The Benefits of Peptides for Lips and 6 Treatments to Try

Maintaining healthy, plump, hydrated lips is a goal for many of us. While many ingredients can help us achieve this, peptides are undoubtedly the most popular right now. In recent years, peptide-infused lip treatments have taken the industry by storm, with all your favorite brands (from Rhode to Biossance) tapping the ingredient for its hydrating and plumping benefits.

To learn more about the hype behind peptides for the lips, we spoke with two board-certified dermatologists. Ahead, Dr. Dylan Greeney and Dr. Rachel Westbay explain everything you need to know about peptide lip treatments and why you may want to make them a staple in your beauty routine.

What are Peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as messengers. Dr. Greeney says they can help boost skin hydration and collagen and elastin production, smoothing away the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. “Peptides are hyped up right now because people want ingredients that will improve their skin’s health,” Dr. Greeney says.

Our experts say that peptides are also sought after because a vast amount of research supports their benefits. “There’s plenty of science-backed data that make this effective yet gentle ingredient popular for lip health and aesthetics, making peptides a cornerstone ingredient in modern-day lip treatments,” Dr. Westbay adds.

Benefits of Peptides for Lips

First and foremost, using peptide products on the lips can help alleviate dryness and chapping since one of the main benefits of peptides is increased hydration via water retention. However, Dr. Greeney also points out that peptides can trick the body’s collagen-producing cells (fibroblasts) to increase collagen production. “This boost in collagen can strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier and reduce water loss from the lips,” he says. “Plus, the subtle boost in collagen helps to smooth, firm, and plump the lips.”

Another benefit of peptides is that they can reduce the appearance of fine lines around the lips and mouth. Since peptides gradually improve the lips, Dr. Westbay says they often appeal to those who prefer noninvasive, natural-looking solutions over injectable fillers. The most commonly used peptides to reduce signs of aging on the lips are acetyl hexapeptide-8 (also known as Argireline), which helps improve expression-related wrinkles like smile lines, palmitoyl tripeptide to signal the production of collagen for reparative, volumizing and firming effects, and Matrixyl, which can strengthen and improve the skin’s structure. “Peptides also improve skin density and elasticity, which will help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on and around the lips,” Dr. Westbay says.

How Often to Use Peptide Lip Treatments

Lip products with peptides are safe to use every day and even multiple times per day. Dr. Greeney says that since peptides are nonirritating and gentle, you can use them as much as you need or want to. “Unlike many skincare ingredients, you don’t have to worry about overdoing it with peptides,” he says.

Since peptides are gentle, feel free to incorporate several types of products into your routine, from glosses to nighttime masks. “Popular peptide-containing lip products, such as lip balms and glosses, are infused with peptides for daily hydration and plumping,” Dr. Westbay says. “There are also anti-aging lips serums and plumping masks that include peptides for overnight repair and volume enhancement.”

Can You Be Allergic to Peptides?

While it’s rare to have an allergy to peptides (they naturally occur within the body), nothing is ever off the table. As Dr. Westbay explains, synthetic or bioengineered peptides could trigger a response in rare cases. “Allergic reactions are more commonly due to the fragrances, preservatives, or other additives in a product rather than the peptides themselves,” she says.

If you notice your lips getting red, swollen, inflamed, or irritated when using peptide products, discontinue use immediately and consult your dermatologist. “To minimize the risk of irritation or allergic reactions, avoid lip products with fragrances, essential oils, preservatives, alcohol, artificial dyes, harsh exfoliants like glycolic acid or retinol, and lanolin,” she advises. “If you’re sensitive, look for labels that say hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic, too.”

The Best Peptide Lip Treatments

When it comes to finding a good lip peptide treatment, Dr. Greeney recommends looking for one with hydrating peptides like palmitoyl tripeptide. “My favorite is Remedy Skin’s Remedy for Dry Lips,” he says. “It contains palmitoyl tripeptide-1, shea butter, ceramides, and squalane to hydrate the lips. PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Lip Booster also contains this peptide.”

As far as pigmented formulas go, try Biossance Pro-Peptide Hydrating Lip Perfector Balm or U-Beauty’s Plasma Lip Compound. For a peptide treatment that covers all the bases, Dr. Westbay recommends Exuviance Targeted Lip Filler. “It’s a 3-in-1 lip treatment that plumps, smooths, and hydrates the lips while addressing fine lines around the lip area,” she says.

The Final Takeaway

As Dr. Westbay summarizes, “[Peptides are beloved] due to their multifunctional benefits and ability to target concerns such as hydration, plumping, and anti-aging for lips that look fuller, softer and more supple.” Today, there are so many ways to add a peptide lip treatment to your routine. The market is booming with options, from clear balms to pigmented glosses to overnight masks. Following Dr. Greeney and Dr. Westbay’s recommendations can help you find a formula you love so your lips can reap the benefits of the gentle, nourishing ingredient.