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First, a reality check as we wade into this wrinkly topic: For the majority of us, a serum or cream simply can’t accomplish the same wrinkle-disappearing act that Botox or a filler like Juvéderm, Jeuveau, or Restylane can. But topicals can help soften wrinkles over time and can even blur and tighten fine lines for a few hours.
Dermal injectables, used by a trained provider, are "designed to limit movement or fill in wrinkles and plump the skin," says board-certified plastic surgeon Julius Few. But they do come with drawbacks: needles, unlikely but possible risks (including asymmetrical results), and hefty price tags. If any of those hit a nerve for you, then you may want to look into skincare options. "These topical products aim to emulate the effects of an injectable," says David Shafer, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Shafer Clinic.
What is a wrinkle filler?
Wrinkle fillers are topical products such as serums or creams that help plump the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, says Shafer. Unlike injectables, most of these formulas work gradually to smooth the look of skin and restore volume, though some offer a temporary smoothing effect.
Our Top Picks
What to look for when choosing a wrinkle filler
Check out the ingredients. Some wrinkle fillers work by restoring collagen often with the help of "vitamin C or retinoids, which can help plump and even out skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles over time," says Ron Robinson, a cosmetic chemist and founder of BeautyStat. Some lean on hyaluronic acid, a hydrator that adds a bit of plumpness, smoothness, and radiance to the skin, Shafer says. Other formulas soften wrinkles with the help of peptides, explains Robinson. "Neuropeptides, for example, send chemical signals to expression lines that helps relax them so skin looks smoother." Then, there are silicone-based formulas that create a blurring, filter-like effect or a clear film that keeps skin taut temporarily.
How we chose the best wrinkle fillers
We spoke with expert plastic surgeons and a cosmetic chemist to learn about which ingredients and products work best to fill in wrinkles on aging skin. Then, our team researched and tested top-rated and brand-new formulas that hit the market to help you find the best picks.
Why We Love It
- Volumizes
- Hydrating
- Lightweight
What to Consider
- Results take time
This lightweight gel formula has four hyaluronic acids with different molecular weights to help plump skin more thoroughly and four peptides to communicate with skin cells, triggering more collagen production, which helps improve the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness. Niacinamide also reduces redness and supports the skin barrier. "I love that this sinks in quickly and creates a noticeable difference in my skin's hydration level immediately and over time," says Oprah Daily beauty director Kate Sandoval Box.
Key ingredients: | Hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide, and ecotin |
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Size: | 1.0 oz |
2
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StriVectin High-Potency Wrinkle Filler
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Why We Love It
- Smooths skin
- Hydrating
- Targets deep-set wrinkles over time
What to Consider
- Some reviewers wish it came in a bigger bottle
This serum addresses the look of expression lines around the forehead, eyes, and mouth with the help of wrinkle-smoothing peptides. With consistent use over time, it smooths skin, softens the look of deep-set wrinkles, and helps prevent future lines from forming. It's a lightweight formula that's hydrating thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid and glycerin. For the best results, apply twice daily on a clean face in the morning and evening.
Key ingredients: | Peptides |
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Size: | 0.5 oz |
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Why We Love It
- Hydrating
- Every skin type can use it
- Layers well with other skincare
What to Consider
- It's one of the more expensive options on this list
Shafer loves this ultra-hydrating formula because it contains a proprietary mix of five types of hyaluronic acid to help smooth, hydrate, and plump fine lines and wrinkles. "It also helps replenish the skin's own hyaluronic acid in order to further improve hydration and overall skin health," he explains. The formula contains peptides and vitamin E as well. In general, hyaluronic acid formulas are a worthy addition to your routine, but think of them as wrinkle softeners, not erasers, and give them time: "Most products will yield results within four to eight weeks of daily use," says Shafer.
