formulated safe for the skin.

"Ironically, we live in an era where people are so afraid of certain cosmetic ingredients that are actually safe, but instead receive dangerous chemicals just because they are trending," he said.

Meanwhile, on Sharpie's official website, the product marker is indeed safe for the use of art. However, the product is also not recommended for use to the skin, so it is not good to be used as a lip liner.