Which muscle pulls the lower lip downward, creating a frown?

Prepare for the VTCT Level 2 Facial and Skincare Test. Revise with flashcards and multiple choice questions, accompanied by insightful explanations. Ace your assessment with confidence!

The muscle that pulls the lower lip downward to form a frown is the depressor labii inferioris. It attaches from the lower jaw to the lower lip, and when it contracts it draws the lip downward and slightly outward, creating that downward curvature of the mouth. The other muscles around the mouth do different things: orbicularis oris closes and compresses the lips; mentalis elevates and protrudes the lower lip to pout and can wrinkle the chin; zygomaticus major and minor lift the corners of the mouth to smile. So, depressor labii inferioris is the one responsible for the downward pull that creates a frown.