10 Viral Products That Are Like Botox in a Bottle
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Botox has been used for cosmetic purposes in the United States for over twenty years. Initially, discussions about the popular injectable happened behind closed doors, but now it may seem like everyone is getting Botox. To many, injectables are basically the new facial or spa treatment—but we don’t blame you if you’re still apprehensive about biting the bullet and booking your own appointment. Even though injectable neuromodulators like Botox and Xeomin are proven ways to freeze facial muscles and smooth out pesky wrinkles and fine lines, there’s still a lot to consider, especially if you go to a top dermatologist or plastic surgeon for the injections (which you should—it’s your only face!), those visits can be pretty costly, and there’s always the chance that you may encounter an unwanted result or side effect. Thankfully, “Botox in a bottle” skincare products that give you that smoothing effect you’ve been looking for do exist.
While no skin care product can truly eradicate wrinkles, some can encourage your skin to appear smoother and plumper, like our favorite under-eye wrinkle fillers, retinol eye creams, and 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.”
Top picks for the best Botox-alternative skincare products of 2024
We discussed anti-aging with three experts, consulted other editors, and pored over countless customer reviews as we compiled this list of the 10 best anti-aging products that can truly be considered Botox in a bottle. Scroll down to see the serums, creams, and treatments we can’t wait for you to try.
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Takes a few weeks to see results
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.
Best for: All skin types
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 three weeks I would say there has been a 30 percent 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 it layers well both under vitamin C and under retinol.”
Pros
- Quick results
Cons
- Only includes five treatments
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 and long-term benefits. When applied 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.
Best for: All skin types, especially dry
Key ingredients: Patented hyaluronic acid technology, NAD
Size: 0.1 fl. oz
Invity rating: 4.9/5 stars
An Invity reviewer says: “This is an amazing product! I applied it over most of my face, especially the wrinkle areas, and within a few minutes, there was an overall tightening lift when it dried up.”
Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Temporary Eye Tightener
Pros
- Works quickly
Cons
- Can leave a residue on the skin
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.
Best for: All skin types
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.”
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Night Cream
Pros
- Effective ingredients
Cons
- Heavily perfumed
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.
Best for: All skin types, especially dry
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.”
Pros
- Great active ingredients
Cons
- Only includes four uses
You can feel this skin care 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.
Best for: All skin types
Key ingredients: Peptides, antioxidants
Size: 0.88 fl. oz.
Hanacure rating: 4.9/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Hanacure’s cult-favorite mask is one of the weirdest beauty products I’ve ever tried (it tightens on your face so much that you look like a zombie), but it’s also one of the most effective. This mask works wonders for tightening skin—it honestly gives you a temporary Botox effect in 20 minutes.” —Katie Berohn, ELLE beauty editor
Pros
- Multiple skincare benefits
Cons
- May not be suited for very sensitive skin
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.
Best for: All skin types
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 plumper. My skin also looks very hydrated, and I always follow up with sunscreen. I have sensitive skin and did not have any problems with this.”
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DermInfusions Fill + Repair Serum
Pros
- Multiple benefits
Cons
- Difficult to access last bits of serum
Hailed as an alternative to injectables, this serum is packed with the best skincare ingredients, such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. In a month, you’ll notice firmer skin, a more lifted appearance, and reduced redness.
Best for: All skin types
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide
Size: 1 oz.
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 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!”
Pros
- Restores facial volume
Cons
- May take time to see results
Ourself’s HA + Replenishing Serum does it all, from using hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin to supplying peptides and niacinamide to support its natural barrier. Meanwhile, the addition of vitamin C brightens and helps neutralize free radicals, which can cause further signs of aging.
Best for: All skin types
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide, vitamin C
Size: 0.5 oz.
Ourself rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Ourself reviewer says: “Fantastic serum that absorbs quickly, not leaving any sticky or tacky feel to the skin. After using this, along with the daily renewal cream, twice a day for four weeks, I have plumper areas in my face that had lost volume and were becoming lined. The serum and moisturizer have extended the look and feel of my microneedling treatments done this fall, and monthly facials. I cannot recommend this serum more!”
Paula's Choice RESIST Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum
Pros
- Brightens skin over time
Cons
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
If you’re in the market for a serum that provides anti-wrinkle and brightening benefits, consider this pick from Paula’s Choice. The formula includes the hero anti-aging ingredient retinol and a dark spot-fading vitamin, which combine to improve the texture and appearance of your skin overall.
Best for: All skin types
Key ingredients: Retinol, squalane, vitamin C, vitamin E
Size: 1 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have seen [a] noticeable improvement in my complexion. Consistency does matter, so make sure to set reminders to see wrinkles and spots reduced.”
Pros
- Provides visible results
Cons
- May take time to see results
Collagen is a vital part of our skin—it’s what gives it its elasticity and strength. However, we lose collagen as we age, leading to dreaded sagginess and wrinkles. This serum is bursting with peptides that boost our skin’s natural collagen production, firming and smoothing our skin with daily use.
Best for: All skin types
Key ingredients: Retinol, squalane, vitamin C, vitamin E
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Dr. Babor makes it easy for me by putting the benefits of this serum right on the bottle: lifting! I gifted this to a family member and saw them three months later. The results were noticeable—her texture was smoother. It wasn’t the same as Botox, but she is now going longer and longer between treatments.” —Danielle James, digital beauty director
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, Carol Lee, and other editors also tested a few top-rated products and pored over reviews for dozens of others, evaluating each on their features and customer feedback.
Shop More ELLE Beauty Essentials
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