If sharp objects have you running in the opposite direction or you balk at the financial investment of in-office treatments, we have good news. Topical wrinkle filler products are pain-free, inexpensive and can help hydrate, plump and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, with level-set expectations.
The simple fact is that even the best wrinkle filler products can’t exactly mimic the muscle-freezing, skin-tightening, wrinkle-reducing science behind neurotoxins (like Botox Cosmetic, for example). Still, topical wrinkle fillers can come pretty close to the real thing by smoothing skin texture for a more youthful glow—no needle required—while adding other skin-care benefits, like increased collagen production. Conversely, if you’re the person who never skips an in-office appointment, topical wrinkle fillers can work in tandem with injectables to help maximize your results, thereby expanding the window between appointment times.
Below, we’re sharing the topical wrinkle-filling products shoppers are swearing by right now, from drugstore standbys to luxe upgrades.
SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Anti-Wrinkle Serum ($148)
Infused with potent neuro-peptides, P-TIOX is clinically proven to reduce the look of nine different types of lines in 12 weeks, and it’s dermatologist-recommended. Omaha, NE dermatologist Daniel Schlessinger, MD previously told NewBeauty it’s his favorite product for helping reduce the appearance of marionette lines without in-office treatments.
key ingredients
Advanced Neuro-Peptide Complex (hexapeptide and dipeptide), Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA), Niacinamide, Laminaria Extract
promising review
“This product has been a total game changer for me!! I am so thankful for it what it has done with smoothing out my texture, minimizing pores, speeding up healing of acne scars and supplementing my Botox treatments to keep skin plump so wrinkles won’t set in.”
Filorga’s Time-Filler Shot 5-XP ($76)
Filorga’s Time-Filler Shot 5-XP delivers a needle-free dose of skin-relaxing peptides, moisturizing polysaccharides and toning marine ferment, resulting in relaxed muscles, fewer wrinkles and improved skin tone in days. The “baby Botox-inspired” serum targets crow’s-feet, “11 lines,” upper lip lines, marionette lines and forehead wrinkles.
KEY INGREDIENTS
Neuropeptidic Active Ingredient (hexapeptide and octapeptide), Polysaccharides
Promising review
“It works! My forehead has lots of lines, I’m 39 but have them from early ages. After a month of use the serum it looks much more smoother and I definitely can see the difference!”
RoC Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum ($30)
Designed to target frown lines, crow’s-feet and laugh lines, this dermatologist- and plastic surgeon-developed serum uses three types of hyaluronic acid to hydrate and fill in wrinkles, plus a healthy dose of retinol and plant-based swertiamarin to smooth skin.
key ingredients
Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, Swertiamarin
Promising review
“I have been trying quite a few different creams to tackle wrinkles… I noticed a difference the next day. Have been using it twice a day now for a week and it is working. The wrinkles on my forehead are so minimal now it’s great – even the deep ones between my eyebrows look better- laugh lines are better… After spending a small fortune on other products, [I] finally found a winner.”
SkinMedica TNS+ Advanced Serum ($295)
Look up “dermatologist darling” in the dictionary, and you may see SkinMedica’s TNS+ Advanced Serum. “The formula has growth factors and stem cells which help with toning and tightening the look and feel of the skin,” Montclair, NJ dermatologist Jeanine Downie, MD, previously raved to NewBeauty.
key ingredients
TNS-MR (growth factor blend), Renessensce (RSC) Advanced (blend of botanicals, marine extracts and peptides)
Promising review
“One of the best serums I have used…application is a breeze & leaves my skin so smooth, erases lines & wrinkles, skin bright & refreshed. Have used the past two months & can really tell the difference so will continue to use to improve look & feel. Continual compliments I gladly accept!”
Mother Science Retinol Synergist ($96)
Mother Science pairs malassezin and retinol together to maximize both ingredients’ wrinkle-reducing benefits. Firmer, smoother skin with no irritation? Sign us up.
KEY INGREDIENTS
Malassezin, Lipid Concentrate, Encapsulated Retinol, Trehalose
promising review
“My skin is definitely more radiant, smooth and elastic after four weeks of use… The fine lines and wrinkles have blended out as well. I definitely will continue to use it as part of my regular routine to reap all the benefits.”
Revision Skincare Revox Line Relaxer ($154)
Used alone or after neurotoxins, Revision Skincare’s Revox Line Relaxer is a derm-recommended targeted treatment that helps treat stubborn fine lines on the neck and face, including the under-eye area.
key ingredients
Peptides, Arnica, Hyaluronic Acid
promising review
“I am 37 and have been using this twice daily on faint lines (crow’s-feet, lines around my mouth, necklace lines) for about four weeks now and there are visible results! I am confident that with continued use, my lines will be completely resolved. Do not hesitate, buy now!”
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Regenerating Cream ($26)
This drugstore moisturizer holds up against more expensive creams, thanks to an infusion of wrinkle-smoothing retinol and hydrating hyaluronic acid in every jar. (Fun fact: Jennifer Garner is a huge fan of the entire Rapid Wrinkle Repair line.) West Palm Beach, FL, dermatologist Kenneth Beer, MD, is also a fan, previously telling NewBeauty it “delivers well above its $30 price point.”
key ingredients
Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid
promising review
“The combination of retinol and hyaluronic acid in this moisturizer is like a one-two punch against fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots. After just a few weeks of consistent use, I noticed a significant improvement in the overall texture and appearance of my skin. My fine lines appear diminished, my skin feels firmer and those pesky dark spots are noticeably lighter.”