Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave this storySave this story
Thin, flaky lips getting you down? The best peptide lip treatments are quiet overachievers that can help, boosting collagen and flooding your pout with deep hydration. The result? Lips that look smoother, plumper, softer, and more nourished. And while all peptide lip balms share the same star ingredient, the category is anything but one-note: think balmy or glossy, flavored or fragrance-free, sheer tints or no tint at all, plus bonus perks like gentle exfoliation and soothing.
Our Top Peptide Lip Treatments
- Best Overall: Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment, $23
- Best Color Range: U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound, $68
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Peach & Lily Collagen Cushion Peptide Lip Balm, $22
- Best for Fine Lines: Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Gloss Balm, $24
- Best for Dry Lips: Iris & Romeo Power Peptide Lip Balm, $26
- Best for Chapped Lips: Patrick Ta Major Moisture Smoothing and Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm, $25
- Most Lightweight: Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment, $20
- Best Plumping: Well People Peptide Lip Balm, $14
But which formulas actually deliver beyond the marketing magic? We asked our board-certified dermatologist friends and editors to weigh in on the 8 best peptide lip treatments on the block and rounded them up for your plumping pleasure. March forth and pucker proudly.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What does a peptide lip treatment do?
- Do collagen peptides help lips?
- Do peptide lip balms work?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment
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Ole Henriksen
Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment
Ulta Beauty
Sephora
Why we love it: If you’re looking for a quick way to make your lips pop, get your hands on Ole Henricksen’s Pout Preserve—a salve that employs lip-loving peptides to plump and define, while adding a hit of color with four tinted high-shine and shimmery finishes. While you wait for the plumping to kick in (don’t worry, it doesn’t sting at all), kokum, mango seed butter, and cloudberry oil offer instant hydrating gratification. A major (and tasty!) bonus? Each shade features subtle scents ranging from citrus to vanilla brown sugar that bring this already-delightful experience up a notch.
Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment
Alessandra Foresto
Foresto after applying the Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment
Alessandra Foresto
Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto
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“Fun fact: Suni Lee first introduced me to this hydrating lip product when she was asked what her lip combo was at the last Olympics, and she delivered a TikTok with the details. Since then, this lip treatment has become one of my go-to lip products. It's hydrating but doesn’t feel sticky. The shades are very flattering (I have not yet met one I don't love, but my tube of Cocoa Crème is almost out, so I definitely gravitate to that one the most) and buildable. I use a lip liner with it to make the color last all day and my lips feel soft and smooth at the end of the day!” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor
Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner
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“I was recently on a Zoom and three others on the call asked me what I was wearing on my lips, which is enough of a compliment for me to last months. It really does give your lips that glassy, plump, full look. I use Citrus Sunshine the most because it has a slight nude tint, but Strawberry Sorbet is also on heavy rotation when I need a little extra life added to my pout. The formula is so thick and juicy, but never heavy or sticky.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, kokum and mango seed butters, cloudberry oil
- Shades: 4
- Finish: plumping, glossy
Best Color Range: U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound
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U Beauty
The Plasma Lip Compound
Amazon
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Why we love it: If you’re looking for the path to pigmented, pillowy lips, U Beauty’s Plasma Lip Compound will get you there—and on an express route. It’s available in 12 beautiful shades, ranging from peppy Barbie Pink to deep plum Cassis. But wait, there’s more! This formulation features a lip-loving cocktail of peptides for plumping, ceramides for hydration, AHAs for exfoliation, and shea butter for a cushy coat of moisture. Aforementioned perks aside, it’s this formula’s proprietary ingredient, Siren Capsule technology, that accounts for its slightly steeper price tag. These microscopic molecules are attracted to free radicals, allowing them to target and deliver high-grade ingredients to areas where TLC (tender lip care) is needed most. The brand recommends using the compound at least twice daily for the best results. And thanks to its cooling metal applicator, it’s a treatment heavy on the “treat.”
Allure former commerce writer Jennifer Hussein applying U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound in Cassis
Jennifer Hussein
Hussein after applying U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound in Cassis
Jennifer Hussein
Tester Feedback from former commerce writer Jennifer Hussein
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“I never leave my apartment without U Beauty's Lip Plasma in Cassis. Its formula feels light and hydrating on my lips and addresses my chronic chapping instantly. Hussein adds that its color can look a bit patchy straight out of the tube, but once you blend it out with its cooling applicator, you'll have an even, glistening tint that's bold enough to wear on its own.” —Jennifer Hussein, former commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: palmitoyl tripeptide-38, n-prolyl palmitoyl tripeptide-56 acetate, ceramides
- Shades: 17
- Finish: sheer
Best for Sensitive Skin: Peach & Lily Cushion Peptide Lip Balm
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Peach & Lily
Cushion Peptide Lip Balm
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: K-beauty-inspired (and totes fragrance-free) darling Peach & Lily calls its Peptide Lip Balm a "multi-step skin-care routine in one swipe." So let's break it down: The glossy balm—which imparts a sheer, peachy glow—is powered by the brand's patented Cushion Complex, a cocktail of plumping collagen, moisturizing hyaluronic acid, and vitamin-packed peach extract. It also incorporates peptides and ceramides to give fine lines an airbrushed appearance. Though it works nicely as a one-and-done product for lip care, the multitasking balm was designed to fit into your skin routine at large. Peach & Lily recommends using it morning and night, so your lips don't feel left out of your moisturizing regimen.
