Peptide lip balms are having a moment, especially for anyone wanting to hydrate, plump and smooth out their lip lines. But what are peptides, and are they worth the hype? “Peptides are short chains of amino acids that are the building blocks for collagen and elastin,” says Dr. Lauren Moy, double board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon. “They are like messengers to help skin cells stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation and improve the skin barrier.” We set out to find the best peptide lip balms, even for those with sensitive skin like us, paying close attention to ingredients, finish, shades, volume and cost.
- Best Peptide Lip Balms for 2025, Tested by Wellness Editors With Sensitive Skin
- What is the overall best peptide lip balm?
- Best peptide lip balms
- Best peptide lip balm
- Best lightweight peptide lip balm
- Best dual-ended peptide lipstick
- Best smelling peptide lip balm
- Best peptide lip balm for dry skin
- Best clean peptide lip balm
- Best K-Beauty peptide lip balm
- Best budget peptide lip balm
- Best peptide lip balms compared
- Other peptide lip balms we tested
- The benefits of peptide lip balms
- How we tested the best peptide lip balms
- What to consider when choosing a peptide lip balm
What is the overall best peptide lip balm?
Out of all the popular lip products tested for this list, the Cocokind Ceramide Lip Blur Balm stands out as our favorite. It not only contains tri-peptides but also hydrating ceramides, glycerin and kiss-me-quick-flower extract. The formula is gentle and hydrating on the lips. The tube can be effortlessly thrown in a bag or purse. The looped cap can easily be attached to a key chain for convenience. Cocokind even sells $5 charms that you can add to your peptide lip balm.
Best peptide lip balms
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin and lips
- Soft and smooth feel, glides on the lips
- Glossy, pigmented finish
- Clear option
Cons
- Doesn’t stay on the lips as long as more expensive options
Why we like it: The Cocokind Ceramide Lip Blur Balm is everything I want in a peptide lip treatment. It doesn’t feel heavy on the lips, the color isn’t too pigmented or too sheer, and the formula is soft without being sticky. There are four drastically different shades to choose from, in addition to a clear option. For those who have extremely sensitive skin, like me, the lip balm has been clinically tested for irritants and is accepted by the National Eczema Association. In addition to peptides, it also contains ceramides that help to promote moisture retention.
Who is it best for: I recommend this peptide lip balm to those with sensitive skin since it is made without fragrance, flavors or other common irritants. It’s also a great product to first test out if you aren’t sure about peptide lip balms. Compared to others on this list, it’s at a great price. And when it’s on sale, it can even be found under $10.
Who should not get it: This lip product is not for those who want a deeply pigmented lip tint.
Pros
- Lightweight and non-sticky
- Comes in four shades (including clear)
- Clear has no fragrance
- Tube is made of post-consumer-recycled plastic
- Easy-to-apply donut applicator
Cons
- Non-clear shades may not be for those sensitive to fragrance
Why we like it: This lightweight, non-sticky, smooth lip balm comes in four shades (including clear). I have the clear, sheer peach and cherry crush shades. The sheer peach shade has a light peach scent and color, while the cherry crush shade has more of a cherry/generally fruity scent and red color. The only shade I don’t have, sugar plum, is a berry color. They contain hyaluronic acid, collagen, peptides and ceramides to provide a hydrated and naturally plump look.
Who is it best for: The Peach & Lily Collagen Cushion Peptide Lip Balm is best for someone who wants a light, smooth peptide lip balm in either a clear, peach, red or berry color. The clear shade has no scent, while the other shades have light scents, so these would be good for someone who wants no fragrance or very light fragrance in their lip balm.
I also appreciate that it’s easy to distinguish between the shades because the clear has a white cap, the peach has a peachy-pink cap and the cherry crush is more of a dark pink.
Who should not get it: If you’re looking for a thicker, more buildable peptide lip balm, this is not the right product for you.
