The ‘Beezin’ TikTok Trend Is Back: Here’s What Parents Need To Know
This is one trend we hoped to never see again.
Dangerous social media trends are nothing new. We’ve seen Gen Z stuff garlic up their nose to cure colds and tape their mouth shut at night to get better sleep. While some of these trends are gone for good, others have a way of popping back up, like the viral “Beezin” TikTok trend.
You may want to think twice before buying certain types of Burt’s Bees chapstick for your kids, at least until the trend cools off again. Deemed an “unsafe way to alter mental states” by TIME in 2014, and a “huge risk” by the U.S. Sun in 2023, this is not a trend you want your kids to try. Here’s what parents need to know about “Beezin.”
What is the “Beezin” trend?
“Beezin” refers to rubbing Burt’s Bees peppermint or menthol-flavored chapstick on your eyelids. According to TikTokers, it’s supposed to make you feel buzzed, high or super alert. Influencer @lilyknottmusic has over 36 million views on her “Beezin” TikTok: “putting burts bees on my eyelids on a night out without knowing what it does,” she said. She transitions to a clip with flashing lights at a party.
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One comment with over 59k likes explains: “I do it to stay awake, because the like fragrance is like minty and keeps me awake”.
Another top-liked comment with 50k likes refers to the high: “Apparently it makes ur grow wings and gives you superpowers 😱😭”.
Although currently popular with Gen Z, Millennials claimed this trend as their own in 2014 via YouTube and it was a concern back in 2005 as well—pre-social media trends. So, even if your child isn't very active on TikTok, this is something to be aware of.
Related: FDA Warns Against Viral NyQuil Chicken TikTok Trend
How are people “Beezin” on TikTok?
The most common use of the trend now is “Beezin” with a friend group. TikToker @helloitslaila posted a video of all her friends rubbing Burt’s Bees on their eyelids: “are we young now,” she said. Most kids try the trend right before they go to a party, like @zer0fs’s TikTok: “ellie and i every time we go out,” she said with multiple clips of them putting on Burt’s Bees.
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The trend has become so popular that #beezin on TikTok has over 19 million uses.
Why is “Beezin” dangerous?
"Beezin" is one way that kids are trying to alter their state of mind, using peppermint or menthol-flavored chapstick. And the concept is risky in and of itself—kids are seeking out a feeling of euphoria, which can easily be a gateway to trying real mind-altering substances.
But there are also some serious physical effects too. Doctors routinely warn against this trend, explaining that it can cause pink eye, inflammation, irritation and swelling. Even the Optometry Times has weighed in, claiming that irritation can escalate to inflammation that needs treatment.
How can you prevent kids from seeing “Beezin” on TikTok?
While there’s no guarantee that your kids won’t see a “Beezin” video, there are some things you can do to prevent it. According to TikTok, you can turn on “Restricted Mode”, limiting exposure to content that may not be appropriate for kids. Follow these steps to turn on Restricted Mode:
Tap “Profile” in the TikTok app.
Tap the “Menu” at the top.
Tap “Settings and privacy”.
Tap “Content preferences”, then tap “Restricted Mode”.
Choose a passcode to turn Restricted Mode on or off.
Here’s to hoping this trend disappears for good!
