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If you wince at the sight of sharp objects or don't have the cash to spend on in-office treatments, "Botox in a bottle" products have you covered—well, mostly, since no topical formula can create the same results as a professional treatment. These pain-free, comparatively inexpensive products, when used consistently and as directed, can deliver results similar to that of a loving jab in the face from your derm. Sure, nothing quite captures the effects of the nerve-freezing, muscle-paralyzing, skin-tightening power of botulinum toxin A (which sounds freakier than it is, we promise), but these formulas come pretty close. You can even use them in tandem with professional Botox treatments (from a board-certified dermatologist, of course) to enhance and prolong its line-dissipating benefits.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox, $150
- Best for Crepey Skin: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum, $295
- Best for Dry Skin: Lancôme Advanced Génifique Face Serum, $89
- Best Drugstore: RoC Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum, $30
- Best for Deep-Set Wrinkles: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair, $130
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum, $80
- Best for Neck Firming: Ourself HA+ Replenishing Serum, $120
- Best Retinol: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel, $40
- Best for Sun Damage: Medik8 Super C Ferulic Serum, $75
- Best for Crow's Feet: Alastin Restorative Eye Treatment, $242
- Best Retinol Alternative: Isdin Melatonik Recovery Night Serum, $175
Read on for Allure editor- and dermatologist-approved finds to add to your skin-care routine that help target fine lines, sagging, and beyond.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox
SkinCeuticals
P-Tiox Serum
SkinCeuticals
Dermstore
Bluemercury
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the SkinCeuticals P-Tiox serum
Deanna Pai
Why it’s worth it: Multiple board-certified dermatologists and Allure editors swear by the fine line-smoothing properties of the SkinCeuticals P-Tiox, a peptide-powered serum that provides lasting results (especially if you want to prolong your pricey neuromodulator treatments). “The P-Tiox serum utilizes two key peptides that relax muscle contractions to help with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as mild exfoliants to gently brighten the skin,” Chicago-based, board-certified dermatologist Omer Ibrahim, MD, previously told Allure. The two peptides interrupt the neurotransmitters that move facial muscles—much like Botox. Still, the results will be much milder than those imparted by a needle. Use it anywhere on your face where a fine line might pop up, like cheek folds or the space between your eyebrows and nose.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“I use this in between my neuromodulator appointments and when I just can’t get Botox, like during pregnancy. I’ve found that it helps slow the roll of my forehead lines and can target expression lines where injectables can’t, like around my mouth.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: acetyl hexapeptide-8, dipeptide diamino butyryl, niacinamide, polyhydroxy acid, laminaria extract
- Who it’s for: everyone
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Crepey Skin: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
SkinMedica
TNS Advanced+ Serum
Amazon
Dermstore
Bluemercury
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: SkinMedica's TNS+ Advanced Serum is a Best of Beauty hall of famer for a reason. "The formulation feels silky and smooth on your skin and provides a powerful combination of growth factors and plant-based antioxidants to boost collagen and elastin," Texas-based board-certified dermatologist Heidi Prather, MD, previously shared. With regular use, you'll notice an improvement in deep wrinkles and a firmer, glowing complexion, thanks to green microalgae extract, marine extracts, and French flaxseed extract. Pro tip: Apply this serum to your neck and décolletage as well to minimize crepiness with its cocktail of growth factors and antioxidants.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“At 32, I'm not not concerned about fine lines creeping in. But what I can actually report on for this product is how plump and glowy it makes my skin look after every single application. I can't fully explain how this product's growth factors work but I do know that ingredients that support and encourage collagen and elastin production (which decreases as we age!) are vital to any skin-care routine. Growth factors and peptides? A dream team for an immediately more radiant complexion and slowing down signs of aging in the long run.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: growth factors, microalgae, flaxseed extract
- Who it’s for: those willing to invest a little extra
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Skin: Lancôme Advanced Génifique Face Serum
Lancôme
Advanced Génifique Face Serum
Amazon
Nordstrom
Allure contributor Christa Joanna Lee applying the Lancôme Advanced Génifique Face Serum
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it's worth it: Lancôme Advanced Génifique Face Serum comes in four sizes, because it’s the kind of serum your skin wants to drink up everywhere: on the go, at home, or at your desk during the work day. “This microbiome-inspired formula with bifidus prebiotic, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C is fast-absorbing and gently strengthens the skin barrier while addressing multiple signs of aging,” says Gary Goldenberg, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
The self-loading dropper dispenses the perfect dose every time, and since there’s no need to dip your fingers in, the serum stays fresher, cleaner, and more effective. “The packaging and the formula are designed to keep the fermented ingredients stable, so the probiotics stay active and do their job—helping boost collagen and increase moisture—without causing the irritation or breakdown you often see in products for dry, sensitive skin,” Dr. Goldenberg says.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“I haven’t hopped on the Botox train yet, but I’ll gladly chase down anything that quenches my skin’s thirst. The dropper helps me get the perfect dose every time, and the serum itself is silky, lightweight, and sinks in without that dreaded sticky feeling. My skin felt instantly plumper and more hydrated.