Pros
- Hydrating, glossy lipstick formula
- It is dual-ended with a lipliner
- Has a plumping effect on the lips
- Lip liner stays put
Cons
- Contains cinnamal, so it may not be for those sensitive to fragrance
- Only comes in two shades
- Lipstick is not transfer-proof and long-wearing like a lip stain
Why we like it: Nakery Beauty’s PlumParadise Lip Peptide Color Drench is a dual-ended, pigmented peptide lipstick and lip liner in two shades: naked rose (a nude pink) and berry wild (a deep mauve). It is also vegan and cruelty-free, containing MaxiLip volumizing peptides and vegetable collagen. It feels hydrating and lightweight on the lips and has a slightly glossy finish with a plumping effect.
Who is it best for: This product would be best for someone who wants a peptide lip balm in the form of a glossy, hydrating lipstick and lip liner to contour the lips. You would also have to be interested in either a nude pink or a deep mauve shade.
Who should not get it: PlumParadise contains cinnamal, which gives cinnamon its spicy, sweet scent, so that's exactly what the product smells like. While I don’t mind the fragrance and didn't react to it, I wouldn't recommend the product if you’re sensitive to fragrance, dislike the smell of cinnamon or have previously had an allergic reaction to cinnamal-containing products.
Nakery says PlumParadise is transfer-proof, long-wearing, feather-proof, smudge-proof and waterproof. However, I didn't find the lipstick part to be as transfer-proof and long-wearing as the lip liner, which stays put even as you eat and drink. I still enjoyed the product and will continue to wear it, but want to clarify that the lipstick isn’t like a lip stain.
Pros
- Plush, donut-like applicator applies color evenly
- Long-lasting color
- Shiny and hydrating
- Largest selection of shades
Cons
- It can feel a bit sticky compared to others on this list
- Not for those looking for a fragrance-free product
Why we like it: Popular K-beauty brand Laneige knows what makes a great lip product. I’m a big fan of the Laneige Sleeping lip mask, so I was excited to try its new peptide lip serum. It feels smooth and soothing on the lips. The applicator has a puffy, silicone “donut” opening that feels soft and evenly coats the color. I enjoy how even a little bit of product goes a long way -- the tint is pigmented. It comes in eight different shades, and they all smell sweet and chocolatey.
Who is it best for: I recommend the Laneige Glaze Craze tinted lip serum to those who want a lip product that functions more like lipstick or gloss rather than clear balm. It can be easily added to your daily makeup routine, day or night. This peptide lip serum is also great for those who want to choose between many different shades.
Who should not get it: This peptide lip serum shouldn’t be worn as a lip mask overnight since it is very tinted. It can be a bit messy, and you wouldn’t want it to get on your pillowcase or sheets. If you're searching for a peptide lip mask to be worn during the night, I recommend the Iris and Romeo Lip Cocoon Barrier balm.
Pros
- Thick, buttery balm coats lips to lock in moisture
- Extremely hydrating for dry and sensitive skin
- No strong scent or taste
- Clean beauty brand
Cons
- Must squeeze tube hard
- Isn’t as glossy as others on this list
Why we like it: I have dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. In the winter, I rely on Vaseline to keep my lips from drying out and splitting. I love thick, fragrance-free formulas that lock in moisture, especially at night. The Lip Cocoon Barrier Peptide Balm from Iris and Romeo is exactly what I’m looking for when it comes to hydrating lip products. It applies smoothly, and it feels like it actually nourishes my lips. It contains tripeptides and a lipid blend of rose oil, such as camellia oil and shea butter, to promote hydration. It also has red raspberry seed oil, an antioxidant that soothes chapped lips, and Kalahari melon seed oil aids in reducing fine lines for more of a plumping effect.
Who is it best for: Iris and Romeo is a clean beauty brand, best for those with sensitive skin. Since this peptide lip product doesn’t contain parabens, PEGS, synthetic fragrances, sulfates or mineral oil, it is best for sensitive and dry skin like mine. It’s also great for those who want to wear this lip balm as a lip mask overnight.
