If you’re not ready to make the commitment to facial injections, finding the best “Botox in a bottle” products can give you similar results sans office visits and needles. Experts say these face moisturizers and serums aren’t just another beauty TikTok trend, and that they can be effective, depending on your skin concerns. Injectables like Botox work much faster and more effectively to deliver visibly younger-looking skin, but ‘Botox in a bottle’ skin care can definitely make a difference over time and create a similar firming, plumping effect, says Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, a board certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon.
To put Dr. Engelman’s theory to the test, we’re sharing the very best injectible-like products we tested over a span of months that gave us tighter-looking, smooth skin. Our top pick is the Kate Somerville KateCeuticals SuperCell Rejuvenation Peptide Serum because it contains a potent peptide combination that works to reduce the appearance of expression lines. We also found options that can address “eleven lines,” dryness, and even an effective budget pick under $10.
The best Botox in a bottle products, at a glance
- Best Overall: Kate Somerville KateCeuticals SuperCell Rejuvenation Peptide Serum, $99
- Best for Fine Lines: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Cream, $22
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Ordinary Argireline Solution, $10
- Best for Forehead: Paula’s Choice Pro Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster, $59
- Best for Eyes: Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Amplified Wrinkle-Fix Serum, $65
How we picked the best Botox in a bottle products
What ingredients should you look for in a Botox in a bottle product?
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According to Howard Sobell, MD, a clinical attending cosmetic dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital, you’ll want to look out for peptides, like acetyl hexapeptide or argireline. “Argireline is a synthetic peptide that can boost collagen production and elastin and over a period of time make the skin appear smoother,” he says. Ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, squalane, and niacinamide are also ones to watch, as they have a plumping and smoothing effect, which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, Dr. Engelman notes. “Retinol serums, retinoids and retinol alternatives can also stimulate collagen and elastin production, and signal cells to behave like younger, healthier cells, which can make skin look more youthful in the long term,” she adds.
How we tested
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We tested “Botox in a bottle” products by evaluating their formula, how they felt during application, and how well they blurred and smoothed our skin over time. We opted for the ones that contained ingredients like argireline, peptides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to give us smoother, brighter and more youthful-looking skin after a few applications. We also looked at formulas that were lightweight and absorbed easily, making our skin soft and velvety for skincare and makeup application. The best ones actually gave us results: our skin looked smooth and glowy after multiple uses, and we saw a difference in our expression lines and wrinkles.
1. Best Overall: Kate Somerville KateCeuticals SuperCell Rejuvenation Peptide Serum
Kate Somerville KateCeuticals SuperCell Rejuvenation Peptide Serum (1 oz.)
Sephora
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, squalane, peptides, stem cell complex
- What we like: Also treats hyperpigmentation, hydrating
- What to note: Applicator feels pleasant but can result in messy application
Made with peptides, this has all the plumping and firming benefits you’re looking for in a “Botox in a bottle” product with the added benefit of treating dark spots and hyperpigmentation thanks to its infusion of a stem cell complex, which supports cell turnover. Diane C. Madfes, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Madfes Dermatology and Aesthetics Group loves that the hydrating formula has a squalane base to soothe the skin while boosting elasticity and collagen production. It has dozens of glowing reviews, with people appreciating how this left their skin with a glowing, youthful appearance. Just know that some people find the packaging a little tricky, so you’ll just want to be slow and careful while squeezing product out of the tube.
“I simply love the KateCeuticals SuperCell Rejuvenation Serum. The star of this show is definitely the roller, which is attached to the serum tube. But be careful—it has a fast pour! Luckily, I had read a couple of reviews that warned about practicing using it first to get just the right amount on the roller without squeezing out too much of this expensive ($99) serum. But once you figure it out, it’s such a luxe experience. The roller ensures that the serum is spread more evenly, and the serum itself is so silky in texture. The scent may be off-putting for some—it’s kind of a cedar-y scent. But I liked it—it smells like an earthy concoction you’d get in a facial at a spa. I used this a week, and I saw the most improvement with the crepiness under my eyes and around my mouth, and the fine horizontal lines on my forehead are less defined. I look forward to using this serum and seeing how much more it can reduce my wrinkles. I have confidence it will,” says Glamour contributor Charlotte Twine.
