Chapped, Dry Lips? Try the Best Lip Peels for Instant Exfoliation

All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

As the cool air of autumn settles in, the common battle against dry, chapped lips begins. Enter: the lip peel—a treatment you didn’t know you needed. Say goodbye to rough patches without the need for scrubbing; all it takes is a simple swipe. I was introduced to this category through Dr. Idriss’s Barrier Baste lip peel. “A lip peel? Like a chemical peel… for your lips?” I muttered to myself (yes, I do talk to myself sometimes at work).

What is a Lip Peel?

In essence, a lip peel functions like a mini chemical peel tailored specifically for the sensitive skin of your lips. Unlike most traditional lip scrubs, which rely on abrasive particles for exfoliation, these products harness the power of gentle acids to dissolve dead skin cells without causing irritation. As clinical professor Rebecca Small, MD, explains, “Your lips lack oil or sweat glands, which means they lose moisture rapidly.” This is why they require special attention.

Lip peels utilize gentle exfoliants—such as salicylic or mandelic acid, and natural enzymes from sources like papaya and pineapple—to effectively remove dry skin and flakes. When used correctly, these products reveal a smooth, even surface that helps lip products, from bold matte lipsticks to glossy stains, glide on effortlessly without any patchiness.

Benefits of Using a Lip Peel

The transformative power of lip peels goes beyond standard surface exfoliation. They not only smooth the lips but also restore hydration and balance. By preventing the cycle of dryness and peeling, regular use ensures that your lips feel consistently nourished. Ultimately, soft lips enhance both appearance and overall health, proving that a chemical exfoliant can outperform traditional physical scrubs.

Vogue’s Favorite Lip Peels

1. Best Skin-Care–Makeup Hybrid: U Beauty The PLASMA Lip Compound

   • Why We Love It: This unique product is not a traditional peel but offers similar results due to its built-in exfoliants while doubling as a luxurious balm.
   • Key Ingredients: Castor seed oil, shea butter, salicylic acid, and hyaluronic acid.
   • Type: Exfoliating lip balm.
   • How to Use: Apply to bare lips at any time—this product can be used over lip liner as well.

2. Best Lip Oil Treatment: Osea Hyaluronic Acid Lip Booster

   • Why We Love It: This versatile product serves as both a hydrating oil and a gentle lip exfoliant thanks to its enzymatic exfoliation from rice-bran extract.
   • Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, sunflower seed oil, and seaweed extract.
   • Type: Exfoliating lip oil.
   • How to Use: Sweep across your lips to hydrate and gently exfoliate away dry patches.

3. Best Serum Peel: Stacked Skincare Hydrating Lip Peel

   • Why We Love It: Featuring a vegan formula with a blend of AHAs, this product is designed for ease of use with effective results.
   • Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, lactic acid, and mushroom extract.
   • Type: Leave-on treatment.
   • How to Use: Apply a thin layer to clean lips, allow it to dry, and follow with a hydrating lip balm.

4. Best Balm: Dr. Idriss Barrier Baste Lip Peel

   • Why We Love It: This peel quickly revitalizes dry lips with minimal effort. “A swipe of this, followed by a nourishing lip balm, transforms my lips from chapped to supple overnight,” says Conçetta Ciarlo from Vogue.
   • Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, gluconolactone, and glycerin.
   • Type: Leave-on exfoliating treatment.
   • How to Use: Apply a thin layer and allow it to dry before using your favorite lip balm.

5. Best With Mandelic Acid: Typology L38—Lip Peeling

   • Why We Love It: This formula boasts a precise balance of 2% mandelic acid combined with pomegranate enzymes for gentle exfoliation.
   • Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, pomegranate enzyme, and trehalose.
   • Type: No-rinse lip exfoliating serum.
   • How to Use: Apply a thin layer on clean lips and let it dry for skin benefits.

6. Best Enzyme Exfoliator: Stila Buff & Blur Lip Enzyme Exfoliator

   • Why We Love It: This product merges enzymatic exfoliation with a soothing texture for an effective exfoliation experience.
   • Key Ingredients: Papaya enzyme, pineapple enzyme, and natural astringents.
   • Type: Rinse-off gel exfoliator.
   • How to Use: Apply to lips, massage gently, then rinse with warm water.

How Often Should You Use a Lip Peel?

Experts recommend limiting lip peels to once a week due to the delicate nature of lip skin. Overuse can exacerbate dryness. Incorporate them into your nightly routine and follow up with a rich lip balm for optimal results.

Are Lip Peels Better Than Scrubs?

According to Dr. Small, lip scrubs operate through mechanical means—physically buffing the skin with particles. In contrast, lip peels gently dissolve the bonds holding dead skin cells together, resulting in a smoother finish without the risk of irritation. While scrubs can temporarily deliver softness, they may not be suitable for very dry or sensitive lips.

In conclusion, if you’re struggling with dry, chapped lips this season, consider incorporating a lip peel into your skincare routine. With a range of options available, you can find the perfect product tailored to keep your lips looking and feeling their best.