If you’ve scrolled through TikTok or Instagram in the past two years, you’ve undoubtedly seen the Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment everywhere. Hailey Bieber’s skincare brand Rhode has taken the beauty world by storm, and this glossy lip treatment has become the brand’s cult-favorite hero product. With over 2 million tubes sold, viral TikTok videos reaching billions of views, and even its own phone case accessory, this $18 lip balm has achieved iconic status. But does it actually deliver on its promises of plump, hydrated, pillowy-soft lips? Or is it just another overhyped celebrity product? After months of testing every shade and flavor, we’re giving you the complete, unfiltered truth.
What is Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment?

The Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment is a high-performance lip care product that bridges the gap between skincare and makeup. It’s not quite a lip balm, not quite a gloss, but rather a nourishing “lip glaze” that hydrates, plumps, and leaves your lips with a glossy, glass-like finish. Created by Hailey Rhode Bieber (hence the brand name), the product embodies her signature “glazed donut” aesthetic—dewy, glowing, and effortlessly chic.
Product Specifications
- Product Name: Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment
- Price: $18 USD / £16 GBP / $24 CAD
- Size: 0.3 fl oz / 10 mL
- Available Types: Untinted (4 scents) and Tinted (4+ shades)
- Finish: High-shine gloss with pillowy-soft texture
- Key Ingredients: Peptides, Shea Butter, Cupuaçu, Babassu
- Claims: Cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free, dermatologist-tested
- Packaging: PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) materials
- Where to Buy: Rhode Skin website, Sephora, Revolve, Selfridges (UK)
Read also: e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter Review
First Impressions: Packaging and Design
The Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment arrives in a slim, minimalist tube that screams “model off duty.” The packaging is sleek, understated, and incredibly Instagram-worthy—which is exactly on-brand for Hailey Bieber’s aesthetic.
Packaging highlights:
- Soft-touch matte silicone exterior
- Slim, pocket-friendly design
- Rounded cushion applicator tip
- Twist-off magnetic cap
- Minimalist branding (just the Rhode logo)
- Available in coordinating colors for tinted versions
- Sustainable PCR materials
The cushion applicator deserves special mention—it’s not your typical doe-foot. Instead, it’s a rounded, soft silicone tip that perfectly contours to your lip shape, making application foolproof and mess-free. It deposits just the right amount of product without overloading.
The Phone Case Phenomenon
Rhode also sells a custom phone case with a slot to hold your Peptide Lip Treatment on the back of your phone. While it might seem gimmicky, it’s actually genius for keeping your lip treatment accessible throughout the day. Plus, it’s become a status symbol in itself—spotting a Rhode phone case in the wild has become as common as seeing AirPods.
The Formula: What Makes It Different?
Texture and Consistency
The Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment has a unique texture that’s best described as a thick, luxurious gloss with the nourishing properties of a treatment balm. It’s not quite as liquid as a typical gloss, nor as solid as a traditional lip balm—it occupies that perfect middle ground.
On the applicator:
- Thick, gel-like consistency
- Smooth and creamy
- Looks almost like honey or syrup
- Substantial without being goopy
During application:
- Glides on effortlessly
- Feels cushiony and plush
- Slightly cool sensation
- Doesn’t tug or drag on lips
After application:
- High-shine, glossy finish
- Slightly tacky (not sticky)
- Moisturizing without heaviness
- Creates that “glazed” effect
Key Ingredients Breakdown
Peptides:
- Short chains of amino acids
- Help visibly plump lips
- Reduce appearance of fine lines
- Support skin barrier function
- Long-term benefits with consistent use
Shea Butter:
- Rich in fatty acids (including vitamins E, D, and A)
- Deeply hydrates and moisturizes
- Softens and conditions
- Protective barrier for lips
Cupuaçu:
- Brazilian superfruit butter
- Treats dry, dehydrated lips
- Helps maintain skin elasticity
- Locks in moisture
- Promotes suppleness
Babassu:
- Natural source of lauric acid
- Supports skin microbiome
- Replenishes overall moisture
- Lightweight, non-greasy
- Fast-absorbing
What’s NOT in the formula:
- No parabens
- No sulfates
- No phthalates
- No mineral oil
- Cruelty-free and vegan
Complete Shade and Scent Guide
Rhode offers the Peptide Lip Treatment in two categories: Untinted (with different scents) and Tinted (with sheer color payoff).
