In this time of great coronavirus uncertainty, it's best to pay attention to the medical experts — not beauty influencers and brands on Instagram. Unfortunately, the aforementioned are continuing to spread misinformation, which is not only unscientific, it's straight-up unsafe. The latest forehead slap comes from Lime Crime Cosmetics, and it is bad. It is very, very bad.


Incorrect science within!

Reddit user u/heatherhfkk caught a now-deleted Instagram story from Lime Crime. In the photo, the caption reads "Fun fact: Research shows that burning sage kills 94% of airborne bacteria." 

I don't have anything else to say about this except NO NO NO NO NO.


Actually, I have a LOT to say.

Lime Crime, this is so irresponsible. How could you say something like this?! We are in the middle of a deadly pandemic. The only people who should be offering medical advice are medical professionals. In this time, it's crucial that we defer to the expertise of trained experts.


Sage smoke does not kill bacteria.

Let me repeat that: SAGE SMOKE DOES NOT KILL BACTERIA. This myth began with this scientific study, but there are caveats. First, the study does not specify that the smoke used is pure sage — the study tested "burning wood and a mixture of odoriferous and medicinal herbs." NOT SAGE.


Like, let's think about this logically.

Any smoke that would kill 94% of the bacteria in the air would also be extremely dangerous to inhale, as it would also kill the good bacteria in your lungs. Would you inhale Lysol? No. This is basic biology, people!


The coronavirus isn't even a bacteria.

It's literally in the name: VIRUS. The coronavirus is a virus. It is not a bacteria. While viruses and bacteria can both make you sick, they are two completely different organisms — and cause infections at the cellular level in different ways.


Medical misinformation is deadly.

The coronavirus and COVID-19 are not jokes. It is a serious pandemic that has killed thousands of people, and is projected to kill many more. The CDC has provided guidance to minimize the spread of the virus, including social distancing and washing hands.

Revelist has reached out to Lime Crime for comment.