When Hailey Bieber launched her cosmetics brand Rhode in June 2022, its debut included a peptide lip treatment that many initially overlooked—both in terms of its potential popularity and its effectiveness. That year saw numerous celebrity beauty launches, and a general skepticism hung in the air. Few expected Bieber’s vision to connect so powerfully with consumers through a single, understated lip product. Yet, it helped propel Rhode to become a billion-dollar brand within just three years.
Rhode’s lip balm wasn’t the first to incorporate peptides, but it certainly popularized the trend. At the time, peptides were just beginning to gain attention in skincare, let alone in the then-niche, now-mainstream category of skincare-makeup hybrids. Fast forward to 2026, and peptides are more popular than ever. Board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi explains to Vogue: “Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin, which help skin maintain firmness and elasticity. In skincare, peptides signal your skin to produce more of these supportive proteins. In lip products, peptides like palmitoyl tripeptide encourage collagen production, leading over time to plumper, firmer, and more hydrated lips.”
Dr. Shirazi adds that lip skin is thinner, more delicate, and more vulnerable to environmental stressors than the rest of the face, making the gentle action of peptides especially effective at improving fine lines, dryness, and volume loss. “Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—they hydrate, smooth, and subtly plump without causing irritation,” she says.
Given these benefits, it’s no surprise the peptide lip treatment trend has taken off. These products blend efficacy with modern, tasteful tints perfect for no-makeup days or paired with lip liner for a more polished look. Celebrity makeup artist Lauren D’Amelio Ventre notes, “We’re in an era where skincare meets glam. Consumers no longer choose between beauty and function—they want both. These formulas work overtime to support barrier health, smooth texture, and even stimulate collagen. And yes, they also deliver that glassy, plush aesthetic that makes them totally addictive.”
Vogue’s Favorite Peptide Lip Treatments
Best Viral: Rhode Peptide Lip Tint
$20 at RHODE
A cult favorite, Rhode’s Peptide Lip Tint offers both nourishment and a hint of color. “I love how it provides immediate moisture and long-term smoothing benefits without feeling sticky,” says Dr. Shirazi. Ventre praises it as “lightweight but still healing,” adding that “this formula nails the balance of hydration and shine—great for overnight use or layered under gloss.” Choose Ribbon for a sheer pink, Espresso for a rich chocolate brown, or the new Lemontini for a shimmering gold.
Editor’s Experience: “What I love most is how lightweight these balms feel—they never seem heavy yet are super hydrating. The colors are lovely; while not opaque, they give more color payoff than most balms. Plus, their slim shape fits perfectly in a pocket or phone case.” —Concetta CiarloEadem Le Couchou Peptide Lip Balm
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, peptides, cupuaçu, babassu
Shades: 7 (plus 4 limited-edition scented options)
Fragrance: Scented and unscented options
Size: 0.3 fl oz
Love It
– Hydrating, high-shine formula
– Non-sticky finish
– Buildable color
Leave It
– Some users find the texture can become grainy over time
Best Exfoliating: Eadem Le Couchou Peptide Lip Balm
$24 at Amazon
On rotation in Kiana and Concetta’s bag.
Why We Love It: This lip balm gently exfoliates, making it a multitasker that creates a smooth canvas without harsh scrubs. It combines exfoliation, moisture, and a hint of color in six modern shades with a sheen finish. Vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologist-tested.
Editor’s Experience: “I can’t emphasize enough how much I love this lip balm. My first tube came from my friend Isan, and within an hour, my chapped lips were smooth again. The tinted options never cling to dry patches. I’ve already gone through two tubes and need another!” —Concetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
—
Unleashia Sunset Dazzle Gloss Balm
Key Ingredients: Hibiscus enzymes, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, Brazilian acai butter, African mongongo butter, moringa oil, hexapeptide, Spreadit polymer technology
Shades: 8
Fragrance: Scented and unscented options
Size: 0.5 oz
Love It
– Exfoliates dry lips while hydrating
– Vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologist-tested
– Cooling metal applicator
Leave It
– Texture is richer than other balms (not necessarily a con)
Best K-Beauty: Unleashia Sunset Dazzle Gloss Balm
$16 at Amazon
Vogue’s Kiana Murden uses this gloss balm.