Untinted Peptide Lip Treatments
1. Unscented
- Description: Clear, no fragrance, no flavor
- Best for: Sensitive lips, fragrance-averse users
- Experience: Pure lip care without any sensory extras
- Most versatile option
2. Salted Caramel
- Description: Sweet, buttery caramel scent with hint of salt
- Best for: Sweet scent lovers
- Experience: Like a dessert for your lips (without the calories!)
- Fan favorite: One of the most popular scents
3. Watermelon Slice
- Description: Fresh, juicy watermelon scent
- Best for: Summer vibes, fruity scent fans
- Experience: Refreshing and uplifting
- Perfect for: Warm weather, vacation mode
4. Rhode Vanilla (Previously “Vanilla”)
- Description: Warm, cake-like vanilla scent
- Best for: Classic scent lovers
- Experience: Cozy, comforting, sophisticated
- Newest addition: Launched after initial three
Tinted Peptide Lip Treatments (Lip Tints)
The tinted versions provide sheer, buildable color while maintaining the same nourishing formula. All tints are unscented.
Core Collection Shades:
1. Ribbon
- Color: Sheer pink
- Undertone: Cool pink
- Best for: Fair to light skin tones
- Finish: Natural, rosy flush
- Vibe: Innocent, fresh-faced
2. Toast
- Color: Warm nude-brown
- Undertone: Warm caramel
- Best for: Light to medium skin tones
- Finish: Natural “my lips but better”
- Vibe: Effortless, model off-duty
- Bestseller!
3. Espresso
- Color: Deep brown
- Undertone: Rich chocolate
- Best for: Medium to deep skin tones
- Finish: Sophisticated nude
- Vibe: 90s supermodel
4. Raspberry Jelly
- Color: Berry pink-red
- Undertone: Cool berry
- Best for: Most skin tones
- Finish: Juicy, vibrant
- Vibe: Fun, playful
Limited Edition Shades (rotate seasonally):
- Strawberry Glaze: Sheer red with gold shimmer
- Jelly Bean: Sheer pink with sparkle
- Sugar Cookie: Nude pink with shimmer
- Peach Pit: Warm peachy pink (discontinued)
Which Should You Choose?
For everyday wear: Unscented or Toast For sweet scent lovers: Salted Caramel For summer vibes: Watermelon Slice For fair skin: Ribbon or unscented versions For medium skin: Toast (the universal favorite!) For deep skin: Espresso For a pop of color: Raspberry Jelly
How to Use Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment
The beauty of this product is its versatility. Here are the best ways to use it:
Method 1: As a Daily Lip Treatment
Application:
- Apply directly from tube to clean, bare lips
- Let the cushion applicator glide across your lips
- Press lips together gently
- Reapply throughout the day as needed
When to use:
- Morning skincare routine
- Before bed as overnight treatment
- Throughout the day for hydration
- Under lipstick as primer
Method 2: As a Lip Mask Treatment
Application:
- Apply a thick, generous layer to lips
- Let sit for 10-15 minutes
- Wipe off excess or let absorb
- Lips feel deeply nourished and plump
When to use:
- Weekly intensive treatment
- Before important events
- To prep lips for matte lipstick
- Overnight for maximum hydration
Method 3: Over Lip Liner for Dimension
Application:
- Line and fill lips with lip liner (Rhode Peptide Lip Shape works perfectly)
- Apply Peptide Lip Treatment over the top
- Enjoy fuller-looking, dimensional lips
- The gloss enhances the liner color
Hailey’s favorite method! She’s often seen pairing the treatment with a brown lip liner for that signature 90s look.
Method 4: Mixed with Lipstick
Application:
- Apply your favorite lipstick
- Dab Peptide Lip Treatment on top
- Creates a custom glossy lip look
- Transforms matte lipsticks to satin
Performance: All-Day Wear Test
Longevity and Staying Power
Wear Time Without Eating/Drinking:
- Initial 0-2 hours: Full glossy shine, maximum hydration
- Hours 3-4: Shine fades slightly, lips still feel moisturized
- Hours 5-6: Most shine gone, subtle gloss remains
- After 6 hours: Needs reapplication, but lips still feel conditioned
With Eating/Drinking:
- Glossy finish fades after eating
- Nourishing benefits remain
- Requires touch-ups after meals
- Not transfer-proof (it’s a gloss!)
