These Viral Skincare Products Are Like Botox in a Bottle

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Over the past few years, it seems like Botox appointments have become as normalized as regular facials or spa visits. However, while injectable neuromodulators like Botox and Xeomin are hailed for their rapid wrinkle-smoothing abilities, they’re not always the way to go for everyone, even if fine lines and wrinkles are your main skin concern. The cost of quarterly or biannual office visits can add up quickly, and there are always risks associated with injectables. That’s where “Botox in a bottle” skincare products come in.

While “Botox in a bottle” may sound too good to be true, some products on the market really can improve the smoothness and plumpness of your skin, especially when paired with a great retinol eye cream and one of our favorite wrinkle creams. “Over time, products can definitely have a really positive, transformative effect on the skin, minimizing the need for Botox,” says esthetician and brand founder Shani Darden. “Of course, products and devices can only do so much, but without a solid at-home routine, the results of in-office procedures will only go so far. Deciding to use injectables is a personal decision that isn’t always right for everyone. However, maintaining a diligent skincare routine is for everyone.”

Below, shop 10 best anti-aging products that have truly earned the title of being Botox in a bottle.

Argireline Solution 10%

This under-$10 serum is the product that started the “Botox in a bottle” trend on TikTok. Packed full of peptides, it dramatically reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and crepey skin with continued use.

Key ingredients: Argireline

Size: 1 oz.

Ulta rating: 4/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I have been using this twice daily on my deep forehead lines–I’m 41. In 3 weeks I would say there has been a 30% improvement in the lines. It may not sound like much, but for such a short time and for a cosmetic to give this result it’s huge. I hope the lines continue improving with time. Note: the product is not irritating on my sensitive skin and layers well both under vitamin C and under retinol.”

Youth Activating Instant Filler

While these may look like syringes and offer similar wrinkle-erasing effects as Botox, this treatment is needle-free. “This non-invasive cosmeceutical grade serum mimics the effects of Botox–skin-lifting effects achieved with science and innovation,” says Morris. “Formulated with a scientifically proven combination of novel patented Hyaluronic Acid technology, NAD, and collagen-boosting botanical extracts, these naturally-derived ingredients aid in maintaining the skin’s structural integrity, resulting in miraculous effects such as wrinkles and fine lines reduction. Customers have noticed an instantaneous lifting effect with fine lines along with long-term benefits. Used regularly, the formula helps to strengthen the skin’s building blocks, allowing you to look younger for longer. Based on our user trial, 96 percent noticed an improvement in skin firmness, and 70 percent noticed a reduction in fine lines,” Morris adds.

Key ingredients: Patented hyaluronic acid technology, NAD

Size: 0.1 fl. oz

Invity rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Invity reviewer says: "An amazing product! Applied it over most part of my face especially the wrinkle areas, and just within a few minutes there is an overall tightening lift when it dries up."

Instant FIRMx Temporary Eye Tightener

You may have stumbled upon a TikTok where a customer showed how much this eye serum tightened her under-eyes in real time. The effects speak for themselves. If you’re concerned about under-eye bags or crow’s feet, this product instantly smooths out the skin.

Key ingredients: Peptides

Size: 1 oz.

Amazon rating: 3.8/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve seen this product all over for a few years; honestly, I thought it was fake like most other items. Well, I was wrong! I applied just a dap under my eyes and forehead; within a few minutes, you could see and feel the difference. It truly smoothed out my forehead lines and under-eye bags. And it’s completely smooth to the touch as if my lines and bags are not there.”

The All-In-One Facial Set

You can feel this skincare mask work in just twenty minutes. Be sure to take a selfie; as it tightens the skin, you might look like you’ve added 30 years to your age. But wash it off and see how lifted, clear, and plumped your skin has become.

Key ingredients: Peptides, antioxidants

Size: 0.88 fl. oz.

Neiman Marcus rating: 4.7/5 stars

A Neiman Marcus reviewer says: “Very effective mask! It’s very intensive and your face feels very tight during the application. However, it’s pure magic after you rinse it off. My skin feels very smooth and looks poreless after I use it.”

Retinol Reform Treatment Serum

Experts agree that retinol is the most effective anti-aging ingredient on the market. “Retinol Reform is clinically proven to address multiple anti-aging concerns from the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to uneven texture, dullness, and even loss of firmness,” says Darden. “It’s the number one product I recommend to all of my clients because it’s the perfect multi-tasking treatment to use at night to address multiple concerns and keep skin glowing,” she adds.

Key ingredients: Peptides, antioxidants

Size: 1 fl. oz.

Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: "I’ve been using this for a few weeks now and I can honestly say my face looks and feel more plump. My skin also looks very hydrated and I always follow it up with sunscreen. I have sensitive skin and did not have any problems with this."

Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Night Cream

Smoothing out fine lines is one thing, but this product was created specifically for deeper wrinkles that can be stubborn even with professional help. This cream nourishes your skin using a mix of retinol, glycolic acid, and hydrating shea butter while giving long-lasting anti-aging benefits.

