Beezin' Explained

Beezin' is the practice of applying Burt's Bees brand lip balm, often menthol or peppermint flavored, to one's eyelids.^[1] This practice, besides causing a stinging in the eyes, is purported to induce or heighten the sensation of being drunk or high,^[2] or create a state or perceived state of enhanced alertness.^{[3] [4]} Some commentators have claimed that the practice is not widespread as claimed or is entirely made up, an example of a moral panic.^[3]

Dangers

Peppermint oil in the product is an eye irritant, with a potential to develop into a full-blown inflammatory response requiring treatment.^[5] Beezin' can also cause dermatitis in skin areas around the eyes.^[5] It's been suggested that beezin' can also cause pinkeye^{[2] [6] [7] [8]} as well as being a gateway to riskier behaviors.^{[9] [10]}

Notes and References

1. Web site: What is beezin'? (It involves lip balm and eyelids) . Mac King . December 6, 2013 . WNYW (Channel 5 NYC) . September 29, 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20141006074914/http://www.myfoxny.com/story/24159253/what-is-beezin-it-involves-lip-balm-and-eyelids . October 6, 2014 .
2. Web site: Beezin' May Be Bogus, But Other Dopey Teen Fads Can Bite Back . Maanvi Singh . May 20, 2014 . Shots . NPR . September 29, 2014.
3. Web site: Beezin: The Awesome New Fake Teen Drug Panic Involving Lipbalm and Eyelids . Katherine Mangu-Ward . Apr 25, 2014 . Reason Online . September 29, 2014.
4. Web site: New warning about Burt's Bees? Teens using lip balm on eyelids to enhance effects of alcohol, drugs . April 24, 2014 . KJRH (Channel 2 Tulsa) . September 29, 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160311221633/http://www.kjrh.com/news/health/new-warning-about-burts-bees-teens-using-lip-balm-on-eyelids-to-enhance-effects-of-alcohol-drugs . March 11, 2016 .
5. Web site: 'Beezin': teens applying lip balm to eyelids to experience buzz . Optometry Times . April 25, 2014 .
6. Web site: 'Beezin' can cause pinkeye, doctor warns . Alyssa Imamudin . May 2, 2014 . Global News . September 29, 2014.
7. Web site: Beezin' for a high…is your teen at risk? . Jane Sadler . May 2, 2014 . Dallas News . September 29, 2014 . October 6, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141006114557/http://healthblog.dallasnews.com/2014/05/beezin-for-a-highis-your-teen-at-risk.html/ . dead .
8. News: Peppermint Oil . Toxnet . U. S. National Library of Medicine / National Institute of Health.
9. Web site: Beezin: Trend some teens are using to get high . Jorge Lopez . July 17, 2014 . WRDW (Channel 12 Agusta GA) . September 29, 2014.
10. Web site: Lip balm latest trend among teens looking for greater high . Bryant Maddrick . April 24, 2014 . WNWO (NBC Channel 24 Toledo Ohio) . September 29, 2014.