It’s worth noting that Lancôme recently introduced the Génifique Ultimate Recovery Serum, which is a more souped-up version designed specifically for a weakened skin barrier or post-procedure skin—it’s more cushiony and focused on extreme soothing while repairing. The original has been a do-it-all daily staple, while the Recovery Serum is great for days when my skin is feeling extra stressed out.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 10% bifidus prebiotic, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C
- Who it’s for: people with dry skin and a damaged skin barrier
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Drugstore: RoC Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum
RoC
Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: A high-quality retinol treatment for less than $50? Around these parts, we call that RoC's Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum. Along with the powerful line-smoothing active ingredient at work, you'll also notice hyaluronic acid's hydrating, skin-plumping effects—the result: a bouncier, brighter, and more supple complexion. Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in La Jolla, California, says it’s one of her favorite serums for its ability to target multiple signs of aging. “This advanced retinol serum helps to visibly smooth surface wrinkles without the need for injections,” she says. (Psst: Although this pick is fragrance-free, those with sensitive skin may find this potent, retinol-powered formula a tad harsh.)
More to know
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- Key ingredients: retinol, hyaluronic acid, swertiamarin
- Who it’s for: anyone who wants a high-quality treatment under $50
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Deep-Set Wrinkles: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair
Estée Lauder
Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex
Amazon
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Why it's worth it: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair syncs your skin barrier repair with your sleep cycle. Formulated with the brand’s exclusive Night Peptides, it works while you rest—when your skin is naturally in repair mode—to smooth fine lines, boost hydration, and revive radiance. “It uses a blend of hyaluronic acid in addition to peptides to boost collagen production without overwhelming skin,” says Dr. Goldenberg. This combination of ingredients helps plump from within, so even deeper wrinkles look less pronounced as skin stays hydrated and supple. When you wake up, you might just find your routine is pared down to the simplest step of all: a good sunscreen to lock in the glow.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: peptides, bifida ferment lysate, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, squalane
- Who it’s for: people with fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, and loss of elasticity
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
Clinique
Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum is all about the three R’s: repairing, resurfacing, and re-volumizing skin for a smoother, firmer look. “It features a multi-dermal peptide to plump skin and boost collagen, encapsulated retinol that gently resurfaces to smooth lines and texture, and hyaluronic acid that deeply hydrates to repair the skin barrier,” says Dr. Goldenberg. The fragrance-free formula was designed with sensitive skin in mind (encapsulated retinol minimizes the risk of irritation while still delivering results), making it a gentle yet powerful option for most people looking to target wrinkles.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: retinoid, peptides, CL1870 Laser Focus Complex, hyaluronic acid
- Who it’s for: people with fine lines, uneven texture, and dry skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Neck Firming: Ourself HA+ Replenishing Serum
Ourself
HA+ Replenishing Serum
Ourself
Why it's worth it: Ourself HA+ Replenishing Serum isn’t just for your face—it’s also been clinically shown to firm and smooth the neck, one of the first places skin starts to show slack. Its hyaluronic acid complex hydrates deeply while supporting your skin’s own natural HA production, helping restore firmness. “This serum also contains peptides that firm, brighten, and reinforce the skin barrier,” says Dr. Ortiz. A patented Tiered-Release Vesicle Technology ensures those actives penetrate deeply and stay potent. “My patients have reported smoother, plumper skin in as little as two weeks,” says Dr. Ortiz. The silky formula layers seamlessly with the rest of your routine and leaves skin feeling lifted and hydrated.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, elastin, peptides, vitamin C, niacinamide
- Who it’s for: people with neck crepiness, loss of facial volume, or sagginess
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Retinol: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel
La Roche-Posay
Effaclar Adapalene Gel
Amazon
Dermstore
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Angelo Landriscina, MD, highly recommends La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Adapalene Gel (a product he uses himself nightly). It uses a prescription-strength retinoid that became available over-the-counter in 2017. "Retinoids like this one can even out skin tone, increase collagen production, and even treat acne and acne scarring," he says.