Why We Love It: The butter balm trend goes global with this K-beauty formula. “I keep asking myself how many tinted balms I can have—clearly, I can always have more,” says K-beauty expert Michelle Lee. “The formula is divine: rich and creamy without feeling heavy, and super moisturizing.” The silicone donut-tip applicator makes for smooth application, and the shade range has doubled, offering plenty of subtly shimmery tints.
Editor’s Experience: “I’m shocked by how pigmented this balm is. It gives exceptional, non-streaky color in one swipe. The buttery texture has great slip—I wear it instead of traditional lipstick.” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor
—
Augustinus Bader x Sofia Coppola The Tinted Lip Balm
Key Ingredients: Meadowfoam seed oil, sunflower seed oil, jojoba seed oil, peptides
Shades: 11
Fragrance: Yes
Size: 0.12 oz
Love It
– Ultra-hydrating, non-sticky formula
– Fan-loved, pleasant scent
Leave It
– Some find the applicator can get clogged
Best Stick: Augustinus Bader x Sofia Coppola The Tinted Lip Balm
$47 at BlueMercury or Nordstrom
On rotation in Concetta’s bag.
Why We Love It: This collaboration blends high-performance skincare with Sofia Coppola’s coquette aesthetic. “It’s a luxurious option for dry or damaged lips,” says Dr. Shirazi. The price reflects the brand’s signature TFC8 blend—a plumping mix of lipids, peptides, and vitamins—along with hydrating shea butter and castor seed oil. Available in three flushed shades: Plum, Raspberry, and Nude.For a sheer wash of color that looks like you’ve just bitten into a juicy strawberry, try the sheer tint balm.
Editor’s Experience: “I was initially drawn in by the Sofia Coppola collaboration—yes, I judged a book by its cover. But the formula itself is incredibly hydrating, like a buttery shea balm, and the tints are rosy, subtle, and gorgeous.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, Beauty Shopping Writer
Key Ingredients: TFC8 (a proprietary blend of vitamins, lipids, peptides), lip-plumping complex, castor seed oil, shea butter, glycerin, peptides, antioxidants including vitamin E
Shades: 3
Fragrance: No
Size: 0.14 oz
Love It
– Luxurious, buttery formula akin to a traditional lip balm
– Easy-to-use, twist-up packaging
– Subtle color great for everyday
Leave It
– A pricier pick
– Some report the color can settle unevenly over time
—
Best Long-Lasting: Topicals Slick Salve Lip Balm
On rotation in Kiana and Concetta’s bag. Vogue’s beauty shopping writer Concetta Ciarlo tests Topicals Slick Salve.
Why We Love It: If you want an intensive treatment that lasts for hours, look no further than the Topicals Slick Salve. I keep one tube of its blend of peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter at my bedside and another in my purse. Its “cling technology” (a blend of fixing polymers) means reapplication is infrequent. It absorbs quickly, is non-sticky, and is recommended by Dr. Shirazi “for those who have lip sensitivities or chapped lips, because of the CBD and humectant properties.”
Editor’s Experience: “Writing this is reminding me I need to grab another tube. My desert island lip balm? Yes, it’s that good. As a frequent re-applicator, I find this lasts on my lips for hours. There’s nothing on the market quite like it.” —Kiana Murden, Beauty Editor, Shopping
Key Ingredients: Peptides, ceramide blend, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, castor seed oil, lysine, lanolin
Shades: 3
Fragrance: No
Size: 0.5 oz
Love It
– Hydrating and long-lasting with a cushiony feel
– Requires infrequent reapplication
Leave It
– Some find it particularly sticky due to the “cling technology”
—
Best Plumping: La Mer The Lip Volumizer
On rotation in Kiana’s bag. Vogue’s senior beauty shopping writer Kiana Murden tests La Mer’s Lip Volumizer.