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Peach & Lily Cushion Peptide Lip Balm in Sugar Plum
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Peach & Lily Cushion Peptide Lip Balm in Sugar Plum
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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"Product names often over-deliver, but 'cushion' is indeed the first word that came to mind when I first swiped on Peach & Lily's Collagen Cushion Peptide Lip Balm. "It's not thin but doesn't fall in the overly gloopy category either, which is to say, you only need a tiny amount to spread across your lips. (Honestly, it's a nice change because I'm usually slathering multiple layers of other balms.) The peptide complex (I counted nine in the ingredient list!) is clearly doing work because my lips appear so smooth and glossy after one coat. I love the my-lips-but-better Sheer Peach just as much as I love Sugar Plum when I'm craving nourishment and color—because who says you have to settle for just one?" —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: shea butter, squalane, polyglutamic acid, vegan collagen, 9 peptides (including palmitoyl tripeptide-1, copper tripeptide-1, hexapeptide-9, and acetyl hexapeptide-8), ceramides
- Shades: 4
- Finish: glossy
Best for Fine Lines: Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Gloss Balm
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Paula's Choice
Pro-Collagen Peptide Gloss Balm
Amazon
Dermstore
Sephora
Why we love it: What's better than one peptide? Three—specifically tridecapeptide-1, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, and palmitoyl tripeptide-38. The Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Gloss Balm is spiked with this powerhouse trio of synthetic peptides that flood your lips with hydration and therefore help smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Squalane, cocoa butter, and shea butter join the fun for smooth, comfortable wear, and the cooling metal applicator glides across the lips without an ounce of friction. Though the treatment instantly hydrates the lips, the plumping, your-lips-but-fuller effects take a few weeks to kick in. In clinical trials, users reported fuller, softer lips after about two months.
If you prefer a clear formula, we highly recommend the Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Lip Booster. It's "the perfect choice for those with dry, aging lips who want to add volume and softness,” says Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey.
Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying Paulas Choice Peptide Plumping Gloss Balm
Nicola Dall'Asen
Dall’Asen after applying Paulas Choice Peptide Plumping Gloss Balm
Nicola Dall'Asen
Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen
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"I'm not usually a glossy lip girl, but this Paula's Choice lip treatment is starting to make me one, given how good its ingredients are for my lips. Despite the crazy-dry and crazy-cold winters we get here in New York, my lips have never had even the slightest hint of chapping, and that's probably because I'm always slathering this on—which feels weirdly satisfying to do thanks to this applicator's curved, form-fitting tip. My favorite thing to do, as pictured here, is wear it atop my favorite lip stain."—Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: tridecapeptide-1, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tripeptide-38, shea butter, castor seed oil
- Shades: 2
- Finish: glossy
Best for Dry Lips: Iris & Romeo Power Peptide Lip Balm
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Iris & Romeo
Power Peptide Lip Balm
Credo Beauty
Iris & Romeo
Why we love it: Butter meets balm in Iris & Romeo’s Power Peptide Lip Balm—a product that packs some serious flower power. Along with peptides, the balm boasts a proprietary rose-wax blend with moisturizing Bulgarian Rosa damascena, soothing and antibacterial Rosa centifolia, and the delightfully collagen-boosting rosehip oil. This recipe also contains clinical levels of bio-mimetic triple peptides that pledge plumper lips. As makeup, this is a buildable, nicely pigmented tint you can layer over a lip stain or rock solo, and as skin care, it’s your newest, neatest, and most hydrating-est purse pal.
Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin applying Iris & Romeo Power Peptide Lip Balm in Latte
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after applying Iris & Romeo Power Peptide Lip Balm in Latte
Shanna Shipin
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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"I came for the color (hello, Latte!) and stayed for the hydration. This lip balm moisturizes, protects, and, most importantly, plumps up. I often have lines in my lips due to dehydration and general dryness, and this balm actually heals them—almost like a lightweight version of an overnight lip treatment—all while providing a beautiful wash of natural color. The formula has a good deal of wax and other thickening protective agents, so it is sticky on your fingers, but bear with it. Once you blend the balm onto your lips, it doesn't leave a tacky residue—just a beautiful fullness!" —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: palmitoyl tripeptide-1, rose wax blend, shea butter, camellia oil
- Shades: 7
- Finish: buildable, glossy
Best for Chapped Lips: Patrick Ta Major Moisture Smoothing and Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm
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Patrick Ta
Major Moisture Smoothing and Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm
Sephora
Kohl's
Why we love it: Brand-new and already winning our hearts (and our lips!), Patrick Ta’s Major Moisture Smoothing and Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm is made for flaky, chapped lips (where has this been all our lives?!). It delivers a sheer, high-shine tint, but the real magic is in the formula: vitamin E, sweet almond oil, and coconut oil keep lips cushy and moisturized, while bakuchiol helps smooth texture and soften said flakes. And, as the theme goes, it also includes plumping peptides. No one will know you went from flaky to full and hydrated, and the lightweight feel is just the cherry on top.
