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Peptides are one of the buzziest skincare ingredients rn, known for their benefits such as reducing inflammation, redness, dryness, and dullness. But they're not just a popular addition to our skincare products; they're also pretty prominent in our lip products.
As all the girlies with dry, chapped lips know (*raises hand*), having a lip balm—or two—with us at all times is key to avoiding painful AF cracked lips. And if you're still on the hunt for your Holy Grail™ because you just can't seem to find that one product that can moisturize your lips while also keeping them looking cute, then you need to keep on reading.
For today's article, we'll be discussing everything you need to know about peptides, including their benefits on your skin and lips. And ofc, this won't be a Cosmo beauty article without some product recos at the end, so make sure to scroll all the way down! ;)
Keep on reading to learn more:
What are peptides?
Peptides sound so srs and scientific, but really, they're just strings of amino acids that make up certain proteins needed by the skin. According to Healthline, collagen is made up of three polypeptide chains, so adding peptides to your skincare routine can help stimulate collagen production. More collagen = firmer skin!
As you know, our bodies naturally produce collagen. However, as we age, our collagen production decreases (as do certain behaviors like increased sun exposure and smoking), so we need all the help we can get from skincare products—and food!—to help keep our skin bouncy and firm. (Here's our recos for the best collagen-infused products to help you achieve that goal!)
READ MORE: Why Is Everyone Crazy About This Japanese Collagen Supplement? An Investigation
OK, so what do peptides actually do for the lips?
As we mentioned earlier, peptides aren't just found in our skincare products; they can also be spotted in lip products, specifically lip balms. According to Ron Robinson, a cosmetic chemist and beauty brand owner, they recommend peptides for dry, chapped lips as they can help moisturize and repair damaged skin. "Our lips are thinner and have fewer layers of skin than the skin on the rest of our face," he explained, noting that there are no sebaceous glands to be found there. No oil production means they are more prone to drying out and cracking! Oof.
This leads us to peptide lip balms—something that more and more beauty brands are coming out with. If you've been trying to find the best one for you, we're here to guide you on your next shopping trip:
SHOP: The best peptide lip balms
1. Sunnies Face Lip Glaze
One of the most popular peptide lip balms in the local market rn, the Sunnies Face Lip Glaze is infused with shea butter and peptides that can visibly repair and moisturize your puckers, leading to smoother, plumper lips over time. It also features a metal applicator—perfect for de-puffing and cooling your puckers!
It's currently available in four shades: Lucite (crystal clear), Bonbon (blush mauve), Coquette (sweet pink), and Tiramisu (warm brown).
Sunnies Face Lip Glaze, P495, Shopee and Lazada
2. Lucky Beauty Lip Sweetener
For the beauty girlies who are also anik-anik enthusiasts, you have the Lucky Beauty Lip Sweetener. Aside from being a lip treatment that offers moisture, pigment, and shine sans the stickiness, it also comes with a keyring so you can attach it to your purse (alongside your many keychains).
It's currently available in seven dessert-inspired shades: Strawberry Shortcake (warm rose), Bubblegum Shake (candy pink), Cherry Pie (juicy red), Raspberry Tart (bright berry), Cream Puff (nude almond), Chocolate Fudge (toasted brown), and Clear Water (clear).
Lucky Beauty Lip Sweetener, P349, Shopee and Lazada
3. Asul Lip Plumper
The brainchild of Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi, the Asul Lip Plumper promises to provide fullness to your lips while also deeply hydrating and moisturizing them. Its jam-packed formula includes shea butter, menthol, peptides, jojoba oil, and sunflower oil.
It's currently available in a clear, untinted shade.
Asul Lip Plumper, P399, Shopee and Lazada
4. Muse Skin GlossBalm Peptide Lip Oil Butter
If you're looking for an all-arounder lip product that can do all the heavy lifting for you (i.e. plumping, moisturizing, and nourishing), go ahead and add the Muse Skin GlossBalm to your cart rn. It's a three-in-one lip balm, oil, and plumper hybrid that can soften your lips while also providing a sheer wash of color.
It's currently available in six shades: Mademoiselle (deep brown red), 1989 (warm nude brown), Duchess (light muted pink), Antoinette (neutral rosy nude), Lady (clear), and Mon Cheri (rich cherry red).
Muse Skin GlossBalm Peptide Lip Oil Butter, P389, Shopee
5. Rhode Peptide Lip Tint
Ofc, we can't write about peptide lip balms and not include the product that everyone and their mothers have in their makeup kit (or attached to their phone cases, lol). Hailey Bieber's brand, Rhode, came out with the Peptide Lip Tint—a rich, velvety gloss filled with peptides, shea butter, babassu, and cupuaçu butter. It promises sheer but buildable pigment with a formula that deeply hydrates and nourishes.
Its core collection is available in four shades: Ribbon (sheer pink), Raspberry Jelly (crushed berry), Toast (rose taupe), and Espresso (rich brown).
Rhode Peptide Lip Tint, $18 (approx. P1,050.70), Rhode
6. Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment
For dry lips that suffer from noticeable cracks and peeling, the Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment might be the way to go. Formulated with peptides and kokum butter, this lip balm instantly soothes any chapping and makes them look plumper in just a few swipes.
It's currently available in four shades: Citrus Sunshine, Strawberry Sorbet, Crème Brûlée, and Cocoa Crème.
Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment, P1,100, Ole Henriksen
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Links are updated regularly and as much as possible but note that products can run out of stock, discounts can expire, and listed prices can change without prior notice.
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