The current lip cosmetics industry is trending towards a growing emphasis on the integration of skin care benefits into traditional lip products. This shift, often referred to as the "skinification" of lip products, is driving the development of formulations that not only provide color but also deliver substantial skin care benefits.
We spoke to Dieandra Hermosillo, Product Development at Buxom Cosmetics, an Orveon brand, for her insights into these emerging trends and their implications for the industry.
Skinification: A new standard in lip cosmetics
The skinification trend in lip cosmetics reflects changing consumer expectations, where products are now expected to offer both aesthetic and functional benefits. "Consumers desire both colors and care in lip formulations," Hermosillo stated. "They don’t tolerate formulas that make their lips feel dry or chapped simply because they desire a specific color payoff.” Instead, she continued, consumers “want a lipstick, lip balm, and lip gloss that does it all—offering a plethora of color ranges while hydrating, smoothing, and conditioning."
This trend has led to the incorporation of skin care ingredients into lip products, resulting in a new generation of multifunctional cosmetics. Ingredients such as peptides and hyaluronic acid, long used in skin care, are now being integrated into lip formulations to meet the growing demand for products that enhance both the health and appearance of lips.
Ingredient innovation: Revisiting the familiar
The focus in the industry is not solely on introducing new ingredients but also on rethinking how existing ones can be utilized to improve product performance. Hermosillo noted, for example, that "peptides aren’t exactly a new ingredient, but new peptide innovations strengthen them…peptides increase hydration, aid in reducing hyperpigmentation, and minimize signs of aging."
This approach is revitalizing the use of established ingredients in ways that enhance their effectiveness in lip products.
Another example, hyaluronic acid, well-known ingredient for its moisture-retaining properties, continues to play a critical role in modern lip formulations. "Hyaluronic acid is an iconic ingredient that helps hydrate, moisturize, smooth texture, and add volume," Hermosillo explained.
Its inclusion in lip products highlights the industry's commitment to developing cosmetics that go beyond color to also improve lip health.
Targeting specific lip concerns
The inclusion of skin care benefits in lip products is becoming increasingly important as consumers become more aware of the specific needs of their lips. "Lips are not only one of the most delicate features on your face; they are also the thinnest compared to the rest of your face, which often necessitates skin care-infused lip cosmetics," said Hermosillo.
This understanding has driven the development of products that address common lip concerns, such as vertical lip lines, also known as smoker’s lines.
"Contrary to what some may believe, lips need as much care, if not more, than other features on our face or body," Hermosillo added. In response, there has been a noticeable increase in lip cosmetics designed to address these concerns.
For example, she shared, products like Buxom's Full-On Plumping Lip Glow Balm incorporate Hyaluronic Acid Filling Spheres to help smooth the appearance of lip lines, with clinical studies showing improvements in lip smoothness after just one week of use.
Future developments: Technology & personalization
The future of the lip cosmetics industry is likely to be influenced by advancements in technology and personalized solutions. Hermosillo suggested that artificial intelligence and personalized bio-mimetic actives will play a significant role in the next generation of lip products to create “targeted treatments and new synthetic ingredients that are more sustainable than their natural counterparts.”
These developments are expected to lead to products that not only meet consumers' aesthetic preferences but also provide tailored solutions for individual lip care needs. The use of AI in product development could enable more precise formulations, offering consumers lip products that are specifically designed to address their unique concerns.
Industry impact: Meeting (and exceeding) consumer expectations
As the demand for multifunctional and high-performance lip products continues to grow, industry leaders are being challenged to innovate and stay ahead of the competition. The rise of the skinification trend has set new standards for lip cosmetics, pushing brands to develop products that align with the evolving needs of consumers.
”With the infusion of skin care into lip cosmetics,” Hermosillo said, “not only will they be more efficacious with ingredients that hydrate, smooth, and condition, but they will also reflect the ‘notox’ phenomenon and replicate cosmetic procedures with needle-free solutions.”
Hermosillo highlighted that this trend will likely keep lip cosmetics at the forefront of beauty innovation, particularly as social trends continue to influence consumer behavior. "Lip cosmetics will still remain expressive, especially amidst the return of nightlife and nostalgic 1990s alongside the rise in lip search terms like 'juicy,' 'buildable,' and 'shiny,'" she noted.
Moving forward, brands that can successfully integrate skin care benefits with high-quality color cosmetics are poised to lead. The future of lip cosmetics is expected to focus on products that enhance both the appearance and health of lips, with continued innovation and technology playing crucial roles in meeting consumer expectations.