Why We Love It: La Mer’s Lip Volumizer surprised me. “This is more of a treatment than a gloss or balm—it smooths, hydrates, and plumps over time, leaving a silky, balm-like finish,” pro makeup artist Ash K. Holm previously told Vogue. The nourishing properties from La Mer’s signature Miracle Broth are a given, but the subtle, lovely aesthetic finish of the two sheer shades is an added bonus. The formula is slightly plumping due to intense hydration, yet feels super lightweight. However, as with all La Mer products, this comes at a premium price.
Editor’s Experience: “La Mer’s Lip Volumizer sits at the convergence of gloss and hydrating lip care. The formula is totally non-sticky—almost like whipped jelly—and applies with a barely-there feel, without forsaking tint and shine. For all those reasons, it’s also an excellent choice for mature skin types who want understated makeup with skin-plumping benefits. That said, nearly $100 for a single lip product is a total splurge.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, Beauty Shopping Writer
Key Ingredients: Miracle Broth, hyaluronic acid, coconut oil
Shades: 5
Fragrance: No
Size: 7 mL
Love It
– Provides plumping hydration
– High shine, non-sticky formula with subtle color
Leave It
– A premium price point
—
Best Reparative: U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound
Key Ingredients: [Information incomplete in original text]U Beauty Plasma Lip Compound
$68 at Nordstrom | $68 at Amazon
Why We Love It: Dr. Shirazi recommends U Beauty’s Plasma Lip Compound for its stem cell technology, which deeply nourishes and subtly firms lips without heaviness. Its Siren Capsule Technology helps renew lips by boosting collagen, while peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid spheres, and plant extracts combat dehydration. With 16 shades available, there’s a color for every skin tone and occasion.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, ceramides, alpha-hydroxy acid, poly-hydroxy acid, shea butter, salicylic acid, beeswax
Shades: 16
Fragrance: Yes
Size: 0.5 fl oz
Love It
– Intensely hydrating and plumping
– Gently exfoliates with AHA and PHA
– Cooling metal applicator
Leave It
– One of the pricier options on our list
—
Best J-Beauty: Tatcha The Melting Lip Balm
$29 at Tatcha
Vogue’s Kiana Murden uses Tatcha The Melting Lip Balm.
Why We Love It: Inspired by the Geisha tradition of melting candy on lips for a glossy finish, Tatcha’s new balm-to-oil formula honors this practice. The J-Beauty formula includes Japanese tamanu oil for deep hydration, plus peptides and algae extract to visibly plump lips.
Editor’s Experience: “As a Tatcha fan, I had high expectations for this lip balm—and it exceeded them. It feels buttery and comfortable, and the shade Moka is a natural cinnamon brown I’ll wear all summer.” —K.M.
Key Ingredients: Japanese tamanu oil, peptides, algae extract, vitamin F
Shades: 4
Fragrance: Yes
Size: 0.4 fl oz
Love It
– Cruelty-free and dermatologist-tested
– Botanically-derived, plumping ingredients
– Lightly tinted and comfortable feel
Leave It
– Fragrance can be a bit sweet for some
—
Best High Shine: Anfisa Skin Ân-Gloss Ceramide Lip Tint
$45 at Anfisa Skin
Why We Love It: Since launching last year, Anfisa Skin’s lip balm has gained quick popularity. Packed with five ceramides and two peptides, it delivers exceptional hydration and high shine. The texture is lightweight, blending oil and balm, and the metal tip provides a cooling sensation.
Editor’s Experience: “I usually avoid scented lip products, but the shade Angel Food smells deliciously nostalgic. The sheer baby pink finish is lovely, and the metal applicator feels luxurious.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
Key Ingredients: Squalane, pomegranate seed oil, cucumber seed oil, hibiscus seed oil, murumuru seed butter, mango seed butter, ceramides, peptides
Shades: 4
Fragrance: Scented and unscented options available
Size: 0.5 fl oz
Love It
– Deeply hydrating with a high-gloss finish
– Cooling metal applicator
Leave It
– One of the pricier options on our list
—
Best Collagen Activating: Violette_FR Balm Amour Nourishing Lip Treatment
$26 at Violette_FR
Why We Love It: After six years of development, founder Violette Serrat perfected this formula. It gives a transparent, buttery finish that’s lightweight and non-sticky. Skincare-grade ingredients like phyto-collagen, peptides, and botanical butters and oils hydrate and soften lips, and it features a cooling ceramic applicator.
