In this economy, what makes a lip balm worthy of your wallet? Everyone loves a soft, hydrated pout, but is there truly any difference between a $5 tube of lip balm and a buzzy luxury one? TikTok would say yes, yes there is. The internet’s latest lip obsession is Ole Henriksen’s Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment, which has garnered a buzzy TikTok Shop sale, the stamp of approval from multiple content creators and celebrities, and has a mostly sold-out status across retail sites—all the makings of an It Balm.
The Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment may look like your average tube of lip balm, but it boasts an impressive lineup of claims ranging from supporting the lip’s natural volume, filling in lip lines, and even promoting younger-looking lips over time. It’s also gold medalist Suni Lee’s go-to lip product, so it’s confirmed to stay put even through a back handspring.
Ahead, read on for all the details, and our honest review of the Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment.
The Product
The Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatments come in four core shades (with a few coveted limited edition flavors). There’s Citrus Sunshine, a sheer buttery tone with a fresh zesty scent. Then, there’s Strawberry Sorbet, a rosy mauve pink tint that smells like summer. Next, is the brand’s newest shade, Créme Brûlée, which has a beige nude shine and sweet vanilla scent. Called the “TikTok favorite” on the brand’s website is Cocoa Créme, a warm bronzed chocolate-brown tint with a “rich hot chocolate scent.” Beyond what the formula brings to the table, the flavors are enticing enough to garner an instant “add to cart.”
Getting into ingredient call-outs, there are lip-specific peptides, which help the lips appear fuller and more defined. Kokum and mango seed butter provide that plush conditioning feel that wraps the lips. Finally, cloudberry oil and acai sterols are rich in antioxidants, provide moisture, and strengthen the lip barrier.
The Hype
Multiple content creators have proclaimed the lip treatment as one of the best on the market, and Suni Lee’s recent TikTok re-invigorated its appeal. In the video, she confirms it’s part of her go-to lip routine. Photos of Lee’s glossy nude competition lips went viral, and it turns out it’s thanks in part to the Citrus Sunshine shade, along with Makeup For Ever’s Artist Color Pencil Longwear Lip Liner in Anywhere Caffine and Wherever Walnut.
“These lip balms are the ones to beat right now” claims TikToker Carly Rivlin in a video. “I wear this one all the time,” she said, speaking of Strawberry Sorbet while reviewing out each of the core shades. “Bury me with my Ole Henriksen lip balm,” said one commenter, and another said “These are literally the best lip products out there rn.” Some commenters even compare them to other popular products, inevitably ranking the Ole Henriksen formula higher.
Creator Toni Bravo expressed her reservations about the Citrus Sunshine shade, nothing that the slightly buttery hue leaves a milky cast on her lips. However, she likes the Strawberry Sorbet and Cocoa Créme, adding that “this one is also really pretty.”
Our Review
“My lips are insanely dry year-round, and Ole Henriksen’s Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment has been a reliable staple in my bag. The texture is super buttery, smooth, and thick, so there’s no bleeding over my lip lines or smudging around my lip area (which can happen with serum-like lippie textures). There’s definitely a strong scent with each iteration—I personally love it, but it’s something to be aware of it if you’re sensitive to fragrance. (I’m wearing shade Citurs Sunshine in this photo, and it smells exactly like a creamsicle). As for the results, I love that it glazes my lips with a glossy-sheen, and my lips feel moisturized for hours after application. This one is definitely a hit for me!”—Holly Rhue, editorial director