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Peptides are all anyone wants to talk about these days. Not that we can blame them, though—the ingredient, whether delivered via a peptide eye cream or peptide serum, plumps, firms, and promotes collagen production like no other. The results are no different in a peptide lip treatment, a category of lip products that Hailey Bieber’s Rhode helped put on the map.
But what exactly are peptides? “Peptides play an important role in various biological processes. They are gaining attention in areas like skincare for their potential anti-aging and skin-repairing properties. When it comes to the lips, peptides are gaining popularity for their ability to boost collagen, hydrate, and repair damage,” explains Dr. Gendai Echezona, triple board-certified physician and owner of Premier Pain Care & Wellness.
In other words, peptides can help to maintain moisture in the lips and prevent chapping like a lip balm, and “some peptides can stimulate collagen production in the lips, leading to improved firmness and volume,” says Dr. Mona Foad, board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Mona Dermatology. All of this leads to that fuller look we covet, and some peptide lip treatments can even double as a lip gloss or lip mask. “Anyone can benefit from peptides in lip treatment as they essentially have no side effects. They’re gentle on the skin and don’t cause irritation,” adds Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, a board-certified dermatologist at La Jolla Laser Dermatology and the founder of AziMD Skincare.
Top picks for the best peptide lip treatments in 2024
We want only the best to touch your lips, which is why we consulted our experts, tested a few ourselves, and researched countless formulas to compile this list of the 7 best peptide lip treatments. Once you try one, you’ll never want to be without it.
Pros
Doubles as a gloss- Non-sticky
Cons
- May need to reapply throughout the day
Perhaps the most famous peptide lip treatment, Rhode’s iteration has it all: hydrating ingredients, a plumping effect, and a glossy finish. “It’s formulated with shea butter to nourish the lips and peptides to plump and support lip collagen, and its rich texture helps hydrate and protect dry lips,” raves Dr. Shirazi.
Key ingredients: Peptides, shea butter, cupuaçu, babassu
Size: 0.3 fl oz.
Rhode rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Due to some unreasonable stubbornness, I refused to try this product for a while—it couldn’t be that good, right? Well, I’m here to tell you that it actually is that good. Even without any other product underneath, my lips somehow look fuller after a layer of the Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment. I also love how glossy it is without being sticky (I cannot deal with a sticky gloss), and I adore every single tinted version of the formula.” —Carol Lee, associate beauty e-commerce writer
Pros
- Appears to erase fine lines
- Variety of shades
Cons
- Pricey
Beyond the clear original shade, this option from U Beauty boasts 12 other gorgeous hues in the range, including champagne coral and deep chocolate. The formula also helps smooth texture over time with chemical exfoliants.
Key ingredients: Peptides, ceramides, alpha hydroxy acid, poly-hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, shea butter, beeswax
Size: 0.51 fl. oz.
U Beauty rating: 4/5 stars
A U Beauty reviewer says: “I am a lip gloss/lip balm fanatic, and U Beauty Plasma Lip is hands down the best one out there. It not only nourishes your lips but also plumps without the annoying tingle. I keep one in my bathroom, one in my car, and one in my purse.”
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Pros
- Variety of shades
- Non-sticky
Cons
- Some reviewers reported leaky packaging
This easy-to-apply gloss is a true delight for your lips; it’s bursting with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and avocado oil to glaze your lips and leave them healthy-looking, plump, and soft. Apply a sheer wash of it on its own or over a lipstick or lip liner to get a more pigmented, punchy effect.
Key ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid, evening primrose oil, avocado oil, konjac root, shea butter
Size: 0.15 oz.
Kosas rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Kosas reviewer says: “I have never liked anything on my lips, but I absolutely love this! It feels as nourishing as the best lip balm you can find but a gorgeous color!”
