As someone with perpetually dry lips, lip balms have always starred heavily in my beauty routine. Alongside a nightly ritual, which involves slathering on a thick lip mask, I also like to keep a selection (read: far too many) balms and treatments handy for topping up throughout the day. Because of this, I’ve always thought of myself as a bit of an expert when it comes to the best formulas for ensuring a super-soft pout. Then, Hailey Bieber launched her Rhode lip treatments, and suddenly there was a new buzz word on the lip balm block (not a real place, but I can dream)—the peptide lip balm.
Hailed as the holy grail of lip formulas, these hardworking balms not only promise to keep your lips soft and hydrated but they also aim to firm fine lines and leave things looking fuller and plumper too. They do this through a combination of peptides and the nourishing ingredients we’ve come to expect in our lip balms, like shea butter and ceramides. But, can they be better than a traditional lip balm? To find out, I spoke to Dr Simon Ourian, co-founder of Simon Ourian MD and celebrity cosmetic dermatology doctor, to find out…
What Are Peptides?
"Peptides are short chains of amino acids,” says Dr Ourian. “These amino acids signal the skin to boost collagen and elastin production.”
What Do Peptide Lip Balms Do?
“Peptide lip balms go beyond traditional formulas by incorporating advanced ingredients that stimulate collagen production, visibly enhancing lip volume and texture over time,” says Dr Ourian. “Unlike standard lip balms, which primarily provide surface-level hydration, these treatments work deeper to improve elasticity, smooth fine lines and support the natural barrier of the lips. They’re a great option for anyone looking to maintain a youthful, hydrated pout while enjoying long-term benefits.”
While Rhode may have made peptide lip balms mainstream, she’s not the only one creating super potent peptide lip balms. To help you decide which formula is best for you, I’ve created an edit of my favourite options below which deliver on both the hydration we’ve come to expect as well as a little added plumpness too.
Shop the Best Peptide Lip Balms
1. Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment
Best for: A celebrity-favourite peptide lip balm
Rhode’s lip treatment needs no introduction as I’m sure you’ve probably seen the grey (or tinted) tube all over Instagram and TikTok. When it comes to the actual formula, however, it definitely delivers. Hydrating, non-greasy and with a glossy finish, it’s so easy to wear. Alongside the original (worn above), I'm a big fan of the Espresso shade for a hint of rich, brown colour that still feels nourishing on the lips.
For
- Lightweight
- Nourishing
Against
- Some complain of gritty formula (although, I think the brand has rectified this issue)
2. Nudestix Hydra-peptide Lip Butter
Best for: A buttery peptide lip balm
My personal favourite peptide lip balm, Nudestix’s lip butter feels almost creamy on the lips, making it incredibly comforting to wear. Alongside shea and avocado butter to nourish, it also contains a blend of tripeptides which stimulate collagen so lips not only feel incredibly soft but appear fuller too.
For
- Seriously nourishing formula
Against
- Slightly thick texture
3. Simon Ourian MD Hollywood Tripeptide Lip Treatment
Best for: A lightweight peptide lip balm
If you’re looking for a formula that works hard but doesn’t feel too heavy or claggy on the lips, I’d recommend trying Simon Ourian’s Tripeptide Lip Treatment. Although it’s loaded with ceramides, peptides and nourishing fatty acids, it feels really lightweight with no stickiness. It also has a very slight menthol sensation which feels cooling yet not tingly on the lips. As soon as this sinks in, I find myself wanting to reapply it.
For
- Very lightweight
- Cooling sensation
Against
- Expensive
4. Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Gloss Balm
Best for: An easy-to-apply peptide lip balm
First up, I need to talk about packaging: Paula’s Choice’s Gloss Balm may just have the nicest applicator I’ve ever used. Not only is it large enough to cover your lips in one swipe but it’s curved to hug them for even application. If you’re someone who cares about how a product feels as you apply it, you’re going to want to give this a try.
The formula itself is nourishing, non-greasy and easy-to-wear. Although it’s described as a gloss balm, I would say there are others on this list that deliver higher shine (top spot goes to Byoma’s Lip Oil) but for a peptide balm with natural sheen, this is a great choice.
For
- Excellent applicator
- Hydrating
Against
- Not as glossy as claims
5. Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment
Best for: A nourishing peptide lip balm
Ole Henriksen’s Lip Treatment has been all over TikTok in recent months, so I had to see if they lived up to the hype. Citrus Sunshine is the clear shade, however the brand also has tinted and glimmer options.
The formula is rich and moisturising and definitely works to make my lips appear plump and hydrated. I actually like to wear this balm overnight in place of a lip mask, as it does have a slight stickiness to it and I wake up to soft, moisturised lips.
For
- Nourishing
Against
- Sticky texture
6. The Inkey List Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm
Best for: An affordable peptide lip balm
Affordable options don’t get much better than The Inkey List Plumping Lip Balm. The tripeptide complex works to give lips a fuller, more plumped appearance while also locking in moisture. It may not be the most exciting balm on this list, but for £11 it works hard and does what it sets out to do.
For
- Affordable
- Tripeptide complex
Against
- Doesn't feel particularly luxurious
7. Byoma Liptide Lip Oil
Best for: An on-the-go peptide lip balm
Byoma describes its lip treatment as a lip oil rather than a balm as it contains a blend of avocado and tamanu nut oil alongside ceramides and peptides.
Rather than feeling greasy or slippery like traditional lip oils, however, this has a thicker texture with an almost jelly-like feel on the lips that I really enjoy. The wand applicator also makes it so easy to apply, making this the perfect oil-balm for using on-the-go.
For
- Handy wand applicator
- Jelly-like texture
Against
- A heavier (but efficacious) formula
Opening image: @daniellejinadu
