Our beauty writer reviews The Ordinary's new PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum, a lightweight exfoliator that smoothes and softens lips.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum , and if you ask me, the fact that more people aren’t talking about it is surprising.
So let’s fix that! The concept of lip exfoliators itself isn’t new, but the category has overwhelmingly flooded by physical exfoliators — aka, lip scrubs. And if I’m being honest, I’ve yet to meet one I truly can recommend in good faith — they’re often messy, overly abrasive, and don’t deliver much beyond immediate, temporary gratification. Until recently, my go-to method for keeping my lips in tip-top shape was a slightly damp, soft washcloth, gently buffed in small circular motions to lift away flakes. It worked, sure, but it wasn’t blowing my mind. The only other chemical lip exfoliator I’ve tested is , which I actually loved — but I won’t lie, it’s quite expensive at $44. Could The Ordinary’s new launch be a more wallet-friendly alternative? I sought to find out. As the name suggests, The Ordinary’s PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum is designed to slough off dead skin cells, leaving lips softer and smoother — much like exfoliation does for the rest of your face. It’s not just a win for getting lipstick and liner to glide on without enhancing flaky, patchy spots; it’s also a solid solution if you’re dealing with chronically dry, peeling lips. True to form, the serum has a watery, lightweight texture that doesn’t just “sit” on the lips — my biggest pet peeve with any lip product. It absorbs quickly and feels virtually undetectable after a few minutes. I personally didn’t experience any burning or stinging, even using it three times a week, but then again, my skin isn’t particularly sensitive, and I don’t live in a cold, dry climate. If you’re more reactive or new to acids, it’s worth easing in and building up your frequency over time. Don’t let the tiny bottle fool you: You only need a drop or two to coat your lips in a thin layer, and the brand recommends using it no more than three times a week. At that rate, I don’t see myself running out anytime soon — which makes the $8.50 price tag feel like an absolute steal. Most notably, the hero ingredient in The Ordinary’s PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum is polyhydroxy acid, also known as PHA. PHAs are typically regarded as a suitable option for sensitive skin types, since the molecules are larger than AHAs and therefore penetrate the skin more slowly, resulting in less irritation. Besides the exfoliating actives, other star ingredients in the formula include humectants like glycerin and ectoin — two moisturizing powerhouses that have a protective, cocoon-like effect to shield skin against the elements and lock in moisture. • Formulated with a 5% concentration of polyhydroxy Acid as well as alpha hydroxy acids.How do you use The Ordinary’s PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum, and is it worth it? , just in clear, frosted glass) isn’t the most user-friendly since even a controlled drop ends up being a lot of product. On clean, dry lips — before any balm or mask — I dispense the smallest dot, then use my finger to spread a thin layer across my lips. It’s totally fine if you go slightly outside the vermillion border , and in my experience, it's actually an added benefit: within a week, I noticed my sebaceous filaments — those tiny, oil-clogged pores that sometimes are mistaken for blackheads — were noticeably reduced. I like to apply this right before bed, since I’m careful not to accidentally lick it off or remove it earlier in the day while eating or drinking. By morning, there’s no residue left behind — just smooth, soft lips. With consistent use, I found my lips weren’t just flake-free and less crusty — they actually felt more hydrated and a little plumper, too. The formula includes antioxidants like wild carrot extract, which helps support the lips’ skin barrier and helps minimize transepidermal water loss — the gradual evaporation of water from the skin over time. For under $10, this serum has completely changed my lip-care routine — mainly because it finally gave me one. It’s affordable enough that I don’t hesitate to use it consistently, which, as it turns out, makes all the difference. Where can you get The Ordinary’s PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum? All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. There’s a new serumAll linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. By far the most-aAll linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. In the year 2026, All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. Spring is right around theAll linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. After more than 10 years&nbAll linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. There are some brAll linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. Keren Bartov has magic handAll linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. If, like me, your skincareI can pinpoint the exact moment I knew I had to do something about my jaw pain. It was my birthday, and a friend cracked a joke so good that half theWhether you’re in a relationship, single, or figuring out wth to do with that situationship, Valentine’s Day invites us to reflect on how we’ve beenAll linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. Having combination ski
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