# Exfoliating Lip Serums The Ordinary's PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum Smooths & Hydrates Lips By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2025-09-23 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exfoliating-lip-serum References: [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/DO6RHCsCjei/) & [theordinary](https://theordinary.com/en-ca/pha-5-exfoliating-lip-serum-100721.html)  Most lip products are typically packaged in take-anywhere tubes or small jars, but the latest launch from ingredient-focused skincare brand The Ordinary—the PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum—adopts a different format. This gentle, chemical-based lip exfoliator taps into the power of Polyhydroxy Acid (Gluconolactone,) plus glycerin and ectoin to smooth and hydrate lips while supporting the skin barrier. This [exfoliating serum for lips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/overnight-lip-serum), packaged in a dropper bottle, helps to boost moisture content and enhance the natural glossiness of lips, and it stands out for its bright pink hue. The Ordinary previously unveiled the [Squalane](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dual-serum) + Amino Acids Lip Balm, which takes the form of a more familiar lip product with softening, nourishing and moisture-boosting benefits. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.8/10 - Popularity: 90% | Activity: 95% | Freshness: 50% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Cosmetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/cosmetics) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Dropper-packaged Lip Products:** Lip care products are experiencing a shift with dropper bottle formats offering precise application and enhanced ingredient delivery. - **Pha-based Exfoliation:** The incorporation of Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) in lip products is emerging as a gentle yet effective way to enhance lip smoothness and hydration. - **Ingredient-focused Lip Care:** Consumers are increasingly drawn to lip products that emphasize active ingredients like glycerin and ectoin for targeted hydration and skin barrier support. ### Where This Applies - **Skincare:** Skincare brands are expanding into lip care with innovative formulations that incorporate facial skincare ingredients to diversify product lines. - **Cosmetics Packaging:** The adoption of unconventional packaging such as dropper bottles in lip care is paving new paths for user-experience-focused design in the beauty industry. - **Chemical Exfoliants:** An increased demand for mild chemical exfoliants in personal care as consumers seek safe yet effective products for sensitive skin areas like lips. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Dual-Action Lip Exfoliators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aha-lip-exfoliator.md) - [Skin-Caring Lip Treatments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glycolide-lipid-repair.md) - [Exosome Lip Serums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exosome-lip-serum.md) - [Healing Lip Serums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minori-lip-serum.md) - [Nourishing Lip-Prepping Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rinna-beauty-1.md) - [Swipe-On Lip Scrubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pout-preserve-sugar-melt-lip-scrub.md) - [Multifunctional Lip Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kanebo-scrub-melting-lipstick.md) - [Affordable Nourishing Lip Serums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plumping-lip-serum.md) - [Lip-Softening Balms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/le-chouchou.md)