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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, the best “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 Botox in a Bottle Picks
- Best Overall: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox, $150
- Best for Early Signs of Aging: Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Serum, $115
- Best for Crepey Skin: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum, $295
- Best Retinol Alternative: Isdin Melatonik Recovery Night Serum, $175
- Best for the Neck: Neostrata Skin Active Triple Firming Neck Cream, $98
- Best for Deep Wrinkles: Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment, $105
- Best for Barrier Support: Philosophy Anti-Wrinkle Miracle Worker, $76
- Best for Body: Shani Darden Body Reform Treatment Serum, $58
- Best for Sun Damage: Medik8 Super C Ferulic Serum, $75
- Best Drugstore: RoC Retinol Correxion Night Cream for Deep Wrinkles, $30
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
- Are topical creams as effective as Botox injections?
- What are the key ingredients in "Botox in a bottle" products?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox
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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 Early Signs of Aging: Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Serum
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Shiseido
Ultimune Power Infusing Serum
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Serum
Why it’s worth it: Though Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Serum has been reformulated a few times over the past decade, its goal hasn’t changed: Instead of only fixing damage that’s already there, it helps your skin stay strong and resilient against future damage. And considering our faces deal with invisible assailants all day long—pollution, environmental stress, UV—you start to appreciate the extra armor. The newest iteration features Shiseido’s proprietary Power Fermented Camellia+ complex, paired with camellia leaf, seed, and seed-oil extracts to boost elasticity, soothe irritation, and fortify the skin barrier. “The camellia flower's regenerative properties deliver potent amino acids that help rejuvenate and strengthen the skin. Clinical studies have shown excellent results in how this flower extract tackles the visible markers of aging,” says Jaimie Glick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Because water and glycerin top the ingredient list, it glides on with this almost impossibly smooth, silky feel.
Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“For anyone still flirting with the idea of retinol but not ready to commit, this is my go-to recommendation. The silky, nourishing serum keeps my skin comfortably moisturized, and despite all the high-tech action happening behind the scenes, it never leaves my skin feeling sensitized. It’s not sticky at all, but there’s a very subtle grip that makes my foundation glide on a lot better. After only a couple of weeks of using it, I was genuinely impressed by how much bouncier and smoother my skin felt.” —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycerin, camellia seed extract, heart leaf extract, camellia seed oil
- Who it’s for: people who want to prevent signs of aging and protect against environmental stress that causes fine lines
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Crepey Skin: SkinMedica TNS+ Advanced Serum
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SkinMedica
TNS Advanced+ Serum
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," Austin-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 decolletage 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 Retinol Alternative: Isdin Melatonik Recovery Night Serum
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Isdin
Melatonik Recovery Night Serum
Amazon
Dermstore
Lee applying the Isdin Isdinceutics Melatonik Serum
Christa Joanna Lee
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.
Tester feedback from Lee
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“While my demo video above shows me applying this serum during the day so you can actually see the texture, remember that it’s technically a nighttime treatment thanks to the melatonin in the formula. It’s slightly thicker than your typical watery serum, so it takes a few extra seconds to fully sink in, but once it does, there’s zero greasy residue—just cushy, nourished skin. Even though fragrance is listed on the ingredient label, I could barely detect any scent, which is a plus for sensitive skin (and noses). After a few uses, my skin looked smoother and more refreshed in the morning.” —Lee, Allure contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: bakuchiol (percentage not disclosed), melatonin, vitamin C
- Who it’s for: those who can't tolerate retinoids
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for the Neck: NeoStrata Skin Active Triple Firming Neck Cream
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NeoStrata
Skin Active Triple Firming Neck Cream
Amazon
Dermstore
Han applying the Neostrata Skin Active Triple Firming Neck Cream
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: There’s a lot of science-y talk we could dive into, but to keep things simple: NeoStrata literally means neo + strata (“new layers” of skin), and that’s what this neck cream is all about. The Skin Active Triple Firming Neck Cream uses some of the brand’s most impressive tech to tighten and smooth the area we tend to overlook. Proprietary NeoGlucosamine (a gentle, non-acid exfoliator) helps boost cell turnover and fade uneven tone, while NeoCitriate supports collagen production to firm sagging skin. “It leaves the skin smoother and more elastic,” says Ryan Turner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
And there’s even more behind those results. Debbie Palmer, a board-certified dermatologist based in Harrison, New York, breaks it down further: It’s packed with “plant stem cells, amino acids, vitamin E, and peptides that are 2.5 times smaller for deeper penetration,” she says. Stick with it—just like you should with any product for mature skin—and find firmer, smoother, and bouncier skin.