The Plumping Effect
Immediately: Lips look fuller due to the glossy finish and light-reflecting properties
After 2 weeks: Lips feel more hydrated and supple, which naturally makes them appear fuller
After 1 month: Noticeable improvement in lip texture, fine lines less visible, lips maintain better hydration even without product
The truth: This isn’t a lip plumper in the traditional sense (no tingling, no irritants). The “plumping” comes from:
- Intense hydration making lips look naturally fuller
- Peptides improving lip texture over time
- Glossy finish creating optical illusion of fullness
- Healthy, moisturized lips retaining natural volume
The Gritty Texture Controversy
The issue: Some users report a “gritty” or “grainy” texture after the product has been stored for a while, especially in temperature fluctuations.
What causes it: Temperature changes can cause the formula’s ingredients to separate slightly, creating crystallization.
The fix:
- Massage the tube between your hands to warm it
- The grittiness usually dissolves with body heat
- Rub lips together after application
- Store at consistent room temperature
- Avoid leaving in hot cars or direct sunlight
Our experience: We encountered this once with the Salted Caramel version after leaving it in a warm bag. Massaging the tube and warming it between hands fixed it completely.
Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment vs. Other Lip Products
Rhode vs. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
Rhode Wins:
- More affordable ($18 vs $24)
- Contains peptides for long-term benefits
- Glossier finish
- Phone case accessory available
Summer Fridays Wins:
- Thicker, more balm-like
- Longer-lasting hydration
- Less sticky
- Better for overnight treatment
Rhode vs. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Rhode Wins:
- More portable for daytime use
- Glossier, more makeup-like finish
- Contains peptides
- Suitable for day and night
Laneige Wins:
- More product (20g vs 10ml)
- Thicker, more intensive
- Better value per ounce
- Specifically designed for overnight
Rhode vs. Dior Lip Glow Oil
Rhode Wins:
- Much more affordable ($18 vs $40)
- Similar glossy finish
- Better ingredient list (peptides!)
- Cruelty-free and vegan
Dior Wins:
- Luxury packaging
- More prestigious brand
- Slightly less sticky
- More shade options
Rhode vs. Glossier Balm Dotcom
Rhode Wins:
- More sophisticated formula (peptides)
- Glossier, more elegant finish
- Better for makeup looks
- More skin care benefits
Glossier Wins:
- More affordable ($14 vs $18)
- Multipurpose (can use on cuticles, etc.)
- Thicker, more protective
- Original cult favorite status
Verdict: Rhode offers the best combination of skincare benefits, glossy finish, and reasonable price point. It’s the sweet spot between luxury and accessibility.
Pros and Cons
What We Love
- Gorgeous high-shine, glossy finish that looks expensive
- Nourishing formula with peptides for long-term benefits
- Comfortable texture that isn’t too sticky or heavy
- Minimalist, chic packaging that feels luxury
- Cushion applicator is mess-free and perfect
- Impressive ingredient list with no nasties
- Suitable for all skin types including sensitive
- Cruelty-free and vegan aligns with ethics
- Multiple scent and color options for preferences
- Works beautifully over lip liner for dimension
- Improves lip texture over time with consistent use
- Reasonably priced at $18 for quality formula
- Sustainable packaging from recycled materials
- Can double as lip mask for intensive treatment
- Phone case accessory is actually genius
- Universally flattering shades (especially Toast)
What Could Be Better
- Not transfer-proof will come off when eating, drinking, kissing
- Needs frequent reapplication every 3-4 hours
- Can feel sticky for those who hate glossy finishes
- Gritty texture issue in temperature fluctuations
- Sells out constantly hard to get popular shades
- Limited tint options for very deep skin tones
- Scented versions may irritate sensitive individuals
- Price adds up if you buy multiple shades
- Marketing can feel excessive “model off duty” aesthetic
- Not suitable for matte lip lovers this is GLOSSY
- Phone case required to prevent losing it
- May not be “plumping” enough for those wanting dramatic effects
- Packaging can develop odor over time (reported by some users)
- Not the most hydrating for severely chapped lips
Is Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment Worth It?
