‘Beezin’ With Burt’s Bees Lip Balm Dangerous, Doctor Speaks Out Against Viral Tik Tok Trend

TikTok has come up with yet another trend that doctors are now calling out. From ‘dry scooping’ to ‘ the orbeez challenge’, the social media app has long gained notoriety for introducing the most ridiculous, risky, and sometimes life-threatening trends.

Beezin’, as it is known, is recent of them. Though the practice started initially in 2004 and its popularity saw on and off stages since it is reportedly making a comeback via Tik Tok again. Beezin’ involves applying Burt’s Bees lip balm on the eyelids to get a sense of being high.

Dr. Olivia Killeen, an ophthalmologist at the University of Michigan says, “Beezin’ is a viral trend that’s been around since around 2004 but has kind of come and gone since that time,” 

“It involves people putting Burt’s Bees chapstick on their eyelids to get a sense of being high or enhancing their experience while drinking or using other substances.”

Is Burt’s Bees Lip Balm Really Dangerous?

Burt’s Bees is a brand of lip balm founded in the US in 1984. Beezers use menthol or peppermint-flavored versions on their eyelids, to experience the sensation it creates. It causes a stinging feeling in the eyes and is purported to induce or heighten the sensation of being drunk or high or create a state or perceived state of enhanced alertness. It is reportedly used with addictive and intoxicating substances to enhance the effects of these drugs.

Killeen warns about the risks and aftereffects of beezin’ using Burt’s Bees lip balm.

“Putting substances on the eyelids that weren’t designed for the eyelids can cause irritation, redness, pain, and even chemical burns,” Killeen notes.

Eyelids are delicate and sensitive parts of the human body and are supposed to protect the eyes from outside particles. Being directly related to the eyes, and in close proximity to them, eyelids are at-risk areas when it comes to the safety of your eyes. One has to be wary of what one puts on the eyelids or brings close to the eyes. 

Dr. Killeen goes on: “That’s the eyelids themselves, and then anytime we put things on our eyelids, there’s a high chance that they’re going to get into the eyes. And if they get into our eyes, again, it can cause redness, pain, tearing, swelling, and in really severe situations, it could cause infections or even ulcers that would lead to scarring and vision loss.”

Peppermint oil is an ingredient in Burt’s Bees lip balm, which is responsible for causing the stinging sensation that is now spinning this Tik Tok trend. Peppermint oil is an eye irritant, with a potential to “develop into a full-blown inflammatory response requiring treatment”(1).

Such are the potential side effects of putting Burt’s Bees lip balm on your eyelids. It is recommended to consult your physician immediately if you experience any concerning symptoms after applying Burt’s Bees lip balm on your eyelids, or if it accidentally gets into your eyes.

Another aspect of it is using the same stick that you used on your lips for beezin’. This can cause cross-contamination. Germs from the mouth that are otherwise not much of a concern, can be very dangerous when it comes to the eyes.

“It could have viruses or bacteria from your mouth, and when you put them on your eyelids, or they get into your eyes, you’re introducing those bugs right onto the surface of the eyes, and that puts you at risk for infection,” Killeen explains.

Eyesight being central to our lives, the eyes are not to be meddled with for fleeting pleasures. Killeen urges parents to discuss the risks of the practice with their children and teenagers.

“Trends like this can be really damaging, cause temporary irritation, or cause long-term and permanent problems because it’s something that’s become viral on TikTok. We want to get out ahead of it and recommend that people don’t do it. Our vision is precious, so it’s just not worth it.” Killen makes her point.

There are others that believe that ‘beezin’ is not as big of an issue as people make it out to be. According to them, it is not widespread as the media claims or is entirely made up. They describe it as an instance of ‘moral panic(2)’. A moral panic is a widespread feeling of fear, often an irrational one, that something or someone threatens the values, interests, or well-being of a community or society. It is “the process of arousing social concern over an issue”, usually perpetuated by moral entrepreneurs and mass media coverage, and exacerbated by politicians and lawmakers. Moral panic can give rise to new laws aimed at controlling the community.