Peptide lip treatments are super popular right now. A trend led by Hailey Bieber, who launched her now-cult Rhode Lip Peptide Treatment in 2022, the category has since grown, and brands have been busy formulating their own peptide-packed formulas. So, what’s the fuss about? Do they work? Here, we share some of the details, along with some of our favourite lip peptide buys to try now.
Vogue’s top peptide lip treatments at a glance:
“Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins – collagen and elastin are two proteins that help to maintain the skin’s structure and integrity,” explains consultant dermatologist, Dr Ellie Rashid. “In skincare, peptides are used to signal the assembly of collagen protein chains that link together to provide structural support in the skin. They penetrate the top layer of the skin and lips and signal to the fibroblast cells to boost collagen production, repair damage, or enhance hydration.”
In the lips, certain peptides can attract and retain moisture in the area, making them appear softer and smoother and offering a “temporary plumping effect, due to increased water retention, which can be seen almost instantly,” says Dr Rashid. “Over a sustained period of time, they can also help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin and improve plumpness in the area, but this takes time.”
So while even the best peptide lip treatments can’t instantly transform the shape or fullness of your lips, they can help deeply hydrate, firm and plump. The more consistent you can be with the application, the better.
Here are Vogue’s picks of the best peptide lip treatments.
Rhode
Peptide Lip Boost
Why it’s Vogue-approved: Bieber has added to her beloved lip collection, not with a new colourway, but a whole new plumping formula with a thicker texture and a gentle tingling sensation. There are two in the range: unscented and sugarmint, the latter of which is a deliciously sweet but refreshing flavour. More mask-like in its consistency, it has been a winter saviour, coating parched lips to lock in moisture, while hydrating with the combination of peptides, hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
Byoma
Liptide Lip Mask
Why it’s Vogue-approved: As great for strengthening the lip skin as it is at gently plumping, Byoma’s Liptide Lip Mask is a must-try – particularly at £10. From ceramides to skin-identical lipids and, of course, peptides, it bolsters the skin barrier, stimulates cell turnover and helps to volumise the lips.
Paula’s Choice
Pro-Collagen Peptide Gloss Balm
Why it’s Vogue-approved: Housed within this dewy lip formula are three different signalling peptides, which help support collagen stores in the lips. They help to subtly enhance volume while smoothing out fine lines. A quick swipe also delivers optimal hydration and a healthy glow.
Rhode
Peptide Lip Tint
Why it’s Vogue-approved: The OG for a reason, Bieber’s Peptide Lip Treatment is an essential. As well as offering multiple delicious flavours (make ours a watermelon slice), the formula glazes the lips, delivering peptide, babassu (a rich source of moisture-supporting lauric acid) and shea butter, and feels incredibly nourishing. Whether you keep it in your phone case or have one in every bag, it’s a must-try.
Olehenriksen
Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment
Why it’s Vogue-approved: Kokum butter and a blend of peptides come together in this juicy formula to help restore bounce and body in the lips. In an eight-week trial, 90 per cent of people who used it daily noticed their lips were looking and feeling plumper, and it’s also a hit in the Vogue office.
Laneige
Bouncy And Firm Lip Treatment
Why it’s Vogue-approved: Fans of Laneige’s popular Overnight Lip Masks will also love the brand’s Bouncy & Firm Lip Treatment, which is packed full of five types of hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate the lips, while peptides work to firm and smooth, and ceramides bolster the skin barrier. Say goodbye to flakes, plus you’ll love the luminous, slightly pearly finish this imparts on your lips.
The Inkey List
Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm
Why it’s Vogue-approved: This lip balm comes in a clear formula and three berry tones. With a tripeptide complex that works on volume and lip contour, it also contains hyaluronic acid, squalane, shea butter and an array of plant oils (including olive, chia and sunflower) to nourish and nurture the lips, while helping to plump. Cheap and effective, we’re big fans.
Dr Dennis Gross
DermInfusions Plump and Repair Lip Treatment
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: While Dr Gross’ excellent lip treatment can’t rival the effects of filler as it suggests, it does do big things for lip volume, courtesy of a clever peptide complex and hyaluronic acid. Clinical trials found that those who used the glossy formula saw two times the lip volume in one use. We also love the wand applicator for on-the-go touch-ups.
- Key ingredients: Four sizes of hyaluronic acid molecules, a peptide complex, squalane, bisabolol and centella asiatica