Tester feedback from Han
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“I almost always bring my facial skin-care products down to my neck, but because the amount of product that actually makes it down there varies a lot, I like the added assurance of using a dedicated neck cream—similarly to how I like a standalone sunscreen, even if I'm using a skin tint or foundation that has SPF over it. Neostrata's Triple Firming Neck Cream is oh-so buttery, my goodness, and infused with peptides, bakuchiol, and some ingredients I can't even begin to explain (looking at you, NeoGlucosamine). My skin always looks dewy and hydrated after each application, and I do think my horizontal neck lines (from constantly crouching over my laptop and looking down at my phone) have softened a bit. They may not be as prominent now, but that's not stopping me from playing the long-term prevention game.” —Han, Allure commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: NeoGlucosamine, NeoCitrate (a patented ingredient of NeoStrata that claims to boost collagen production and plump the skin), amino acids
- Who it’s for: people with fine lines or sagging on the neck or décolleté
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Deep Wrinkles: Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment
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Murad
Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment
Amazon
Nordstrom
Why it’s worth it: Any derm will tell you: Retinol is the gold standard to address signs of aging. Murad’s Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment levels up with retinal (a.k.a. retinaldehyde), a more potent cousin of retinol that requires one fewer conversion step in the skin, meaning it works faster and more effectively. Here, it’s encapsulated for even deeper penetration and gentler delivery. “This treatment truly delivers next-level efficacy for not just fine lines, but deeper wrinkles, sagging, and loss of firmness,” says Dr. Turner. The formula doesn’t rely only on retinal—kangaroo paw flower plus olive, oat, and alpha-glucan extracts help counter dryness and reinforce resilience.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: encapsulated retinal (percentage undisclosed), kangaroo paw flower extract, olive, oat, and alpha-glucan
- Who it’s for: people with fine lines, deeper wrinkles, sagging, or loss of firmness
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Barrier Support: Philosophy Anti-Wrinkle Miracle Worker
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Philosophy
Anti-Wrinkle Miracle Worker
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: If you're looking for a middle ground between a gentle everyday moisturizer and potent actives like retinoids (which can make skin a little sun-sensitive), Philosophy’s Anti-Wrinkle Miracle Worker is an easy option to slot into any routine. And while we all know no cream can deliver miracles, when it comes to supporting your skin’s structure for real improvement—not just surface smoothing—we like what we see. “This gentle formula contains peptides, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid to improve skin hydration and firmness in just four weeks,” says Dr. Palmer. Plant oils like sunflower and linseed, plus resveratrol and other antioxidant-rich extracts, round things out so your skin feels cushioned, hydrated, and noticeably more supple over time.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: peptides, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, sunflower seed oil, linseed oil
- Who it’s for: people with dry skin who are looking for barrier support
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Body: Shani Darden Body Reform Treatment Serum
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Shani Darden
Body Reform Treatment Serum
Amazon
Revolve
Sephora
Why it's worth it: You might know the esthetician-to-the-stars Shani Darden for her Best of Beauty Award-winning Retinol Reform serum, but this formula tackles the thicker, tougher skin below the neck. Body Reform Treatment Serum uses a potent 2% granactive retinoid (an advanced retinoid that delivers retinoic acid-level results with far less irritation) to smooth rough texture, firm crepey areas, and improve the look of dark spots. It’s paired with proprietary Hydronesis, which helps break down dry keratin buildup while boosting moisture to reduce keratosis pilaris, plus vitamin C to brighten and support collagen and amino acids to plump and strengthen the skin barrier. You’d never know how hardworking the formula is based on its feel—“it’s such a soothing and lightweight serum that moisturizes like a richer cream,” says Angela Lamb, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 2% granactive retinoid, Hydronesis, vitamin C, amino acids
- Who it’s for: people who want to retexturize, brighten, and firm all over
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sun Damage: Medik8 Super C Ferulic Serum
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Medik8
Super C Ferulic Serum
Amazon
Dermstore
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 Drugstore: RoC Retinol Correxion Night Cream for Deep Wrinkles
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RoC
Retinol Correxion Night Cream for Deep Wrinkles
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: RoC was one of the first brands to bring stabilized retinol to the masses. Their Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream proves that effective retinoids don’t have to drain your wallet. Unlike many budget formulas that leave skin parched or flaky, this one “combines pure retinol with a hydrating mineral complex, humectants like glycerin, and emollients like shea butter to minimize irritation while increasing cellular turnover,” says Dr. Turner. And while retinol is the star, the formula also includes small amounts of glycolic acid and ascorbic acid for a gentle brightening boost and smoother-looking texture.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycerin, shea butter, retinol (percentage undisclosed),
- Who it’s for: people who want minimized irritation while using retinol
- Fragrance-free: yes
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. 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
- Jaimie Glick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Salmalita Cosmetics based in Chicago
- Angela Lamb, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Debbie Palmer, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Dermatology Associates of New York based in Harrison, New York
- Heidi Prather, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
- Kellie Reed, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
- Deanne Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut
- Ryan Turner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Turner Dermatology based in New York City
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.
