4 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Do the Borax TikTok Challenge

Despite the online claims, consuming borax will not improve your health — but could instead have potentially damaging effects.

By Allison Futterman
Sep 9, 2023 2:00 PM
Borax used as laundry detergent
(Credit: Michelle Lee Photography/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Borax was first mined in the Mojave Desert in the late 1880s, when wagon teams of 18 mules and two horses pulled huge loads of it out of Death Valley. A chemical compound, borax contains the element boron. Three-quarters of the world’s boron reserves are in Turkey, while the rest is mined from the town of Boron, California.

Since it was discovered, borax has been used for many reasons and has recently been the subject of a popular TikTok challenge. However, the challenge claims that it will improve a variety of health conditions, ranging from arthritis to erectile dysfunction, which isn’t backed by scientific evidence.

People are consuming borax by mixing it into water or another liquid. Others are bathing in it. But spreading this misinformation could put some people's health at risk. Here are 4 reasons why you shouldn’t try this challenge.

1. It’s Boron That May Have Health Benefits, Not Borax

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.