Editor’s Experience: “Just when I thought I didn’t need another lip balm, I tried Balm Amour. On immediate application…”The product adheres comfortably to lips without feeling sticky or heavy. I use it nightly as a lip treatment and also keep it on hand to pair with lip liner for a more natural lip look. The ceramic applicator adds a chic, sensory touch as well. —C.C.
Key Ingredients: Phyto collagen complex, peptides, vitamin E, cocoa seed butter, sunflower seed oil, tocopheryl acetate, albus seed extract
Shades: 1
Fragrance: Yes
Size: 0.08 oz
Love It
– Cooling ceramic applicator
– Scent is subtle and barely noticeable
– Nourishing and comfortable formula
Leave It
– Smaller amount of product per tube
Everything You Need To Know
Do peptide lip treatments really work?
With the right formulation and consistency, Dr. Shirazi confirms that peptide lip treatments are effective. “You won’t see the dramatic plumping of an injectable, but consistent use and patience will show improvements in lip hydration, texture, and fine lines,” she explains. “Think of peptides as long-term care with a little instant gratification, especially in a lip product. They support the skin’s natural collagen production, contributing to a firmer, fuller appearance over time. Their immediate effects focus more on hydrating, nourishing, and repairing the lip barrier, while plumping benefits are subtle and gradual.”
How We Tested
When testing and reviewing a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded recommendations. First, we consult Vogue’s network of experts—including board-certified dermatologists, celebrity estheticians, and makeup artists—to identify standout products these specialists would actually use on their clients. We combine their expertise with our editorial standards to curate the thoughtful selections you find on our site.
For peptide lip treatments, we selected the best based on ingredients, texture, shades, and the skin care concerns they address. We paired personal testing of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine our recommendations.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Azadeh Shirazi is a board-certified dermatologist based in La Jolla, California.
Lauren D’Amelio Ventre is a celebrity makeup artist, global beauty educator, and founder of The Art of Enhancement.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Top 10 Peptide Lip Treatments for Smoother Fuller Lips
Beginner Definition Questions
1 What are peptide lip treatments
They are balms serums or masks specifically formulated with peptidesshort chains of amino acidsthat help stimulate collagen improve hydration and smooth the delicate skin on your lips
2 Whats the main benefit of using a peptide lip product
The primary goal is to achieve smoother plumperlooking lips by targeting fine lines dryness and loss of volume often with results that look more natural than some intense cosmetic procedures
3 I already use regular lip balm How is this different
While regular balms mainly coat and moisturize the surface peptide treatments are designed to penetrate and work at a cellular level to improve your lips structure and health over time offering longterm benefits beyond just temporary relief
4 Are peptide lip treatments safe
Yes when used as directed They are typically noninvasive topical products However always check the ingredient list if you have specific allergies and do a patch test if you have sensitive skin
Benefits Results
5 How quickly will I see results
You may feel immediate hydration and smoothing However visible improvements in fullness and a reduction in fine lines typically take consistent use over 2 to 4 weeks as collagen production needs time
6 Can these treatments replace lip fillers
They are not a direct replacement for injectable fillers which add immediate volume Peptide treatments are a fantastic maintenance option can enhance natural fullness and may help prolong filler results by improving skin quality
7 Do they help with lipstick bleed or lines around the mouth
Yes By improving skin elasticity and smoothing vertical lip lines peptide treatments can create a smoother canvas helping lipstick apply more evenly and preventing it from feathering
Usage Practical Tips
8 How do I use a peptide lip treatment
Apply a small amount to clean lips usually once or twice daily For serums follow with a moisturizing balm or SPF For overnight masks apply a thicker layer before bed
9 Can I wear lipstick or gloss over it
Absolutely Most treatments absorb quickly For best results apply your peptide product first let it absorb for a minute or