Who should not get it: Since this peptide lip balm doesn’t come in tinted shades, it is not for consumers who want a lip balm and lipstick all-in-one. It also has a thicker formula, so it’s not for those who want a thin lip product.
Pros
- Contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin E
- Natural, smooth and silky finish
- Clear option is great as an overnight lip mask
- Less waste with its refillable applicator
Cons
- Smells like wax
- Not very glossy
Why we like it: This peptide lip treatment comes in a twistable lipstick applicator, and the actual product looks similar to what you find in a tube of Chapstick. While it may look unassuming, I appreciate that it feels thicker and more hydrating on the lips than normal Chapstick. It contains 5% active peptides and hyaluronic acid, along with vitamin E, organic shea butter and jojoba oil -- all hydrating ingredients that moisturize, heal and protect the lips. I tested the clear option, which is great as an overnight lip mask, but it also comes in two other pink shades.
Who is it best for: Similar to Iris and Romeo, Soshe is a clean beauty brand that doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients. The brand has been accepted by Credo Beauty, which means that it has met Credo’s strict clean standards when it comes to ingredients, packaging and sustainability. Soshe’s lip treatment is perfect for those who want full transparency of their skin care ingredients. It’s a good option for those who are environmentally conscious, thanks to its reduced plastic packaging and refills.
Who should not get it: Those trying to get the best bang for their buck might be disappointed by the amount of lip balm in the applicator, which is the lightest, weight-wise on this list. However, refills are less expensive than the applicator and product.
Pros
- Glossy and plump finish
- Smooth application
- Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic
- Lightweight and soft on the lips
Cons
- No color options, only clear
- Can be a bit sticky
Why we like it: Korean skincare, often referred to as K-Beauty, is known for its gentle formulas that highlight hydration and a healthy skin barrier. This type of skin care aims to prevent future skin issues rather than treating them in the present day. Supperegg is a clean skincare brand that is based in New York but made in Korea. Supperegg omits 2,700 plus ingredients from its products, such as alcohol, mineral oil, PEGS and artificial dyes. The formula feels luxurious on the lips, very smooth and hydrating. It is a little thicker but not as thick as the lip balm from Iris and Romeo. While it is clear, it is glossy enough for a daytime look.
Who is it best for: This lip balm from Superegg is great for customers who are curious and cautious about the ingredients in their skincare products. Its Infinite Layers Lip Care balm is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and made without any ingredients linked to health or environmental harm.
Who should not get it: Since this product is not tinted, this isn't for someone looking for a peptide lip balm with color.
Pros
- Smooth application
- Light tint of color
- Glossy finish
- Readily available on Target and Amazon
Cons
- Not as many hydrating ingredients as others on this list
- Can be sticky
Why we like it: The glossiest peptide lip balm on this list is also the most affordable. The ESW Beauty lip treatment comes in three scents and flavors. I tested the guava mango-scented product, which has a juicy smell and bright pink tint. The formula feels like a gel, giving a beautiful, buildable, glossy finish. In addition to peptides, it also has shea butter and the specific flavor I tested has guava and mango extract. It might not be the most hydrating, but it looks great, and you can get it at an unbeatable price. On top of that, according to US Weekly, it's the peptide lip balm that Kourtney Kardashian uses.
Who is it best for: The ESW Beauty Guava Mango Lip Treatment is great for anyone looking to dip their toes into the peptide skin care world. If you, first and foremost, want a lip gloss that smells and tastes great, this is the ideal product.
Who should not get it: If you need a hydrating lip balm or one that is proven to not irritate skin or lips, this is not the product for you. It contains a lot of oils and doesn’t feel as soft as other lip balms.
