Obagi Lip Therapy

Clinically Advanced Lip Care by Obagi Medical

Expertly formulated to address the full spectrum of lip concerns, the Obagi Lip Therapy collection combines medical-grade actives with targeted delivery technology. Whether you're smoothing, renewing, or protecting, each product is designed to deliver visible, lasting results.

Obagi Lip Therapy: AHA PHA Peel & SPF 30 – Stratum

Clinical Lip Care — Exfoliate, Repair & Protect

The lips are one of the most neglected areas in skincare — and one of the most vulnerable. Lip skin is significantly thinner than facial skin, contains no sebaceous glands for natural moisture, and lacks the melanin that provides some UV defence elsewhere on the face. The result: lips age faster, dry out more easily, and accumulate UV damage with very little protection.

Part of the Obagi Medical range, the lip therapy system addresses this with a targeted two-product approach. The AHA/PHA Micro-Peel gently resurfaces and exfoliates at night, removing dry, flaky skin and encouraging cellular renewal. The Soothe & Protect SPF30 lip balm shields, hydrates, and repairs during the day. Together, they provide the same calibre of clinical care your facial skin receives — adapted specifically for the lip area.

The Complete Lip Care Duo

AHA/PHA Micro-Peel (PM) + Soothe & Protect SPF30 (AM)

These two products are designed to work together — the micro-peel resurfaces overnight, the SPF balm protects and hydrates by day. Purchase both for a complete clinical lip care routine, or book a consultation to discuss how they fit into your wider skincare protocol.

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Ask about adding lip care to your existing skincare protocol

Clinician's Recommendation

I recommend using both Obagi lip products as a pair rather than choosing one or the other. The Micro-Peel uses AHA and PHA to gently exfoliate dead skin cells overnight, which improves texture and allows the lip tissue to renew. The SPF30 balm then protects that fresh, resurfaced skin during the day while providing deep hydration. It's a simple AM/PM system that makes a genuine difference — especially for patients already using retinoids, which can exacerbate lip dryness.

— Mark Taylor, MSurg, INP, RMN

Key Ingredients in Obagi Lip Therapy

  • AHA (Glycolic & Lactic Acid)

    Alpha hydroxy acids are water-soluble exfoliants that dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells on the lip surface. Glycolic acid, the smallest AHA, penetrates effectively to accelerate cellular turnover. Lactic acid adds gentle hydration alongside its exfoliating action. Together, they smooth rough, flaky lip texture and promote the renewal of fresher, softer skin underneath.

  • PHA (Gluconolactone)

    Polyhydroxy acids are the gentlest class of chemical exfoliant. Gluconolactone has a larger molecular size than AHAs, which means it works on the outermost layer of the lip without penetrating deeply enough to cause irritation. It also acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin. This makes PHAs ideal for the delicate lip area, where aggressive exfoliation would do more harm than good.

  • SPF30 Broad-Spectrum Protection

    Lips have very little natural melanin, leaving them highly susceptible to UV damage — including the risk of actinic cheilitis (sun-damaged lips) over time. An SPF30 lip balm provides meaningful protection against both UVA and UVB radiation. Applied as the final step in your morning routine and reapplied after eating or drinking, it's one of the simplest ways to protect a commonly overlooked area.

  • Shea Butter

    Shea butter is a rich emollient that provides long-lasting hydration and occlusive protection for the lip surface. It contains natural fatty acids (stearic and oleic acid) that support the lip's limited moisture barrier, as well as vitamins A and E for antioxidant benefit. In the Soothe & Protect balm, shea butter helps seal in hydration and creates a comfortable, non-greasy base that sits well under lipstick or other lip products.

Your Daily Lip Care Routine — AM & PM

PM: After your evening facial skincare, apply the AHA/PHA Micro-Peel to clean, dry lips. Use a thin, even layer and leave on overnight. The gentle exfoliation works while you sleep, softening texture and encouraging cellular renewal. Use nightly or every other night depending on sensitivity.

AM: After your morning skincare routine, apply the Soothe & Protect SPF30 lip balm as your final step. It hydrates, shields against UV damage, and provides a smooth base for lipstick or gloss. Reapply throughout the day as needed — particularly after eating or drinking.

This simple two-step routine takes seconds to add to your existing protocol and makes a noticeable difference within 2–3 weeks of consistent use.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lip Care

Why do my lips need separate skincare products?

Lip skin is structurally different from the rest of your face. It's significantly thinner, has no sebaceous (oil) glands to provide natural moisture, and contains very little melanin for UV protection. This means lips dry out faster, are more vulnerable to sun damage, and age more quickly than surrounding skin. Standard facial serums and moisturisers aren't formulated for this unique tissue, which is why dedicated lip care products deliver better results. For facial hydration, explore the Obagi hydration range.

Can I use these lip products while on retinoids?

Absolutely — in fact, retinoid users benefit the most from dedicated lip care. Retinoids (both retinol and a Advanced-Protocol Retinoid) commonly cause lip dryness, peeling, and sensitivity as a side effect. The AHA/PHA Micro-Peel gently removes flaky skin without further irritating retinoid-sensitised tissue, and the SPF30 balm provides the hydration and protection that retinoid-treated lips need. Just avoid applying facial retinoid directly onto the lips themselves.

How often should I use the Micro-Peel?

Most patients can use the AHA/PHA Micro-Peel nightly. The PHA component (gluconolactone) is gentle enough for daily use on lip tissue, and the AHA concentration is calibrated for this delicate area. If you experience any tingling or sensitivity when starting, begin with every other night and build up to nightly use over a week or two. If your lips are particularly sensitive — or you're in the adjustment phase of a new retinoid — start with 3 nights per week.

Is SPF30 enough protection for lips?

SPF30 blocks approximately 97% of UVB radiation and is considered the clinical standard for daily protection. The key with lip SPF is consistent application and reapplication — the protection wears off more quickly on lips because of eating, drinking, and licking. Apply a generous layer in the morning and reapply every 2 hours in direct sun, or immediately after meals. This consistent reapplication matters more than chasing a higher SPF number. For full facial UV protection, see our SPF collection.

Can I wear lipstick or lip gloss over the SPF balm?

Yes. The Soothe & Protect SPF30 balm is designed to sit comfortably as a base layer under other lip products. Apply it first, allow it a minute to absorb, then apply your lipstick or gloss on top. The SPF protection remains effective underneath. Some tinted lipsticks also contain a small amount of SPF themselves, which adds an extra layer of protection — but shouldn't be relied upon as your primary UV defence for the lip area.

Learn More

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Not Sure Where to Start?

Two routes, both free. Take our 90-second skin quiz for an instant expert-built routine, or book a consultation with Mark for a conversation first.