Rodan + Fields / Blog / Science of Skincare

Do Lip Plumpers Work?


Young woman applying Rodan + Fields Lip Plumping Oil SPF 28

What is a lip plumper and how does it work?

Lip plumpers are topical treatments that give your lips a temporary boost in fullness. They usually contain ingredients to support increased circulation in the skin and causes your lips to swell. There are some lip plumpers that you should apply before putting on lip gloss or lipstick; others include color, hydration, and plumping agents in a single formulation.

What is lip-plumping oil?

Lip-plumping oils are lightweight treatments that add color, fullness, and shine to your pout while providing skincare benefits like hydration and sun protection. They can give your lips a soft finish with a subtle gleam while creating a pillowy effect. Many lip-plumping oils add a sheer layer of pigment that enhances your lips’ natural color or adds depth to the color of your lipstick.

What are the benefits of using a lip plumper?

Lip plumpers can improve the appearance of your lips while providing nourishing care for your skin. They may:

  • Moisturize and hydrate
  • Add color
  • Make your lips look brighter
  • Improve skin texture
  • Give your lips more youthful contours
  • Enhance the shape and projection of your lips

Ingredients in lip plumpers: What to look for

When choosing a lip plumper, it helps to look for effective ingredients that will help your smile look its best. The best formulations will condition your lips and help them retain moisture while providing the enhancement you’re looking for. They will usually contain a combination of emollient, humectant, hydrating, protective, and active components that work together to keep your lips feeling healthy and looking fresh. Ingredients like ginger, peppermint, cinnamon, menthol, and caffeine can stimulate blood flow, while hyaluronic acid will draw moisture to your lips, keep them hydrated, and contribute to the plumping effect. Sunflower seed oil and vitamin C can help soften your lips, improve the look of fine lines, and brighten your skin tone, while SPF sunscreens will protect your lips from harmful UV damage.

overall appearance, which can contribute to a plumper, more youthful look.

How to apply lip plumpers: Tips for using lip plumping oils effectively

To get the best results from your lip plumper, follow these steps:

Exfoliate

Exfoliating your lips will help them retain moisture and encourage your plumping oil to work more effectively. Smooth lips will also reflect more light, making them appear fuller. Use a gentle scrub or a toothbrush to remove dry, flaky skin from your lips before you apply your lip oil.

Moisturize

After you exfoliate your lips, moisturize them with a product like Rodan + Fields REDEFINE Lip Renewing Serum to keep them soft and supple and create a smooth surface for your plumper.

Plump

Many experts suggest lining your lips with a lip liner and then applying your lip plumper inside the lines to reduce any chance of color bleed or irritating the skin around your lips. Once the tingling sensation wears off, you can continue your makeup routine or add a gloss or lipstick if desired.

Safety considerations when using lip plumpers

Lip plumping oils are typically safe, but you should use them with care to avoid irritation or allergic reactions. Applying lip plumping oil too frequently could cause redness or create a rash around your lips. While lip-plumping oils are likely to create a tingling sensation, they should not cause pain. If you notice negative effects when you apply your lip plumper, stop using it.

Are lip plumpers suitable for everyone?

Most lip plumpers are suitable for all skin types unless you have extremely sensitive or reactive skin. Lip plumpers are also not suitable for people who are allergic to their ingredients or for people who have open wounds or damaged skin. Also, these products may not produce the same results for everyone. People can react to ingredients differently, and people with dry lips, thin lips, or fewer blood vessels near their lips may experience less dramatic effects.

So, do lip plumpers and oils truly work?

Lip plumpers do work when they can add volume to your lips by adding moisture and increasing blood flow. Products with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and active ingredients like niacin, menthol, and cinnamon extract are likely to give you the best results.

If you’re looking to boost your lips volume and make them look more youthful, Rodan + Fields can help! Using our R+F Plumping Lip Oil SPF 28 is the perfect way to enhance the color, shine, and fullness of your pout.

Frequently asked questions about lip plumpers

Are lip plumpers safe to use?

Lip plumpers are typically safe for anyone with healthy skin who is not extremely sensitive or allergic to their ingredients. Consult your physician prior to using if you have sensitive skin or are concerned about allergic reactions.

What oil makes your lips plump?

Cinnamon and peppermint oils can increase blood flow to your lips and create a plumping effect. These oils may be too strong and irritating to your skin if you use them alone.

How long does it take to see results from using lip plumpers?

Usually, lip plumpers create an immediate boost in fullness. Some products may take 5-15 minutes to deliver complete results, and many products work best if they are reapplied after a few hours.

Can lip plumping oil cause allergic reactions?

As with any product, some ingredients may cause allergic reactions in certain people. If you experience pain, abnormal swelling, redness, itching, or blistering, you should stop using the product immediately and gently wash your lips with cool water. Consult your physician prior to using if you have sensitive skin or are concerned about allergic reactions.

Get the best lip enhancing lip plumping oil at Rodan + Fields

Available in 4 shades, Rodan + Fields new Plumping Lip Oil is designed to fill in lines, boost lip’s moisture barrier, and protect lips with SPF while enhancing your lip definition for a fuller look instantly and over time. It’s powered by skincare ingredients: peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and F, sunflower seed oil and SPF hydration.