Best peptide lip balms compared
| 5 | Ceramide complex, tri-peptide, glycerin, kiss-me-quick flower | 0.3 fl oz. | No | Yes | $12 |
| 4 | Hyaluronic acid, collagen, peptides, ceramides | 12ml/0.4 fl oz. | Yes | Yes | $22 |
| 8 | Argan ceramides, polypeptides, polyglutamic acid | 12 g/0.42 oz. | No | No | $22 |
| 1 | Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Bulgarian rose oil, camellia oil, shea butter, raspberry seed oil, Kalahari melon seed oil | 15 ml/0.5 fl oz. | Yes | Yes | $28 |
| 3 | Tripeptide-29, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, organic shea butter, organic rosehip, jojoba oil blend | 3.8 g/0.13 oz. | No | Yes | $30 |
| 1 | Peptides, Derma-clerta patented plant extract, camellia oil, hydrogenated lecithin, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E | 0.35 oz. | Yes | Yes | $28 |
| 3 | Tripeptides, shea butter, guava and mango extract | 0.51 oz. | Yes | Yes | $12 |
| 2 | MaxiLip, vegetable collagen, peptide polymer | 0.038 oz. | Yes | Yes | $25 |
Rhode peptide lip treatment: The vegan, cruelty-free Rhode peptide lip treatment has fun shades and scents, and you’ve likely seen all the influencers on your social media feed touting it. It also hydrates and plumps the lips with shea butter, peptides, cupuaçu (a chocolatey fruit native to the Amazon) and babassu (an oil made from the South American babassu palm). It provides high shine like a lip gloss.
This treatment is best for someone who wants a slightly thicker, shinier lip treatment akin to a lip gloss. It is available in an unscented option, as well as vanilla, salted caramel and watermelon slice scents. Rhode also has a fragrance-free peptide lip tint in five shades.
It’s important to note that some consumers, including Anna, with the salted caramel scent, have experienced varying degrees of gritty particles in this balm. While it doesn’t bother her, and she barely notices it after she rubs her lips together, it may bother some more than others, depending on the degree of grittiness. After taking a swatch photo of the balm, Anna decided not to include it in this list because of the amount of particles. While some haven’t dealt with this, and others recommend soaking the product in warm water to melt the particles, she wouldn’t recommend purchasing a lip product that may or may not be gritty.
Rituel de Fille Thorn Bite Peptide Plump Crème lip oil: This clean beauty brand is known for its lipsticks and lip products. Its peptide lip oil is available in three sheer shades and comes in a luxurious-feeling glass vial. CNET Editor Caroline Igo tested the rose dew shade, which is close to a clear shine with a hint of pink. It’s made with Murla seed oil, mango butter, shea oil, jojoba extract, rosehip and coconut oil.
The Rituel de Fille peptide lip oil is best for those who are looking for a sheer color with a nice shine. This product is similar to lip gloss in that it's extremely smooth, shiny and has a plumping look. It's buildable and can go over any lipstick or lip stain.
While this is a clean beauty brand, some people experience some sensitivities, Caroline included. It contains ginger oil, which Caroline is allergic to, and it causes her a tingling sensation. While this won’t happen to everyone, it’s also important to note that it has a strong floral scent that may bother some with sensitive skin. Caroline didn't include this product in this list due to the reaction that it caused her, but she still considers it a great product for its volume, consistency, look and feel. Catie Boucher, DCNP, FNP-C, who is board-certified in dermatology and family medicine and founder of SavvyDerm, says, "Anyone with a history of sensitive skin or eczema should be sure to patch test a lip product with peptides to make sure they don’t have a reaction."
“[Peptide lip products] are a gentle way for people to maintain and improve their skin quality without irritation,” says Dr. Moy, who lists the following as benefits of peptide lip balms:
- Retaining hydration and preventing moisture loss
- Reducing the appearance of fine lines on the lips
- Making the lips appear plumper and more voluminous
- Building up collagen and elastin, proteins that repair damaged lips
Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, agrees that peptide lip balms are a great option for addressing hydration and "changes related to aging, namely fine lines, wrinkles, and the development of thin lips." Essentially, if you want plump, hydrated lips that lack the appearance of fine lines, then peptide lip balms may be the right lip product for you.