Key ingredients: | Hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vitamin E |
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Size: | 1.0 oz |
Why We Love It
- Firming
- Plumping
- Smooths skin
What to Consider
- Some reviewers with very dry skin say they need to pair it with another hydrating formula
Robinson created this moisturizer to target multiple signs of aging. "We use two exclusive neuropeptides that work to signal our facial muscles to relax, leaving skin smooth and firm with visibly diminished wrinkles," he says. "We also included glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and polyglutamic acid, which work to hydrate and plump skin." In a clinical study conducted by the brand, users started noticing results in five days when they used it on clean skin day and night.
Key ingredients: | Peptides, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and polyglutamic acid |
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Size: | 1.7 oz |
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Why We Love It
- Instant results
- Budget-friendly rpice
What to Consider
- Doesn't help reduce wrinkles long-term
If you're looking for a quick way to smooth skin texture, silicone-based products, like this one, will fill in fine lines temporarily. We love that this budget-friendly pick is available at your local drugstore. Plus, the texture is soft and velvety, which is handy for creating a smooth base before makeup application. It's a great option for special nights out or days when you need a quick and immediate pick-me-up.
Key ingredients: | Silicone |
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Size: | 1.0 oz |
Why We Love It
- Instant firming effect
- Great for loose skin
What to Consider
- If you apply too much, it can crack or pill
When you want a snatched (a.k.a. tighter-looking) complexion without using needles or waiting weeks for results, reach for this formula. It's made with a blend of silicates and seaweed that help provide an instant tightening and smoothing effect. "This is perfect for a big event or photo shoot. Make sure to follow the application directions, otherwise it can leave a noticeable film or begin to crack or pill," says Sandoval Box.
Key ingredients: | Silicates, seaweed, and vitamins |
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Size: | 3.4 oz |
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Why We Love It
- Soften look of wrinkles and lines
- Gently exfoliates skin
What to Consider
- It's one of the more expensive options on this list
The name says it all. This smoothing formula is loaded with wrinkle-filling ingredients, including neuropeptides to relax facial muscles; magnesium and adenosine, which soften the look of expression lines over time; and lactic and glycolic acids to gently exfoliate the skin and help with stimulating collagen renewal. Use it every morning and night on any areas of concern (read: forehead, crow's-feet, or frown lines) before following up with your go-to serums and moisturizer.
Key ingredients: | Neuropeptides, magnesium, lactic and glycolic acids, and adenosine |
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Size: | 0.5 oz |
Why We Love It
- Long-lasting effects
- Unique technology
What to Consider
- If you struggle being consistent with your skincare, you may not like two steps
Even though the price tag is steep, you get two highly effective serums that work better together to diminish the look of wrinkles. The duo features a unique technology: The morning serum contains hyaluronic acid molecules small enough to penetrate skin; the night serum reverts them back to their original size to plump and firm from within the skin. "Both formulas feel lovely on my skin, and the idea that they work synergistically inspired me to be more consistent in applying twice a day—and my skin is better for it," Sandoval Box shares.
Key ingredients: | Shrunken Bio-Hyaluronic Acid, red clover extract, chai hu extract, and cinnamon extract |
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Size: | 30 mL each |
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Why We Love It
- Improves moisture retention
- Improves the look of deep wrinkles
What to Consider
- It's one of the more expensive options on this list
Made with injectable-grade hyaluronic acid at varying molecular weights, this dermatologist-tested formula addresses deep wrinkles and expression lines by binding water to the surface of the skin to improve moisture retention and skin smoothness. It also has a "collagen complex"— made of peptides, amino acids, and vitamin C—to spur collagen production. After cleansing, use it as your first step in your skincare routine every morning and evening for the best results.
Key ingredients: | Hyaluronic acid, peptides, amino acids, and vitamin C |
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Size: | 1.0 oz |
Genesis Rivas
Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more. Before joining the Oprah Daily team, she wrote for several publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, and Shape. When she’s not testing, researching, and writing fun and educational beauty content, you can find her dancing and eating her way through New York City. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok