“For us, lip care was a natural extension of our work,” Blue Lagoon Skin Science’s director of research and development, Ása Brynjólfsdóttir tells Vogue. “We have spent more than 30 years studying skin health and healthy aging, and the lips and surrounding lip contour are an area where dryness, fine lines, and loss of definition can become very visible. While lip care has traditionally focused on hydration and protection, we saw an opportunity to address the visible signs of aging in the lip and lip contour area as well.”
For the formula, the brand started with its patented, proprietary bioactive anti-aging system, BL+ Comple, which combines Blue Lagoon microalgae, minerals, and silica—a trio that helps support collagen and hydration. Then they turned to an ingredient most-commonly found in facial skin: bakuchiol. Brynjólfsdóttir says the plant-based retinol alternative was a natural fit because it supports skin renewal and helps improve the appearance of the skin over time. Then, the formula is rounded out by the inclusion of ceramides, which help restore the outer layer of skin—helping “to keep the skin looking healthy, firm, and plump by minimizing the appearance of fine lines,” per dermatologist Alexis Stephens, MD.
Per Brynjólfsdóttir, the brand’s clinical trials of the mask found that lip hydration increased by an average of 56% after eight weeks of use, measured instrumentally by corneometry. “We also saw significant improvements in lip contour wrinkles, with an average reduction in wrinkle depth of 13.8% after eight weeks and reductions of up to 56% in some subjects, measured using PrimosCR 3D-imaging technology,” she says.
All of these ingredients are whipped into a luscious cream similar to the texture of a traditional face mask (a rarity in the world of lip treatments!) and, of course, present in a way that doesn’t disrupt the delicate skin on the lips. “The lips have a thinner protective barrier and are more prone to moisture loss than most other areas of the face,” Brynjólfsdóttir says. “In addition, the lip contour area is particularly affected by repeated movement and can show fine lines over time.”
As if the silky feel was not enough of a sensorial experience, this mask features a dual-ended metal lip mask applicator. The tool’s textured tip helps stimulate circulation on one side (I like to think of it as an incredibly gentle exfoliation method), and while the other smoothes things out for precise application. Because Lip Renewal was developed as a treatment rather than a traditional lip balm, the team wanted the application itself to become part of the treatment experience. “Whether used overnight or as needed, the dual-ended applicator is designed to support treatment of the entire lip area, including the lip contour where visible signs of aging often develop,” Brynjólfsdóttir adds.
In an era where lip care is one of the buzziest—and top-selling—categories, the Lip Renewal Mask has arrived at just the right time. We don’t anticipate that consumers will stop treating the lips as an extension of their skin-care routine anytime soon; and when their lips require the TLC a simple balm can’t achieve, this is just the ticket.
- Ása Brynjólfsdóttir is the director of research and development at Blue Lagoon Skin Science.