Our Final Verdict: YES, with enthusiasm!
After months of testing, we can confidently say the Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment absolutely deserves its viral status. Is it the most revolutionary lip product ever created? No. But it’s a genuinely excellent lip treatment that delivers on its promises of hydration, shine, and improved lip texture.
Worth buying if you:
- Love glossy, dewy lip looks
- Want a lip product that’s half skincare, half makeup
- Appreciate minimalist, chic packaging
- Like the “glazed” aesthetic
- Want long-term lip care benefits (peptides!)
- Enjoy trying viral beauty products
- Need an everyday lip product
- Value cruelty-free, vegan formulas
- Want something to wear alone or over liner
- Are a Hailey Bieber/Rhode fan
Skip it if you:
- Hate sticky or glossy textures
- Need completely transfer-proof products
- Prefer matte lip looks
- Want intense, dramatic plumping
- Have severely chapped lips (need something more intensive)
- Are on a very tight budget
- Don’t like reapplying products frequently
- Prefer fragrance-free only (get unscented version)
- Want maximum value per ounce
Who Will Love This Most?
Perfect for:
- Glossy lip enthusiasts
- Minimal makeup lovers
- Those building a lip care routine
- People with normal to dry lips
- Hailey Bieber aesthetic fans
- Anyone wanting “model off duty” vibes
- Lip product collectors
- Those seeking long-term lip care
May not suit:
- Matte lip devotees
- Those with very specific texture preferences
- People allergic to fragrance (unless getting unscented)
- Those needing extreme hydration for damaged lips
Best Drugstore Dupes and Alternatives
If you love the concept but want more affordable options:
Top Dupes
1. e.l.f. Lip Plumping Gloss
- Similar: Glossy finish, plumping claims
- Different: No peptides, less luxe packaging
- Value: Half the price
2. NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip
- Similar: Glossy oil finish, cushion applicator
- Different: More oil-based, different shades
- Value: Great drugstore alternative
3. Maybelline Lifter Gloss
- Similar: Plumping gloss, hyaluronic acid
- Different: More traditional gloss formula
- Value: Widely available
4. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Lip Shine
- Similar: Hydrating shine, hyaluronic acid
- Different: More sheer, less glossy
- Value: Excellent drugstore option
5. Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Oil
- Similar: Nourishing, glossy, tinted
- Different: More natural, less refined
- Value: Budget-friendly, natural
Other Premium Alternatives
Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment
- More peptides, similar concept
- Thicker texture
- Better for intensive treatment
HydroPeptide Perfecting Gloss
- Maximum peptides
- Professional-grade formula
- Most intensive option
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment actually plumping?
Not in the traditional sense. It doesn’t contain irritants like capsicum or menthol that create immediate plumping. Instead, peptides work over time to improve lip texture and hydration, which naturally makes lips look fuller. The glossy finish also creates an optical illusion of plumper lips.
How long does one tube last?
With daily use (applying 2-3 times per day), one 10ml tube lasts approximately 2-3 months. If you’re a heavy user or constantly reapplying, it may last 6-8 weeks. Light users can stretch it to 4+ months.
Can you use Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment if you have lip fillers?
Absolutely! The formula is safe to use on lips with fillers. In fact, many people with fillers love it because it keeps lips hydrated and enhances the filler appearance. Always wait at least 24-48 hours after getting fillers before applying any lip products.
Does the scent/flavor last throughout wear?
The scent is noticeable when first applied but fades within 15-30 minutes. It’s not overpowering and won’t linger all day. The scented versions don’t have flavor—they’re fragranced, not flavored.
Is Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment good for dry, chapped lips?
It’s good for mildly dry lips but may not be intensive enough for severely chapped, cracked lips. For extreme dryness, use something thicker like Aquaphor or La Roche-Posay Cicaplast as an intensive treatment first, then switch to Rhode for maintenance.
Can you wear it overnight?
Yes! Apply a thick layer before bed and let it work as an overnight lip mask. Your lips will feel incredibly soft and nourished in the morning. The unscented version is best for overnight use.