It's clear that the beauty world is singing the praises of peptide lip treatments. Lauren D'Amelio Ventre, celebrity makeup artist and global beauty educator, says, "Buzzwords come and go, but peptides are here to stay. As someone who has spent nearly two decades enhancing lips on brides, celebrities and runway models, I can confidently say that peptide lip balms are one of the most exciting innovations in lip care today."
Caroline and Anna tested each peptide lip balm for at least a week. Caroline has very dry, sensitive skin that is prone to eczema flare-ups, and Anna has sensitive, rosacea-prone skin and lips sensitive to ingredients like lanolin, so they paid close attention to any sensitivity issues. While testing, they also considered the consistency and texture, shades, shine, whether the product is vegan and cruelty-free and the volume versus cost.
Key ingredients: Some ingredients are added to provide hydration, while others offer a plumping effect or shine. Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, shea butter, glycerin and ceramides are examples of some important hydrating ingredients. As for plumping, ingredients like peptides, fruit seed oils, rosehip extract and jojoba oil can help smooth lines and soothe lips.
Consistency: Certain peptide lip balms are lightweight, while others are thick. Consider a lightweight option if you prefer a lip product that feels like it’s barely there. If you prefer to feel your lip balm, want more shine and don’t mind a slightly heavier consistency, you would be better off with a thicker balm.
Shades: Some peptide lip balms are clear, while others come in multiple shades. If you want to wear your peptide lip balm as makeup, you may want to consider a product that offers more than one shade.
Vegan/cruelty-free: Vegan refers to the absence of animal ingredients, while cruelty-free means that the product has not been tested on animals. If either is important to you, you will want a product that confirms whether or not it is vegan or cruelty-free.
Cost: Before purchasing a peptide lip balm, think about your budget. The products on this list range from $12 to $30. If this is a lip product you want to invest in and only want to buy one of, you may lean more toward the $30 product (Soshe Beauty). The $12 items (Cocokind or ESW Beauty) would be a better pick for those on a budget who prefer not to spend much on their lip balm or those who want to buy multiple shades for less.
Volume: Another cost-related consideration is how much product you're getting for the money you’re spending. If you want more bang for your buck, consider the ESW Beauty and Cocokind lip balms, which offer the best cost-to-volume ratio.
After weeks of testing, we found the Cocokind Ceramide Lip Blur Balm to be the best peptide lip balm. It is safe for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. The peptide lip balm comes in four beautiful shades and one clear option. In addition to peptides, it contains hydrating ceramides, glycerin and kiss-me-quick-flower extract.
Dr. John Diaz, Beverly Hills board-certified plastic surgeon and co-founder of Honor MD, states that “[peptides] are proteins necessary to build up the skin and volume of lips. They are also used by the lips to repair damaged or chapped lips.” Especially those with “dry or thin lips” can benefit from a peptide lip balm. However, they might not work for everyone, given that your lips are already hydrated and plump.
The following lip balms have both hyaluronic acid and peptides: Peach & Lily Collagen Cushion Peptide Lip Balm, Soshe Beauty Peptide Glow Hydrating Lip Treatment and Supperegg Infinite Layers Lip Care.
A drawback to peptides in lip balm is that sometimes, sensitive skin may have a reaction. Dr. Moy states, “Patients with sensitive or reactive skin may be more susceptible to irritation or allergic reactions. These individuals should consult a dermatologist before incorporating peptides into their routine.”
If you need a product to be, first and foremost, hydrating, hyaluronic acid is the way to go. It helps to retain moisture better than peptides. However, peptides help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improving elasticity. One isn’t better than the other. When used together, you have the best of both worlds: hydration and treatment.
Dr. Diaz says, “When applied to the lips, peptides can be taken up by the cells to help build up collagen and elastin. These are proteins necessary to build up the skin and volume of lips. They are also used by the lips to repair damaged or chapped lips.”
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