When it comes to tackling aging concerns on the skin, everyone has a different strategy. Some may choose to simply embrace it and let their skin be, while others turn to treatments like lasers and Botox to help tackle the lines that typically show up on your face with age.
However, many people fall into an in-between group, searching for the skin care products that will help them turn back the clock. That's where wrinkle fillers come in. The products typically tout instant benefits, filling in lines and wrinkles and helping your skin look smoother overall.
But do they really work? We asked dermatologists to give us the rundown.
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What are wrinkle fillers?
Wrinkle-filling skin care products are ones that put an emphasis on "improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and other age-related skin changes," shares Dr. Brendan Camp, a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. Often, they purport to have an instant effect, showing a noticeable difference in the appearance of your skin shortly after applying the product.
According to Dr. Danny Guo, a double board-certified dermatologist in Calgary, Alberta, there are multiple types of skin care products that are marketed this way. The most common are those containing Volufiline, Argireline and then general hydrating formulas. Here's how each of them works to fill in lines and wrinkles.
- Volufiline: Products featuring this ingredient are typically marketed as "filler in a bottle," Guo says. As for its benefits, he points to a past study, which showed a 2% increase in fat volume after multiple weeks of usage. "By increasing volume, they theoretically reduce the appearance of wrinkles," he says of these products. However, in reality, that percentage is not really enough to make a clinical difference.
- Argireline: "These are peptides that mimic botulinum toxin and can temporarily reduce the movement of facial muscles attached to the skin," Guo says. Of course, these products will not be as effective as an injected botulinum, but he says that they can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
- Hydrating ingredients: "There are dehydration lines that can appear from skin dehydration, and [hydrating] products can reduce the appearance of those lines," Gao says.
One such ingredient is hyaluronic acid. "Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that enables skin to attract and retain moisture," Camp says.
The best wrinkle-filling skin care products, according to dermatologists and editors
Guo says that Argireline is an ingredient he often recommends to patients looking for improvement to fine lines, including those "who are not interested in injectables or have a contraindication to them." And he calls this formula from The Ordinary an "affordable solution."
According to the brand, it can help improve the appearance of facial areas that are prone to folds and wrinkles, like the eyes and the forehead area.
Our testers during our Mature Beauty Awards were so impressed by this formula that they gave it a perfect five-star rating across the board. The original version of the product originally went viral on social media, thanks to its ability to instantly improve the look of lines and wrinkles, as well as under-eye puffiness. While the effect is only temporary, the brand says that it should last all day, so it's great when you have a special event or important appointment.
“This velvety targeted primer instantly ‘fills’ in to soften the look of superficial fine lines, large pores, and uneven texture anywhere on the face,” one expert previously shared. “It helps makeup sit better throughout the day."
While its benefits are mostly temporary, because it features ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide, the brand says you may also see improvements in skin texture and brightness with time.
When your skin is dry, it can make lines and wrinkles more apparent. But this serum is designed to instantly hydrate skin. In fact, according to the brand, in a consumer study, 100% of participants noted an instant hydration boost.
So what makes this formula so effective? "Copper peptides are featured alongside squalane, ectoin (an amino acid derivative with emollient and antioxidant properties), and botanicals to lock in long-lasting hydration and visibly plump skin," Camp says.
"This is a lightweight eye serum that contains retinol as well as bakuchiol, a plant-based ingredient with effects similar to retinol, to tighten skin and improve the appearance of fine lines and dark circles," Camp says.
In a consumer study put on by the brand, 91% of participants saw an immediately softer and more supple eye area and after two weeks, many reported boosted hydration.
This regenerative cream from Grown Alchemist gives getting your beauty sleep a whole new meaning. When you apply before bed, the brand days that you'll wake up with smoother and firmer skin.
"Botanicals rich in vitamin A, C and E, antioxidants and fatty acids are combined with water-binding peptides to combat the appearance of wrinkles, age spots and aging skin," Camp says of the formula.
Can these skin care products give you the same results as in-office treatments?
Unfortunately, no skin care product is going to give you the same fast and long-lasting results as professional treatments can. "These products are meant for milder effects that can complement in-office treatments or act as maintenance," says Guo.
How do these skin care products differ from Botox?
"Injectables like neurotoxins limit the ability of facial muscles to contract, minimizing the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles," Camp says.
While some skin care ingredients, like Argireline, may help to temporarily reduce movement, Guo says that they only work on the small muscle fibers, not the deeper ones, so results are only superficial.
Frequently asked questions
As one expert previously told us, “moisturizing reduces the appearance of wrinkles.” That's why hydration is key.
Camp says that hyaluronic acid allows your skin to attract and retain moisture, so it's a good ingredient to look out for.
He adds, "retinols may stimulate collagen production over time, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles."
Unsurprisingly, sunscreen is also one of his top recommendations. "Daily facial sunscreen use may protect skin from the development of skin cancer and limit the damaging effects of UV rays on skin, such as the accelerated degradation of collagen and elastin, important structural proteins."
"Wrinkle-filling skin care may be appropriate for people looking to prevent the formation of age-related skin changes, with early fine lines, or those seeking non-invasive, affordable options for taking care of their skin," Camp says.
How we chose
All of the above products were recommended by the dermatologists we spoke to or were previously recommended by experts and members of our editorial team.
Meet our experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are provided independently and without any undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York. He is double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology.
- Dr. Danny Guo, MD, is a double board-certified medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatologist in Calgary, Alberta. He treats a variety of skin issues and has a focus on skin cancer surgery and aesthetic medicine.
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