What’s the difference between the Lip Treatment and Lip Tint?
Lip Treatment (Untinted): Clear formula, comes in different scents, pure gloss finish
Lip Tint: Sheer color, all unscented, provides subtle tint plus gloss
Both have the same nourishing base formula with peptides.
Why does my Rhode lip treatment smell weird?
Some users report a plastic-like odor developing over time. This seems to be related to the packaging materials. Rhode has stated they’re working on improving this. Store in a cool, dry place and replace every 6-12 months.
Is Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment worth it if I already have other lip balms?
If you have basic lip balms like Vaseline or Aquaphor, Rhode offers a significant upgrade in terms of formula sophistication, finish, and long-term benefits. However, if you already own luxury lip treatments like Laneige or Summer Fridays, it’s more of a lateral move—nice to have but not essential.
Can I use Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment under liquid lipstick?
Yes, but let it absorb for 2-3 minutes first. The glossy texture can affect how liquid lipsticks set, so either:
- Apply a thin layer and blot slightly before lipstick
- Use as a topper after liquid lipstick dries
- Mix a tiny drop with liquid lipstick for a glossier finish
Where to Buy Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment
Official Retailers
Rhode Skin Official Website
- Price: $18 / £16 / $24 CAD
- Pros: Full stock, exclusive shades, free shipping over $50
- Cons: Sells out quickly, shipping takes time
Sephora (US & Canada)
- Price: $18
- Pros: Beauty Insider points, easy returns, in-store availability
- Shipping: Free over $35
Revolve
- Price: $18
- Pros: Fast shipping, often in stock
- Cons: Limited shade selection
Selfridges (UK)
- Price: £16
- Pros: Prestigious retailer, reliable
- Shipping: UK delivery available
Space NK (UK)
- Price: £16
- Pros: In-store and online, loyalty program
- Shipping: UK and Europe
Restock Strategy
Rhode products sell out FAST. Here’s how to score one:
- Sign up for restock notifications on Rhode website
- Follow @rhodeskin on Instagram for restock announcements
- Check Sephora early morning restocks often happen 6-8am EST
- Join Reddit r/RhodeSkin community shares restock info
- Set phone alerts for email notifications
- Buy multiple when available if you love it
Beware of Fakes
With popularity comes counterfeits. Ensure authenticity:
- ✅ Buy only from authorized retailers
- ✅ Check packaging quality (should be soft-touch matte)
- ✅ Verify cushion applicator (rounded, not flat doe-foot)
- ✅ Confirm magnetic cap closure
- ✅ Check Rhode website for authorized retailer list
- ❌ Avoid third-party Amazon sellers
- ❌ Skip unauthorized international sites
- ❌ Be wary of “too good to be true” prices
Final Thoughts
The Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment is one of those rare viral products that actually lives up to the hype. Yes, the marketing can feel a bit much, and no, it’s not going to give you Kylie Jenner-level lip fullness. But it’s a genuinely excellent lip care product that combines effective ingredients, luxurious texture, and that coveted “glazed donut” finish that Hailey Bieber has made iconic.
Is it perfect? No. But it’s really, really good—and at $18, it hits that sweet spot between accessible and premium. The peptide-infused formula means you’re getting actual skincare benefits, not just temporary gloss. Your lips will genuinely improve over time with consistent use.
The real magic of this product is how it makes you feel. Pulling out that sleek tube, gliding the cushion applicator over your lips, seeing that glossy, expensive-looking shine—it’s a small luxury that elevates your everyday routine. And in a world where we’re constantly chasing the next trend, sometimes the real win is a product that simply makes you feel put-together and confident.
Our Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐
Bottom Line: A genuinely excellent lip treatment with peptides, beautiful finish, and reasonable price point. The viral fame is well-deserved, and this is one celebrity beauty product that actually delivers.
Have you tried the Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment? Which shade or scent is your favorite? Drop your honest review in the comments below! Are you Team Toast or Team Ribbon?
This review is based on extensive personal testing of multiple shades and scents over several months. We may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links in this article, which helps support our content at no extra cost to you. All opinions are 100% honest and our own.








