A beauty hack endorsed by K-pop star Jang Wonyoung of IVE—drinking extra virgin olive oil mixed with fresh lemon juice on an empty stomach—has exploded across social media, but hundreds of users are now reporting the opposite of the promised results: inflamed acne, painful mouth ulcers, and irritated skin. Nutritionists warn the extreme “Olle Shot” routine can damage digestion, aggravate oral tissues, and trigger harmful reactions in vulnerable individuals.
The Viral Ritual That Sparked a Global Craze
The so-called Olle Shot gained traction after IVE member Jang Wonyoung revealed her morning ritual of consuming a blend of extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice before breakfast. Fans and beauty enthusiasts worldwide began replicating the practice, fueled by early anecdotal reports of improved skin clarity and a radiant complexion. The logic seemed sound: olive oil is rich in polyphenols, and lemon juice delivers a potent dose of vitamin C—both antioxidants that combat free radicals from UV exposure and pollution, supporting collagen production and skin elasticity.
When the Glow Turned to Grief
But as the trend spread, so did complaints. Across platforms like Xiaohongshu and Instagram, a wave of users posted images of dense breakouts along their jawlines, foreheads, and behind the ears. Others described developing clusters of tiny bumps and recurring canker sores inside their mouths. Many noted they had experienced no such skin issues before starting the regimen.
Ufood interviewed Natural Plus Chief Nutritionist Kennie Siu, who explained the backlash is a textbook case of extreme dieting gone wrong. “Drinking pure fat plus a strong acid on an empty stomach places enormous stress on the digestive system,” Siu said. “For anyone with a sensitive gut, that stress triggers cortisol release, which directly impacts skin health and can cause acute acne flare-ups.”
Why Mouth Ulcers Appear
The high acidity of undiluted lemon juice strips the protective mucosal lining of the mouth. Micro-abrasions or minor irritations—often unnoticed—become severely aggravated, rapidly developing into painful ulcers known as canker sores.
Three Groups Must Avoid This Trend Entirely
Kennie Siu cautioned that the Olle Shot is not simply a matter of choosing a higher-quality oil. “The problem is the method itself—not the brand or grade,” she emphasized. She identified three categories of people who should never attempt this routine:
- Individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): The combination of acidic lemon and high-fat oil relaxes the esophageal sphincter and delays stomach emptying, worsening heartburn and acid reflux.
- Those with gallbladder disease or bile insufficiency: A sudden influx of pure fat can provoke painful gallbladder contractions, potentially leading to bile duct obstruction or severe colic.
- People on long-term medication: Fat slows gastric emptying, altering drug absorption rates. The high vitamin C content can also interfere with liver metabolism of statins and antihistamines.
A Safer, Scientifically Backed Approach
Siu recommends a gentler method to reap the antioxidant benefits without risking side effects. Start the day with a large glass of warm water infused with two slices of fresh lemon. At breakfast, drizzle one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over scrambled eggs or whole-grain toast. This allows the body to digest fat and acid alongside other nutrients, reducing gastrointestinal distress while still delivering polyphenols and vitamin C.
If any unusual skin or digestive symptoms arise after trying a new dietary practice, Siu advises immediate cessation and consultation with a healthcare professional.
The Bigger Picture: When Fads Outpace Facts
The Olle Shot episode highlights a recurring issue in the wellness industry: celebrity-endorsed shortcuts that ignore individual biochemistry. While the core ingredients are undeniably healthy, consuming them in isolation—and on an empty stomach—turns a nutritional asset into a liability. As more users share their “detox disasters,” the lesson is clear: what works for one person may harm another, and sustainable skin health comes from balanced, whole-food habits, not extreme rituals.
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