Peptide Lip Liners Are Quietly Taking Over

The internet is still completely obsessed with peptides, and for good reason. A dermatologist favorite for stimulating collagen and elastin production, the ingredient has expanded beyond skincare into cosmetics—from skin tints, glossy lipsticks, and even peptide lip liners. In a beauty world increasingly centered around hybrid formulas, peptides offer real benefits for people’s lips. As renowned cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson explains, consumers are increasingly turning to multi-tasking formulas that deliver color and skin care benefits in a single application.

“Peptides are short chains of amino acids that, when applied topically, act like messengers to trigger cells to produce more collagen and elastin,” Robinson said Fashion. “They can also help soothe lips and repair the skin barrier, as well as plump and reduce the appearance of fine lines around the lips.” In practical terms, this means that peptide-infused lip liners feel noticeably different than the drying pens of the past. “The peptides contained in lip products help support hydration, smooth formula texture and overall lip comfort,” adds celebrity makeup artist and founder of m.ph Beauty Mary Phillips.

fashion magazine Favorite peptide lip liner

Perhaps even more surprising, despite the ingredient craze that’s taking over the internet, is how a few select brands actually incorporate peptides into their lip liner formulas—something I can personally attest to. In my search for the perfect peptide lip pencil, I combed through dozens of options, only to find that the category remains surprisingly sparse. Last year, following the viral success of its cushioned lip care products, Rhode was one of the first brands to gain widespread attention for its prominent use of peptides in its retractable lip pencils. Still, brands like Bobbi Brown and Victoria Beckham Beauty were quietly incorporating the ingredient into their liners long before the trend took off. Since then, several other brands have launched their own products on peptide-powered pencils.

“Lip liner formulas are more technically limiting than people realize,” says Phillips. “Unlike glosses or balms, liners need to maintain a very specific balance of structure, precision, effectiveness and wear time. Adding peptides requires additional formulation work, testing and investment to ensure they enhance the formula without compromising performance.” This balance ultimately comes down to texture and preference. Rhode and Kulfi Beauty are slimming creams that are more slippery, while m.ph Beauty and Victoria Beckham Beauty have formulas that offer a firmer, more sculpted look.

With that in mind, here are five of the best peptide lip liners we’ve tested. Get your hands on this trend while it’s still slow-burning—because Robinson believes it’s only a matter of time before this skin-care and makeup hybrid becomes mainstream.