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When I visited the DECIEM labs in Toronto, I had the absolute treat of trying the brand-new The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum ahead of its global launch. If you’re already a fan of The Ordinary’s science-first skincare, you’re going to love how they’ve brought that same clever approach to lip care. Here is everything you need to know. It is available now.
What is The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum?
The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum is the brand’s first-ever lip-focused exfoliating treatment. Instead of relying on abrasive scrubs, this gentle serum uses chemical exfoliation with Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) to smooth, hydrate, and plump the lips.
This makes it a new-generation alternative to lip scrubs. It is more hydrating and far kinder to the delicate lip area. And of course, it comes at The Ordinary’s famously fair price point:
- £7.60 GBP | $8.50 USD | €9.80 EUR | $12.10 CAD | $14.60 AUD
Why Do Lips Need The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum?
Our lips are much thinner than the rest of our skin, with only 3–5 cellular layers compared to around 16 on the face. They also don’t contain oil glands, which makes them especially prone to dehydration, flakiness, and discomfort.
That’s why The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum is such a clever innovation. It works to gently remove dead skin while boosting hydration, helping lips feel smooth, soft, and healthy.
Joe Basham, Senior Science Communications Manager at DECIEM, sums it up beautifully:
“Lip skin is thinner and more delicate than facial skin, making it more vulnerable to water loss. PHA’s offer both gentle exfoliation and hydration support, gently renewing the skin’s surface while helping to promote its natural renewal.”
The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum Ingredients
The formula features a blend of smart, skin-loving actives:
Daucus Carota Sativa Extract – rich in antioxidants and gives the serum its pretty pink hue (which disappears on application).
Gluconolactone (PHA 5%) – the star ingredient, a gentle acid that exfoliates while supporting hydration.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (Citric, Malic & Tartaric Acid) – smooth texture and refine the lips’ surface.
My Review
My First Impressions
At the DECIEM labs, I tested The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum and was instantly taken by its oil-serum-gel texture. It melts into the lips effortlessly and leaves behind a softly tacky film that feels nourishing and protective rather than sticky.
There’s a mild tingling sensation, but it’s comfortable, and actually adds to that sense of the serum working. The end result? Lips that look plumper, smoother, and more hydrated.
Results After Testing
With The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum, I’ve noticed a smoother lip texture and a naturally plumped and healthy-looking finish. I have been testing a different lip product that I am launching for my brand REESON for about a year, which has meant I don’t currently have any dryness or flakiness, but I think this lip serum would be very effective on that if you suffered with that.
How to Use The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum
- Apply a thin layer onto clean, dry lips in the PM
- Allow it to dry before applying a lip balm
- Use two to three times per week
FAQs About The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum
Can I use The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum every day?
The Ordinary recommend using this every other day at night.
Will The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum sting?
You may feel a light tingling, but it’s very comfortable and the tingling doesn’t last long.
Does The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum replace lip balm?
It’s more of a treatment than a balm. You can still layer a nourishing balm over it if you like.
Is The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum tinted?
No, while the serum looks pink in the tube, the colour disappears completely on application.
What is The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum release date?
Final Thoughts
I’m really excited about The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum. It’s exactly what I’d expect from The Ordinary – smart, affordable, and rooted in real skincare science. If you’ve struggled with scrubs or constant dryness, this is such a brilliant upgrade for your routine.
I love to let it dry and then apply my favourite lip balm from La Mer. It’s a serious case of a high low combo! If you are looking for a lip balm, but want something more affordable than La Mer, have a read of Best Lip Balms for Dry Lips for 2025.
Where to buy it
The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum is £7.60 GBP | $8.50 USD | €9.80 EUR | $12.10 CAD | $14.60 AUD for 15ml and it is available at The Ordinary*.
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