As with any retinoid, you won't notice any significant changes in your skin overnight. But with continued use, fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration will fade significantly. Its fast-absorbing, non-greasy formulation is a great addition to any skin type’s nighttime routine, but we bet those with oily complexions will truly appreciate its mattifying finish.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: adapalene
- Who it’s for: people with adult acne
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sun Damage: Medik8 Super C Ferulic Serum
Medik8
Super C Ferulic Serum
Amazon
Dermstore
Medik8
Why it's worth it: You're probably well acquainted with buzzy serum ingredients like vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid by now. While you'll find all of those in Medik8's Super C Ferulic Serum, the product stands out from its peers for its high concentration (30%, to be exact) of ethylated L-ascorbic acid, a stabilized form of pure ascorbic acid, the most potent form of vitamin C. “Pure ascorbic acid has consistently been proven to be the most effective at penetrating the skin barrier," says Patricia Wexler, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. "Vitamin C effectiveness [also] increases when combined with other antioxidants, such as vitamin E. Together, they can double protection against free-radical damage."
This stabilized formula provides results more quickly than most other serums due to its potency. And, its combination of complexion-brightening ingredients makes it especially worthwhile to try if you have stubborn sun damage-related age spots and discoloration.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: vitamin C, ferulic acid, vitamin E, turmeric root extract
- Who it’s for: anyone who wants a concentrated dose of line- and discoloration-reducing antioxidants
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Crow's Feet: Alastin Restorative Eye Treatment
Alastin
Restorative Skin Complex
Amazon
Alastin
Why it's worth it: Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, counts herself among Alastin's Restorative Eye Treatment's many fans. "This eye cream can be used twice daily and contains lots of powerful ingredients, including peptides to boost collagen production and skin elasticity, [as well as] niacinamide, squalane, and plant extracts," she says. She notes that this eye treatment also contains darutoside, an extract derived from St. Paul's Wort that Dr. Marchbein calls “one of my favorite [ingredients] to help with puffiness, fine lines, and dark undereye circles.” Still, she advises paying special attention when applying any product around the eye, as that's where the skin is the thinnest and most vulnerable.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: squalane, peptides, squalane, darutoside
- Who it’s for: people with crow's feet and eye wrinkles
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Retinol Alternative: Isdin Melatonik Recovery Night Serum
Isdin
Melatonik Recovery Night Serum
Amazon
Dermstore
Why it's worth it: Isdin's Melatonik Recovery Night Serum is a great treatment that contains the plant-based retinol alternative bakuchiol, according to New York City board-certified dermatologist Robert Finney, MD. "In a clinical trial, [it] reduced wrinkles as significantly as retinol, but is pregnancy safe and without the classic irritation that comes with retinol," he says. In addition to bakuchiol, this featherlight serum also contains vitamin C, a powerhouse antioxidant that helps brighten dark spots and firm the skin. "I always tell patients a little goes a long way, so start with a few drops on your entire face at night underneath your moisturizer," he says.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: bakuchiol, vitamin C
- Who it’s for: those who can't tolerate retinoids
- Fragrance-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
Are topical creams as effective as Botox injections?
Injectables reign supreme when it comes to getting rid of fine lines, smoothing texture, and plumping lax skin. However, certain products can yield results similar to those of the neuromodulator botulinum toxin—a.k.a. Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport, among others—which works by relaxing the muscle contractions responsible for creating expression lines and wrinkles.
So, are there products that provide the near-immediate fine-smoothing effects of neuromodulator injections? No. At this time, at-home topicals aren't advanced enough to act as swiftly and effectively as professional-grade treatments like Botox. Still, there are formulations with plumping and tightening ingredients that can reduce the appearance of fine lines and sagging skin. “Although there is no true ‘Botox in a bottle’ that is applied topically to the skin, there are great topical products that can give the appearance of softening expression lines and improving skin texture over time, particularly with neuropeptides,” confirms Kellie Reed, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin, Texas. You can even use them in tandem with professional Botox treatments (from a board-certified dermatologist, of course) to enhance and prolong its line-dissipating benefits.
What are the key ingredients in "Botox in a bottle" products?
"The best line-fighting creams are those that help build our skin's own building blocks, namely collagen and elastin fibers," explains Deanne Robinson, MD, a Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist. She recommends topical retinoids, firming peptides, brightening vitamin C, and growth factors to help support skin cell turnover, increase collagen fibers, and hydrate the skin.
Certain peptides, like neuropeptides, also serve as neurotransmitters in the skin. They work similarly to botulinum toxin by limiting muscle movement—although to a much lesser degree than that in injectables. With that, consider these skin-care products, including moisturizers, serums, and treatments, your best bet for products that work like Botox injections—just without the pinch.
Meet the experts
- Robert Finney, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, based in New York City
- Gary Goldenberg, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Goldenberg Dermatology, based in New York City
- Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Salmalita Cosmetics, based in Chicago
- Angelo Landriscina, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, based in New York City
- Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, based in New York City
- Arisa Ortiz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Sciton expert, based in San Diego, California
- Heidi Prather, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, based in Austin, Texas
- Kellie Reed, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, based in Austin, Texas
- Deanne Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, based in Connecticut
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of line-fighting skin-care products, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors — along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors — in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon — is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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