4
Best Flavored
OLEHENRIKSEN Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment
Pros
- Clinically tested
Cons
- Some may dislike scents
“The Olehenriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment contains peptides, natural moisturizers, and antioxidants that nourish, hydrate, and protect the lips, thus enhancing the appearance of the lips,” says Dr. Echezona. The three scents are a real treat, too: citrus, cocoa, and strawberry sorbet.
Key ingredients: Peptides, mango seed butter, cloudberry oil
Size: 0.4 oz.
Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “This is definitely my new go to for fixing dry, cracked, chapped lips. Will definitely be getting another one in the near future for my office.”
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Pros
- Non-sticky
- Glossy
Cons
- On the pricier side
Dry lips don’t stand a chance against this peptide lip treatment. It contains hard-hitting moisturizing ingredients like peptides, avocado oil, and vitamin E. Applying a thin layer during the day and a thicker one at night will allow your pout to stay happy, healthy, and plump.
Key ingredients: Peptides, vitamin E, avocado oil
Size: 0.25 oz.
Dermstore rating: 4.8/5 stars
A Dermstore reviewer says: “I have extremely chapped lips. Most lip balms and other lip products just make my lips peel more. This one actually keeps my lips hydrated and lets them heal. Expensive but worth it.”
6
Best Smoothing
Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Lip Treatment
Pros
- Plumping
Cons
- Some reviewers reported leaky packaging
- On the pricier side
While there are a lot of topical “lip filler” or “lip plumping” products out there that’ll sting and irritate your lips, the most you’ll feel with this one is a slight tingle. The formula both creates a temporary plumping effect and encourages a fuller look with consistent use over time.
Key ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid
Size: 0.3 oz.
Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “Guys, it actually works! I applied it at the beginning of the week, and three days later, my lips definitely feel plumper and hydrated for sure. The weather became drastically colder, and I noticed that my little lines are less visible than usual too.”
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7
Best Lip Balm
Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Lip Therapy
Pros
- Airtight packaging
- Nourishing
Cons
- Pricey
As we age and our lips lose volume, we may often see more fine lines and wrinkles on and around our mouths. This Perricone MD fights those signs of aging with the help of peptides, hyaluronic acid, and omegas, and it doubles as a lipstick primer. Plus, a few swipes can reduce bleeding and feathering.
Key ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid, omegas
Size: 0.15 oz.
Dermstore rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Dermstore reviewer says: “This cleared up dry flaky spots that had existed for over ten years. I’ve used Perricone for around twenty years and continue to be pleased with the outcome of each and every product I try. It’s worth every penny. At 62, I face new makeup challenges as never before. With these products, and a 10X magnification mirror, I can continue my makeup routine…”
Meet the Experts
Dr. Gendai Echezona is a triple board-certified physician and owner of Premier Pain Care & Wellness.
Dr. Mona Foad is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Mona Dermatology.
Dr. Azadeh Shirazi is a board-certified dermatologist at La Jolla Laser Dermatology and the founder of AziMD Skincare.
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Why Trust Elle Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Carol Lee spoke with trusted dermatologists about peptide lip treatments. Lee also searched the internet for top-rated peptide lip treatments, perused reviews for dozens of popular options, and evaluated each on their features and customer reviews.
Carol Lee
Carol Lee is the Associate Beauty E-Commerce Writer at ELLE.com, where she covers all things beauty and personal care. Before joining the team, she was an editor at Food Network Magazine and HGTV Magazine and ran the beauty section at The Pioneer Woman. Carol received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from New York University and was one of the first customers to visit Glossier’s flagship store in New York’s Soho neighborhood. Over the years, she’s tested countless makeup, hair, and skin care products, and written hundreds of articles covering the beauty space, from pieces about the trendiest launches to roundups of the best products on the market. As a Korean-American, she grew up in a sea of Korean makeup and skin care products and is a bona fide expert on the ever-expanding world of K-beauty, helping lead our coverage. Additionally, she’s also always on the hunt for the perfect lipstick and watches the same few comfort sitcoms (Frasier, Cheers, Seinfeld, New Girl, etc.) over and over again.
