#TurmericGlow: Have you tried the viral glowing water trend lighting up social media?

DIY turmeric glow: The simple science trick that’s taking over the internet

Last updated:
Lekshmy Pavithran, Assistant Online Editor
3 MIN READ
DIY turmeric glow: The viral trend captivating  Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, WhatsApp, and beyond
DIY turmeric glow: The viral trend captivating Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, WhatsApp, and beyond

Have you seen the latest viral sensation lighting up your feeds? Forget complicated setups—a simple mix of turmeric, water, and your phone's flashlight is creating a mesmerising golden glow that's delighting millions on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and WhatsApp. This easy at-home experiment is perfect for sparking wonder, especially with little ones.

This DIY trend turns science into magic using just a few household items. From kitchen counters to living rooms, families are capturing a glowing yellow effect that’s as stunning as it is satisfying to watch.

What is the glowing water trend?

This captivating trend, believed to have originated on TikTok, has now spread across social platforms worldwide. It’s a simple, screen-free activity that blends science and fun:

  • Turn on your phone’s flashlight and place it face-up on a flat surface.

  • Set a clear glass of water on top of the light.

  • Turn off the room lights.

  • Add a pinch of turmeric—or a crushed Vitamin B2 capsule—and watch the glow come to life.

The swirling yellow light creates a splash of glowing magic, mesmerizing both kids and adults. Videos showcasing the glowing effect have quickly gone viral, flooding Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and WhatsApp statuses.

Why everyone’s obsessed

So, what’s fueling this trend’s popularity? It’s the reactions—especially from children. Countless clips show toddlers watching the glowing water with wide-eyed amazement, giggling as the golden light dances through the glass. Their pure delight is winning hearts online, making this a go-to indoor activity for families.

And it’s not just kids having fun. Social media users are adding music, turning the trend into mini science demos, and even posting memes warning that turmeric might disappear from store shelves! 

Beyond turmeric: The science of glowing water

Some users are swapping turmeric for Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) capsules like Becosules. Under UV light, Riboflavin causes the water to glow bright yellow-green—adding another scientific twist to the trend.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1–2 Vitamin B2 tablets or capsules

  • A clear glass of water

  • A UV or blacklight torch

  • A dark room

Crush the tablet (or open the capsule), mix it into the water, turn off the lights, and shine the UV torch. Watch the water glow—it’s science in action!

Perfect activity for kids (with supervision)

This experiment is ideal for ages 4 and up with adult supervision. It encourages:

  • Scientific curiosity

  • Cause-and-effect learning

  • Light and color exploration

  • Screen-free fun

Just remember—this is for visual fun only. Please don’t drink the mixture. 

Why it's going viral

Videos of children giggling and cheering as they watch the "yellow magic" unfold have made this a favorite indoor activity. Beyond the wow factor, the trend has also inspired humor—memes about turmeric shortages are making the rounds, further fueling its popularity.

This phenomenon blends simple science, genuine joy, and relatable humour, making it one of the top social media trends of the week.

Explore and learn through play

This glowing water trend is a great way to explore:

  • Light and shadow

  • Glow-in-the-dark science

  • Safe kitchen chemistry

  • Visual observation and critical thinking

Turmeric glow trend: Lighting up social media

In a digital world often saturated with screens, this low-tech, high-impact trend reminds us that the most magical moments can come from the simplest things.

Want to try something fun and magical? Just grab some turmeric (or Riboflavin), turn off the lights, and let your evening glow! And if your little one lights up with excitement, don’t forget to record it—you might just go viral. 

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