2. Best for Fine Lines: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Cream
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Cream
Amazon
- Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid, squalane, glycerin, glycolic acid, antioxidants
- What we like: Helps to reduce inflammation, budget-friendly and easy to incorporate into your skincare routine
- What to note: Ideal for use at night time, since retinol makes skin sensitive to the sun
Highly recommended by Dr. Madfes, this affordable cream is packed with skin-loving active ingredients which you can use as a face and eye cream. “For its price, this gives the best wrinkle-improving results thanks to the combination of retinol and hyaluronic acid,” she says. “Use it on the forehead, eyes, and even upper lip.” It has glycerin and antioxidants to protect against environmental irritants while reducing inflammation. This also content glycolic acid — an ingredient Dr. Bottiglione raves about for its wrinkle-smoothing benefits. Since the product is so affordable, you may even want to extend this down to your neck and decollete.
“I’m constantly squinting or looking at my laptop which has caused me to get ‘eleven lines’ on my forehead. I’m in my 30’s so using products that target this area is a nice preventative measure. I noticed that after only a couple weeks of consistent use the lines above my eyebrows were less prominent. At $30 this is a value you can’t beat,” says Jenifer Calle, Glamour’s senior commerce editor.
3. Best for Sensitive Skin: The Ordinary Argireline Solution
The Ordinary Argireline Solution
Sephora
- Key ingredients: Argireline, peptides
- What we like: Budget-friendly, can be used as an overall serum or spot treatment to reduce fine lines in particular areas
- What to note: Reviewers with dry skin may want to layer a thicker moisturizer on top of this, because reviewers say it can be drying
If this looks familiar, it’s likely that you’ve seen at least a few of your favorite content creators raving about the efficacy of this product that often gets mentioned in conjunction with the “Botox in a bottle” trend. Dr. Madfes notes how lightweight the texture is, so you can easily use this serum in the daytime.
“For only $10, I was a little skeptical about whether this product would work, compared to some of the other treatments on this list that go for double and triple the price. My hesitancy was quickly diverted though once I applied it for the first time, because it instantly made my skin feel soft and plump. The consistency of this serum is lightweight and non-sticky, and it sunk right into my skin upon application. After about a week, I already noticed a difference: my fine lines on my forehead were less noticeable, and my expression lines when moving my face appeared slightly less deep. My skin drank this one right up, and I also found it to be gentle on my combination/oily skin—it didn’t make me greasy or shiny, either. I have a hunch this one will become a staple in my routine, moving forward,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary.
4. Best for Forehead: Paula’s Choice Pro Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster
Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster (0.67 fl. oz.)
Amazon
- Key ingredients: Peptides, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, apple extract
- What we like: Good for thinning and sagging skin, many people repurchase this
- What to note: Those with dry skin may need an additional oil or moisturizer on top of this
Those with thin or sagging skin might have a hard time finding a skin care product that actually produces long-lasting results. That’s why we appreciate this anti-aging Paula’s Choice cream, which features a potent formula. It makes a great pick for thinning, sagging, or even dry skin, and the positive reviews are filled with mature shoppers who have purchased and repurchased this product several times. It also has a lot of superstar ingredients: peptides, apple extract, and glycerin to plump, increase elasticity, and soothe the skin at the same time. “This instantly plumps fine lines and is good before an event,” says Dr. Madfes. If you have dry skin, she advises wearing a moisturizer on top of it.
“During the testing process, a man told me he couldn’t believe I was a day over 25 (I’m 32). You should take his flirting with a grain of salt, but I’ll definitely give some credit to Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster. Like many of their serums, it has a more watery consistency, which glides onto the skin smoothly without too much product. I instantly felt my skin become bouncier and, when applied more consistently, saw a noticeable difference in the line on my forehead that gives me the most grief in photos. Clearly, I’m not the only one,” says Glamour contributor Emily Tannenbaum.
5. Best for Plumping: Dr. Dennis Gross DermInfusions Blur + Repair Cream
Dr. Dennis Gross DermInfusions Blur + Repair Cream (1.7 fl. oz.)
Sephora
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, shea butter, ceramides
- What we like: Hydrating, suitable for sensitive skin
- What to note: May feel too rich for oily skin types
A lot of plumping products feature hyaluronic acid, and that’s why Dr. Madfes likes this cream. A little goes a long way with the rich formula, so you’ll particularly enjoy using this if you have dry skin.
