Hailey Bieber’s Olive Oil Morning Ritual Goes Viral, but Does It Really Work?

When celebrities share their wellness habits, the internet pays attention. The latest trend making waves across social media comes from model and entrepreneur Hailey Bieber, who recently revealed that one of her non-negotiable morning rituals is taking a shot of extra-virgin olive oil mixed with lemon juice before consuming anything else. What might sound more like a salad dressing recipe than a wellness routine has quickly become one of the most talked-about health trends online, with thousands of people wondering whether this simple habit could improve digestion, boost skin health, and even “detox” the body.

According to recent interviews, Bieber has been taking a shot of olive oil and lemon every morning for several months. She described it as a practice that helps “coat the gut” and contributes to feeling good throughout the day. The revelation quickly spread across TikTok, Instagram, and wellness blogs, turning a relatively niche habit into a viral conversation.

The popularity of the trend is not entirely surprising. Olive oil has long been associated with the Mediterranean diet, one of the most extensively researched eating patterns in the world. Numerous studies have linked regular consumption of extra-virgin olive oil to better heart health, lower inflammation, and improved long-term health outcomes. Researchers have also found associations between olive oil consumption and reduced risks of certain chronic diseases.

However, the key question is whether drinking olive oil as a morning shot provides special benefits beyond simply including it in a healthy diet. This is where the scientific evidence becomes less convincing. While nutrition experts generally agree that extra-virgin olive oil is a nutritious food rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, there is little evidence that consuming it on an empty stomach creates unique effects that cannot be achieved through normal dietary intake.

One of the most common claims surrounding the trend is that it “detoxes” the body. Experts are largely skeptical of this idea. Medical professionals consistently point out that the liver, kidneys, and digestive system already perform the body’s detoxification processes naturally. No single drink, supplement, or food can suddenly enhance these functions in the dramatic way social media posts often suggest. While olive oil and lemon are nutritious ingredients, there is no strong scientific evidence supporting the claim that an olive oil shot flushes toxins from the body.

The digestive-health claim is somewhat more nuanced. Some nutrition experts note that olive oil may help support regular bowel movements and digestive comfort in certain individuals. Lemon juice can also stimulate digestive activity for some people. As a result, individuals who struggle with mild constipation or sluggish digestion may notice subjective improvements after incorporating the habit into their routine. However, these effects vary significantly from person to person and should not be viewed as guaranteed outcomes.

Another reason the trend has gained traction is the promise of glowing skin. Olive oil contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that support overall health, and healthy dietary fats play a role in maintaining skin function. Yet dermatologists and nutrition experts caution that drinking olive oil is unlikely to produce dramatic cosmetic changes on its own. Clear, healthy skin is typically influenced by a combination of genetics, sun protection, skincare practices, hydration, sleep quality, and overall nutrition rather than a single morning ritual.

Weight-loss claims have also become attached to the trend, but the evidence here is particularly weak. Some proponents argue that olive oil promotes fullness and reduces cravings. While healthy fats can contribute to satiety, olive oil is also calorie-dense. A tablespoon contains well over 100 calories, meaning regular consumption without adjustments elsewhere in the diet could actually increase overall calorie intake. Experts emphasize that olive oil can be part of a healthy weight-management plan, but it is not a shortcut to rapid fat loss.

There are also potential downsides to consider. Some people may experience digestive discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, or acid reflux after consuming olive oil on an empty stomach. Others may simply find the taste unpleasant enough that maintaining the habit becomes unrealistic. Health professionals generally recommend moderation and caution against assuming that more olive oil automatically equals better health.

What many experts do agree on is that the quality of the olive oil matters. If someone chooses to try the trend, high-quality extra-virgin olive oil is generally considered the best option because it contains the highest levels of beneficial polyphenols and antioxidants. Lower-quality refined oils may not offer the same nutritional profile.

The viral popularity of Bieber’s routine also highlights a larger phenomenon in wellness culture. Celebrity habits often gain attention not because they are revolutionary but because they feel simple and accessible. Unlike expensive treatments or complicated supplement regimens, a spoonful of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon seem easy for almost anyone to try. The simplicity makes the trend appealing, even when the scientific evidence does not fully support the more dramatic claims surrounding it.

So, does Hailey Bieber’s olive oil morning ritual really work? The most accurate answer is yes and no. Olive oil itself is undoubtedly a healthy food with well-documented benefits, and some people may experience improved digestion or feel better incorporating it into their routine. However, the idea that an olive oil and lemon shot can detox the body, transform skin overnight, or trigger significant weight loss is not supported by strong scientific evidence. The real benefits likely come from consuming extra-virgin olive oil regularly as part of an overall healthy lifestyle rather than treating it as a miracle morning cure.

In the end, Bieber’s viral ritual falls into a familiar category of wellness trends: not completely baseless, but certainly not magical. For most people, incorporating high-quality olive oil into balanced meals may provide the same long-term health benefits without the need to start every morning with what Bieber herself jokingly described as a gulp of salad dressing.