Key ingredients: Retinol, squalane, glycolic acid

Size: 1 oz.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Within days the rough skin areas began to smooth and soften. I use moisturizer, but apparently, the right combination of actives and moisture in RoC makes my skin happy. I stopped using the other products a week before using this, so while they may have prepped the area, RoC is doing the work.”

TNS Advanced+ Serum

As we age, our skin loses collagen, which causes sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles to appear. This serum helps renew collagen while peptides plump and nourish aging skin. Not only is this an effective anti-aging serum, but it also smooths uneven texture and reduces hyperpigmentation.

Key ingredients: TNS-MR, botanical extracts

Size: 1 oz.

Dermstore rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Dermstore reviewer says: “This was my first purchase from SkinMedica and my second time trying a peptide/growth factor serum in my skincare routine. I have noticed great results in my skin and neck over the past few months. The price is pretty steep, but it’s truly one of the best on the market. Will continue to repurchase.”

Revox Line Relaxer

If you’ve used injectables like Botox or Xeomin, this serum can help you get the best results possible. Peptides help encourage deep wrinkles to relax while tackling any remaining fine lines. Though it’s encouraged to be used by anyone using Botox, it can also be used on its own for milder results.

Key ingredients: Peptides

Size: 0.68 fl. oz.

Dermstore rating: 3.9/5 stars

A Dermstore reviewer says: “My dermatologist suggested I use this to reduce the lines around my mouth and lower eyes. I was surprised to see a difference within 3 weeks. The lines are still there but they are more subtle and less noticeable. Great product and it only takes a bit to cover these areas.”

DermInfusions Fill + Repair Serum

Hailed as an alternative to injectables, this serum is packed with the best skincare ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. You’ll notice firmer skin, a more lifted appearance, and reduced redness in a month.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide

Size: 1 oz.

Sephora rating: 4.8/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “I absolutely am in love with this serum! It fills and repairs, so goes the claim, and I can definitely see it working. My skin looks and feels softer and brighter two weeks after continuous use. I am truly impressed!”

Squalane + Hyaluronic Acid Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum

This serum takes a two-pronged approach: copper peptides help increase collagen production to firm and plump skin, while ingredients like hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, and squalane deeply hydrate the skin and keep it moisturized all night long. It also plays well with other products, which means you can wear it under makeup during the day worry-free.

Key ingredients: Copper peptide, rapid plumping complex, paracress extract

Size: 1.69 oz

Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “When people ask about my skincare routine this is my number one recommendation. This serum noticeably reduced fine lines and my skin looks clearer than ever!”

Meet the Experts

Dr. Shasa Hu is a dermatologist, skin cancer specialist, and a member of the Dr. Brandt Skin Advisory Board.

Shani Darden is an esthetician, skincare expert and founder of Shani Darden Skin Care.

Ajish Morris is Invity’s Chief Product Officer.

Why are topicals a better alternative for Botox for some people?

There are many reasons why some people might look to avoid invasive anti-aging procedures. Factors like age, cost, and results are just as few. “Having a dedicated home care routine with the right products for your skin type along with using at-home devices can yield amazing results, minimizing the need for costly, invasive treatments,” says Darden. Topical solutions require no downtime, are much less expensive, and can be used by people with medical allergies or extremely sensitive skin.

What ingredients do you recommend to mimic the effects of Botox?

“Retinol is the gold standard for anti-aging,” says Darden. “It can help to boost collagen in the skin to minimize fine lines and wrinkles to keep skin looking youthful and glowing. Peptides are another amazing ingredient that can help for an anti-aging boost. They work hard to support healthy elasticity and plump up the skin.”

“The other important ingredients needed to plump the skin are hyaluronic acid and ceramides for hydration and skin barrier function,” adds Dr. Hu. She continues, “The best options are topical peptides or retinol, which are the most efficacious for collagen production.”

Can a topical product ever compete with the results of Botox?

Let’s be clear: invasive procedures often have a more dramatic effect than a topical cream or serum. “As a topical product is non-invasive, the results will not be as dramatic and visible as Botox in the short-term,” says Morris. “However, the goal of a topical anti-wrinkle product is to gradually decrease fine lines through the stimulation of collagen within the skin that could result in more sustainable and long-acting results in the long run. Botox, on the other hand, is a temporary solution that needs to be repeated every few months, but it does nothing to improve the integrity of the skin.”

“In patients with very early fine lines or preventative measures, the topical product can be extremely effective,” adds Dr. Hu. However, “for someone with deep set wrinkles like crow’s feet, there is nothing really as good as injectable Botox,” says Hu. Whether you choose to use an injectable or stick with topicals, one thing is clear: “Without a solid at-home routine, the results of in-office procedures will only go so far. Deciding to use injectables is a personal decision that isn’t always right for everyone, however maintaining a diligent skincare routine is for everyone,” says Darden

Why trust ELLE Beauty?

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Tatjana Freund spoke with experts and industry leaders about anti-aging skincare products. Freund and Carol Lee also tested a few top-rated products and pored over reviews for dozens of others, evaluating each on their features and customer feedback.

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