As a dermatologist, I’m often asked about the latest and greatest in skincare products. Just the other day, a young patient of mine came in with a question about Hailey Beiber’s Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment. She was curious if this product was worth the TikTok hype. I decided to take a deeper dive into this particular product to provide a review.

Overview of Peptides

“Peptides” have been everywhere for the past few years. TikTok touts these tiny protein fragments as the next big thing in skincare. But are peptides really as miraculous as they sound, or is it just marketing?

Let’s look closer at what peptides actually do, the science behind their supposed benefits, and whether they deserve your hard-earned money.

Click the video to the right for a whirlwind overview of peptides, or read on for more info!

The star of the Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment is, according to the name, peptides. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks for proteins like collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining firm, youthful skin. As we age, the natural production of these proteins slows down, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of aging. Peptides in skincare work by signaling the skin to produce more collagen, thus helping to restore its structure and elasticity.

When people talk about "peptides," it can mean a lot of different things, making it a very broad and unclear term. Peptides are short chains of amino acids, but there are many different types, and they can do different things for your skin. Because of this, it's hard to know exactly what a product with peptides will do without more details. On the other hand, when someone mentions retinol, we know exactly what that is—a type of Vitamin A that helps with wrinkles and skin texture. So, while "retinol" is specific, "peptides" is more like an umbrella term that needs more explanation.

So how do we know if a peptide is really good for our skin? It can be tricky because many studies on peptides are sponsored by the companies that make them, which can sometimes make the results seem better than they are. Plus, a lot of the research is done in a lab (in vitro) or on animals, not on actual people. This means we don't always know how well these peptides will work on human skin. Sometimes, the results we hear about are also self-reported, meaning people just say how their skin feels, which isn't always super reliable. So, it's important to be cautious when hearing big promises about peptides.

Brief Overview of Rhode

Rhode is a relatively new brand in the skincare market, but it has quickly gained attention due to its clean, effective formulations and minimalist approach. Founded by model and entrepreneur Hailey Bieber, Rhode emphasizes simplicity and effectiveness in its product offerings. The brand focuses on delivering high-performance skincare essentials that work synergistically to enhance skin health and appearance.

Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment Ingredients

Rhode’s Peptide Lip Treatment contains a singular peptide:

It's hard to find accurate information about peptides, especially with so much hype surrounding them in the skincare world. To cut through the noise, here's a no-nonsense overview of this peptide:

**Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment contains half what what constitutes Matrixyl 3000. This** is a combo of peptides (Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 + Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1) that increase collagen and decrease inflammation. It was developed in the early 2000s. This peptide is pretty old and there are far more sophisticated peptides nowadays.

Usage

To get the most out of Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment, apply it directly to clean, dry lips as needed throughout the day. The product can be used alone for a natural, glossy look or layered under your favorite lipstick for added hydration and a plumping effect. For best results, apply a generous layer before bed as an overnight lip mask, allowing the ingredients to work while you sleep.

This lip treatment is versatile enough to be used year-round, providing essential hydration during the dry winter months and protection from the sun’s harsh rays in the summer. Incorporating it into your daily skincare routine will help maintain soft, smooth, and youthful-looking lips.

Time to See Results

The hydrating and smoothing effects of the Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment can be noticed almost immediately after application. The lips will feel softer, more supple, and appear slightly plumper due to the moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and Cupuaçu butter. For long-term anti-aging benefits, such as improved lip fullness and reduction of fine lines, consistent use over 4 to 8 weeks is recommended.

Side Effects

Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment is formulated to be gentle and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. However, as with any skincare product, there is a slight chance of irritation, particularly if you have a sensitivity to any of the ingredients. Common lip treatment ingredients like shea butter are generally well-tolerated, but it’s always wise to perform a patch test if you have a history of sensitive skin or allergic reactions.

The product is free from fragrances and common irritants, making it a safe option for those with sensitive lips.

Texture and Feel

Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment has a rich, balm-like texture that glides smoothly over the lips, providing an instant dose of hydration without feeling heavy or sticky. The product leaves a glossy finish that enhances the natural color of the lips, making them look plump and hydrated. Despite its richness, the treatment absorbs well, leaving the lips feeling soft and conditioned for hours.

The formula is also designed to provide long-lasting moisture, reducing the need for frequent reapplication.

Packaging

Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment comes in a sleek, tube packaging with a slanted applicator tip that allows for easy, precise application. The tube is compact and travel-friendly, making it easy to carry in your purse or pocket for on-the-go hydration. The packaging is designed to protect the integrity of the ingredients, ensuring that the product remains effective from the first use to the last.

The minimalist design reflects Rhode’s brand ethos, offering a clean and simple aesthetic that appeals to those who appreciate understated elegance in their skincare products.

Price and Value

Priced at around $16 for a 10 mL tube, Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment is positioned as an affordable yet effective lip care option. Considering the quality of the ingredients, particularly the inclusion of peptides and antioxidants, it offers good value for those looking to maintain or enhance the appearance of their lips. The product is available on the Rhode website and through select online retailers.

When compared to other lip treatments on the market, particularly those that focus on anti-aging benefits, Rhode’s offering stands out for its combination of high-performance ingredients and accessible price point.

Comparisons

When comparing Rhode’s Peptide Lip Treatment to other popular peptide serums, such as The Ordinary Buffet and Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream, a few key differences emerge:

The Ordinary Buffet is another affordable peptide serum that contains more advanced peptide technology (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 is a more advanced collagen building peptide). It’s cheaper, too.
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream is a peptide-rich moisturizer that targets signs of aging. It has an advanced copper delivery system. It also contains Matrixyl-3000. However, it comes at a much higher price point. While Drunk Elephant offers a more luxurious texture and added moisturizing benefits, Rhode provides a more budget-friendly option.

Dermatologist's Opinion

I like Rhode’s Peptide Lip Treatment! I use it myself! But, if you’re looking to get into peptides, Rhode’s Peptide Lip Treatment is not it. It contains a singular peptide that is pretty old in terms of technology. I don’t know why my girl Hailey put “peptide” in the name when there’s only 1 kinda sucky peptide. Maybe her marketing team suggested naming it this because peptides are the “new” thing. If you are serious about trying peptides, there are better formulas out there (see here) at a cheaper price point, too.

Is Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment suitable for sensitive lips?

Yes, this product is formulated to be gentle and is suitable for sensitive lips, though it’s always a good idea to patch test if you have a history of sensitivity.

Can I use this lip treatment with other lip products?

Absolutely! Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment can be used alone or layered under lipstick or gloss for added hydration and a plumping effect.

How long does it take to see results?

You’ll notice softer, more hydrated lips immediately after use. For anti-aging benefits like reduced fine lines and improved lip fullness, consistent use over 4 to 8 weeks is recommended.

Is this product non-comedogenic?

While lip treatments are not typically labeled as non-comedogenic, the ingredients in this product are generally safe and should not clog pores around the mouth area.

Is Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment fragrance-free?

Yes, this product is fragrance-free, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.

How should I store this product?

Store it in a cool, dry place, and keep the cap tightly closed to maintain the integrity of the ingredients.

Dermatologist Reviews: Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment