25 Sep 2025
This September, The Ordinary introduced a breakthrough that redefines how we think about lip care. The PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum, priced at AUD 14.60, marks the brand’s first-ever targeted lip treatment and applies its science-first ethos to one of beauty’s most overlooked areas.
Unlike physical lip scrubs, which rely on friction, the serum works at a molecular level. Powered by Polyhydroxy Acids (PHA), Alpha Hydroxy Acids, and antioxidant-rich Daucus Carota Sativa extract, the formula gently dissolves dead skin cells while supporting hydration and barrier renewal. Its vivid pink hue disappears upon application, leaving lips smoother, plumper, and better hydrated over time.
Lip skin is far more delicate than facial skin—comprising only three to five cellular layers, compared to sixteen on the face. With no oil glands to support natural hydration, lips are especially prone to dryness and flaking. By harnessing PHAs, The Ordinary has created a serum that not only renews but actively conditions this fragile area, promoting smoother texture and lasting comfort.
Market research shows lip scrubs have dominated the category for years, yet consumer demand is shifting. Global interest in “lip skin” has surpassed searches for scrubs and serums, reflecting a growing awareness of the need for tailored lip care. The Ordinary’s new launch answers this shift with a formula that blends exfoliation and hydration in equal measure, offering an elegant solution to an everyday concern.
For Australian beauty lovers, the PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum is set to become a handbag staple this spring. Whether paired with your favourite lipstick or used alone for a bare, healthy look, it delivers results that are clinical yet effortless. It’s lip chemistry, perfected.