The Tamesis
When Hailey Bieber incorporated a peptide lip treatment into the launch lineup of her cosmetics brand, Rhode, in June 2022, many underestimated not only its popularity, but also its effectiveness. In a year that saw dozens of celebrities launch beauty products, a collective sense of pessimism permeated the conversation—few expected Bieber’s perspective would resonate so strongly with just a humble lip product; just three years later, it would help catapult Lorde into a billion-dollar brand.
That’s not to say Lord’s lip balm was the first lip balm to add peptides to its formula, but it was certainly the balm that popularized the trend—at a time when the ingredient was just joining the skin care conversation, not to mention a niche product at the time and now a standard category in skin care cosmetic blends. By 2026, peptides will become more popular than ever. “Peptides are short chains of amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin that help our skin stay firm and elastic,” board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi tells us Fashion. “In skin care, peptides trick your skin into producing more supportive proteins. When used in lip products, peptides like palmitoyl tripeptide signal the skin to produce more collagen, making lips plumper, tighter, and more hydrated over time.”
fashion magazine Favorite Peptide Lip Treatment
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She goes on to explain that the skin on our lips is thinner, more delicate, and more susceptible to environmental stressors than the rest of the face, so the gentle nature of the peptides makes them very effective at improving fine lines, dryness, and volume loss. “Plus, they’re incredibly versatile because they’re hydrating, smoothing, and subtly plumping without causing irritation,” says Dr. Shirazi.
That said, it’s no surprise that the whole “peptide lip treatment” trend is gaining so much momentum—combine benefits with modern, tasteful shades that are perfect for a no-makeup day, or pair them with lip liner. “We live in an age where skincare meets glamour,” says celebrity makeup artist Lauren D’Amelio Ventre. “Consumers no longer have to choose between beauty and function: they want both. These formulas are working overtime to support barrier health, smooth texture, and even stimulate collagen. But yes, there’s also a certain glassy, plush beauty that makes them totally addictive.”
