Want Plumper Lips Without Filler Injections? Try These Alternatives

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Seeking a fuller, more defined-looking pout without getting lip injections? You’ve got options (though it is worth noting that nothing can give you the same transformative results that filler can). For instance, if you’re looking to change the actual shape and size of your top or bottom lip (or both), you’re better off going the injection route.

But if some subtle plumpness and wrinkle filling is what you’re after, you should definitely give some needle-free alternatives a shot, especially if you want to save money or can’t stand the sight of needles.

Meet the experts: Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and New Jersey. Pooja Rambhia, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and ASDC fellow at UnionDerm in New York City.

Which needle-free alternatives are actually legit though? We tapped two board-certified dermatologists to find out. Ahead, find their expert insight on how to achieve fuller, juicier lips at home—no filler needed. (Plus, the one at-home option you should steer clear of at all costs.)

1. Topical lip-plumping treatments

Although the effects are temporary, lip plumping products can be a solid short-term solution for anyone who wants to avoid needles. Take it from Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and New Jersey: “Lip plumping products incorporate ingredients that draw moisture into the lips, such as humectants like hyaluronic acid, which helps hydrate and plump the lips, while also improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”

Fun fact? Hyaluronic acid is actually the same ingredient used in filler, though it’s important to remember it won’t give you the same results when applied topically as it does when it's injected. “Other ingredients found in lip plumpers include peptides, which may be helpful to boost collagen production while still being gentle, as well as vasodilators like capsaicin, ginger, and cinnamon that cause blood vessels to expand and create a slight swelling of the lips that makes them appear plumper,” explains Dr. Garshick.

If you have a particularly sensitive pout, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Pooja Rambhia, MD, recommends skipping lip plumpers that contain vasodilators and going with fragrance-free, hydrating lip balms that contain peptides, which she says can stimulate collagen production over time. “The Inkey List’s Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm is a non-sticky, fragrance-free balm that contains a tripeptide complex to help stimulate collagen production, as well as hyaluronic acid to hydrate lips, help retain moisture, and blur the appearance of fine lines of the lips.”

Dr. Garhick also highly recommends PCA Skin’s Hyaluronic Acid Lip Booster, which aids in enhancing lip volume and plumpness both instantly—and over time. “The formula contains a blend of sodium hyaluronate and konjac root which together works to plump and hydrate the lips, in combination with peptides to boost collagen. Production and vitamin E, which serves as an antioxidant to help neutralize free-radicals.

Extra Plump Tinted Lip Serum

Addict Lip Maximizer Gloss

Gloss Bomb Heat Universal Lip Luminizer + Plumper

2. Boost your hydration levels

This plumping method might sound basic, but Dr. Rambhia stresses the importance of not only staying hydrated from within, but also ensuring your lips are adequately moisturized so they can look and feel their best.

“Hydration can significantly improve the appearance of lips, giving them a slightly plumper appearance with less noticeable fine lines and wrinkling,” she says. “This can be achieved by drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, and the use of hydrating products that include ingredients like petroleum jelly and hyaluronic acid.”

She recommends applying a hyaluronic acid-infused serum to the lips first, followed by a thick occlusive balm like Vaseline or Aquaphor. “This can really help to increase moisture levels, thus reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkling of the lips,” she explains.

3. Exfoliate regularly

Ever notice how your facial skin looks smoother and plumper after a good exfoliation sesh? Well the same goes for your lips. “Using a gentle lip scrub once or twice per week can help to physically remove dead skin cells, resulting in a smoother, subtly plumper appearance of the lips,” confirms Dr. Rambhia. Makeup by Mario’s Perfecting Lip Scrub is an excellent option that contains micro-fine sugar crystals to gently buff away dead skin, along with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, castor seed oil, and antioxidant-rich vitamin E. Fresh’s Sugar Lip Polish Exfoliator is another fan-favorite option made with brown sugar crystals, shea butter, and jojoba oil, as well as meadowfoam and grapeseed oils. For optimal results, apply your hyaluronic acid serum and occlusive lip balm on top immediately after exfoliation to lock in moisture and keep lips looking plump for longer.

The one lip filler alternative to avoid at all costs

While topical lip plumping products are overall considered safe, Dr. Garshick cautions against the use of any type of at-home injections, such as the Hyaluron Pen, which utilizes a highly pressurized hyaluronic-acid filled spring-loaded system to propel hyaluronic acid into lips. “These can be very harmful,” she says.

Dr. Rambhia agrees. “Hyaluron pens are the worst needle-free alternative to lip filler,” she says matter-of-factly. “These pens were popularized on social media and sadly, are fraught with all sorts of complications–namely unevenness and asymmetry given the lack of control and precision regarding product placement, but there’s also risk of infection, nodule formation, and most concerning, vascular occlusion and subsequent tissue death.”

The bottom line? Stay away.

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