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Patrick Ta Major Moisture Smoothing and Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm
Deanna Pai
Pai after applying the Patrick Ta Major Moisture Smoothing and Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“My lips tend to cycle between dry, chapped, and flaking—so much so that I wear a heavy-duty lip mask at night just to get some relief. But during the daytime, I've been reaching for this balm, which has a subtle tint, a vanilla scent, and enough cushion to keep my lips feeling comfortable, even in the dead of winter. The peptides are just a bonus.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: vitamin E, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, bakuchiol
- Shades: 6
- Finish: glossy
Most Lightweight: Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment
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Rhode Skin
Peptide Lip Treatment
Sephora
Rhode
Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor after applying Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment in Toast
Jesa Marie Calaor
Why we love it: Rhode founder and beauty beacon Hailey Bieber changed the game in 2023 with the launch of her Peptide Lip Treatment, a glowy-glazy, peptide-packed treatment whose advent spurred the creation of a just-for-holding-the-tube phone case. The treatment is infused with natural butters and babassu oil, and the subtly plumping formula softens the lips while coating them with a glassy gleam. What’s more: It has the stamp of approval from board-certified dermatologists who are unswayed by star power. “I had avoided trying the Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment for no good reason, but once I did, it became clear why it has such a loyal following,” says Nicole Lee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York. “The formula is packed with hydrating peptides that not only plump and smooth the lips but also lock in moisture for long-lasting hydration. It feels lightweight and nourishing, without leaving behind that sticky feeling.”
Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor
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“The five shades do a great job of immediately blurring the different tones in my lips to make them appear more even. Ribbon is the most subtle of the bunch, making my lips appear slightly brighter than they do without anything on them. Toast is my go-to shade because it's the closest to my lips' natural color while enhancing the curves of my lips. Raspberry Jelly is the punchiest, giving my lips a subtle wash of fuchsia. Espresso is sexy. It's the deepest of the shades and leaves my lips a tinge browner.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: shea butter, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, capuaçu butter
- Shades: 4
- Finish: glassy
Best Plumping: Well People Peptide Lip Balm
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Well People
Peptide Lip Balm
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: Well People’s Peptide Lip Balm makes lips look subtly fuller and smooths the fine lines that tend to pop up when lips are parched, courtesy of a sesame seed complex. Murumuru butter is also thrown into the mix to add an extra layer of hydration. The squeezable tube makes it easy to get every last drop, and the balm glides on in one swipe with a lightweight wash of color (or none at all if that’s what you prefer!). It’s not glossy, but rather buttery and soft, the kind of texture that makes you want to rub your lips together all day.
Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Well People Peptide Lip Balm in Dragonfruit
Sarah Felbin
Felbin after applying the Well People Peptide Lip Balm in Dragonfruit
Sarah Felbin
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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“My chapped lips absolutely love this nourishing lip balm. The formula is thick, soft (not sticky!), and super-shiny—not to mention, it comes in three beautiful sheer colors and a clear version. I love that it looks just as good layered on top of lip liner as it does on its own (for no-makeup makeup days, you know?). My dried-out pout looks instantly better after I slather a layer on. My current favorite shade is Honey Plum, which is like my lips, but better. Dragonfruit is a punchy pink that I've also been gravitating toward lately!” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: peptides, sesame seed complex, murumuru butter
- Shades: 4
- Finish: sheer and glossy
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a peptide lip treatment do?
“Lip peptides are effective for enhancing lip appearance by boosting collagen production, which helps keep lips firm and smooth,” says Dr. Lee. “They also improve hydration, making lips plump and well-moisturized, and reduce the appearance of fine lines while supporting overall repair.” Essentially, peptide lip treatments can help maintain baby-soft, kissable lips. Plus, many peptide lip treatments also come in tinted iterations, so you don’t need to sacrifice pizzazz for nourishment.
Do collagen peptides help lips?
Collagen peptides are itty-bitty forms of protein derived from plant or animal collagen, found in everything from skin care to coffee creamer. But do they work topically on the lips? “Absolutely,” Dr. Lee confirms. “Collagen peptides focus on the production and maintenance of collagen, which is essential for the firmness and elasticity of the skin. When used regularly on the lips, collagen peptides will improve and help maintain the shape, volume, and texture of the lips.”
Do peptide lip balms work?
"Peptide lip balms can be effective for improving lip texture and hydration," Dr. Lee says. However, "The results can vary based on factors such as the concentration and type of peptides used, as well as individual skin responses." If you really want to go for the lip-plumping gold—and have the budget for it—consider pairing your balms with in-office treatments. "While peptide lip balms can provide noticeable improvements and support lip health, they generally offer more subtle effects than professional procedures [such as fillers, Botox, and microneedling]," she says. As such, "Peptide lip balms are best used as a complementary tool for maintenance, rather than a replacement for more intensive treatments."
Meet the experts
- Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in Hackensack, New Jersey
- Nicole Lee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Epoch Dermatology in Garden City, New York
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best peptide lip balms, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
