9 Skin

By Kiana Murden

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Every time we open our TikTok app, we’re inundated with a new beauty trend users can't stop raving about. While many aren't worth a second thought, the "Botox in a bottle" videos left us wanting to know more. Though we’re in full support of people heading to an expert for whatever cosmetic treatments suit their fancy, we’re intrigued that there might be a needle-free method right at home. So, we tapped three dermatologists to weigh in.

"The phrase ‘Botox in a bottle’ is a term popularized on TikTok for topical products with antiaging properties that aim to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face," Libby explains. Essentially, these promote wrinkle-reducing, plumping, and firming benefits to reveal smooth, radiant skin. According to Shirazi, topicals work at the cellular level to enhance skin's natural biology. "They boost vital structures like collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid as well as hydrating skin cells, enhancing cell turnover, and supporting the skin barrier," she says.

To start, Engelman suggests that maintaining skin barrier hydration is essential to retaining plump, bouncy skin, as dehydrated skin exaggerates signs of aging. "Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide are key, as are ingredients that improve the skin's ability to hold onto moisture, like ceramides and peptides," she instructs.

Aside from hydrators, our experts emphasize the importance of utilizing ingredients that spur the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, as well as agents that protect and repair skin damage. Retinol, retinol alternatives, matrixyl, argireline, peptides, exfoliants, and antioxidants should be incorporated to see lasting results. And if it's not said enough, Shirazi shares again the importance of daily sun protection.

With this guidance in mind, discover an edit of skin care products that work like "Botox in a bottle." Use them as a preventative treatment or to prolong results in between injections. "We lose approximately 1% of our collagen production in our skin each year starting in our 20s, so generally, I recommend starting to add in preventative skin care products with retinols and peptides around [that age]," Libby says. Read on for expert-recommended products to shop.