“This powerful hydrating moisturizer that definitely felt firming thanks to its peptide-rich formula. While I didn’t see a big difference in the fine lines on my forehead, the plumping effect definitely came in handy once I added a skin tint or foundation, which usually emphasize those imperfections. It might be a bit too rich for daily use on my sensitive, combination skin that leans more oily than dry, but I will definitely keep using it to prep my skin for a night out. Plus, I love the pumping mechanism, which doles out the perfect amount of product and feels more sanitary than scooping it out with my fingers or a spatula,” says Tannenbaum.
6. Best for Eyes: Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Amplified Wrinkle-Fix Refillable Serum
Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Amplified Wrinkle-Fix Refillable Serum (1.01 fl. oz.)
Sephora
- Key ingredients: Peptides, matrixyl, argireline
- What we like: People report seeing instant results, dermatologist-recommended
- What to note: Some people dislike the slightly grainy texture
Trust that despite its name, applying this anti-aging serum is going to be a whole lot less painful than any injectables or fillers you’ve gotten in your face. “With continued use, the formula softens forehead lines,” says Dr. Madfes. This one is actually designed to work with injectables, to help soften the appearance of creases in skin in between treatments.
“I loved this serum because it gave my skin a near immediate plump and bouncy feel, without making your skin feel like it’s frozen. It helped the most with “crepiness,” next to my mouth and under the eyes, and the overeye bags look less puffy. A bonus!,” says Twine.
7. Best for Neck: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream (1.7 fl. oz.)
Nordstrom
- Key ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, squalane, glycerin, argan oil, avocado oil, evening primrose oil, shea butter, peptides, hyaluronic acid
- What we like: Packs in a lot of nourishing ingredients, rich yet lightweight consistency
- What to note: Likely too rich for oily or acne-prone skin
Mistry recommends this French cream to her clients with dry skin types. “Its beautiful, rich hydration leaves the skin’s texture looking smoother than ever,” she says, adding that to get the best results, you’ll want to really massage this into the skin outwards and upwards on the face, because she says that consistent face massaging can give skin a more taut and lifted appearance.
Glamour contributor Neha Tandon was skeptical about all of the hype around it—until she tried it. Featuring evening primrose oil, avocado oil, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter to help support cellular renewal while promoting skin elasticity, Tandon was surprised by how hydrating this was despite its lightweight texture. “It left my skin feeling so soft all day,” she says. “I have dry skin and my makeup didn’t even crease on top of it, but what I was most surprised by was how after two months of use, this has really softened my forehead lines.”
Glamour’s Kilkeary is also a longtime fan of this cream, and has definitely noticed a difference in her skin over time. “I’ve used The Rich Cream on and off for years now, and it never fails to make my skin look plump, fresh and calm. It’s packed with potent hydrators like squalane, shea butter and hyaluronic acid, and is a moisturizer I rely on during transitional seasons when I get some dry areas on my cheeks and near my eyebrows. My skin always looks radiant and fresh after application.”
Your Botox in a bottle questions, answered
So, what are Botox injections?
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Botox injections are injections of the neurotoxic protein ‘botulinum toxin,’ which relaxes targeted facial muscles in order to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. “In some cases, Botox injections are also used to address excess sweating, chronic migraines, eye spasms and other concerns. They may be administered in different areas of the face and body depending on the desired result. Injections should only be given by a trained professional,” says Dr. Engelman.
Does Botox in a bottle really work?
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“The short answer is yes, with an asterisk,” says Kenneth Mark, MD, a cosmetic dermatology expert based in NYC. “It is important to note that Botox works specifically by inhibiting muscle movement and in fact there are products that contain peptides that also work by the same mechanism of action,” he says. While these non-invasive products might sound like a magic wand for wrinkles, Dr. Mark says results won’t be as dramatic or long-lasting as injections. “These topical products should not be thought of as a replacement for those who want true Botox results, but instead are an adjunct to traditional Botox injections and/or a suitable option for those who have very minimal early wrinkling from muscle movement in the traditional Botox areas, like the frown, forehead, crow’s feet.”
Meet the experts
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- Diane C. Madfes, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Madfes Dermatology and Aesthetics Group
- Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, a board certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon
- Kenneth Mark, MD, a cosmetic dermatology expert based in NYC
- Howard Sobel, MD, a clinical attending cosmetic dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital
The post 7 Best Botox In a Bottle Products, According to Dermatologists appeared first on Glamour.
