There are plenty of serums and moisturizers on the market that promise to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But if you really want to make them to disappear, injectables such as Botox, Xeomin and Juveau are actually the only things that can take care of that. These neurotoxins work by weakening the muscle movement that causes wrinkles, effectively “freezing” the area into smoothness. But if going under the needle doesn't quite feel right for you, there's a buzzy topical ingredient that dermatologists consider the next best thing.
Enter: argireline. The active ingredient is often referred to as 'Botox in a bottle', thanks to its ability to inhibit muscle movement in much the same way as the real deal: no needles required. Additionally, it increases collagen, making your skin look smoother and firmer overall.
To be clear: this is not Botox, so you'll have to adjust your expectations accordingly. But if you're looking for an accessible alternative that you can get for just $10 and doesn't require needles, then this might be for you.
What is argireline?
“Argireline, which is listed in the ingredient lists as acetylhexapeptide-3 or acetylhexapeptide-8, is a peptide that works by interfering with the release of neurotransmitters to activate muscle movements, causing a Botox-like effect,” says Jodi Logerfo, DNP, a cosmetic nurse. “Argireline has also been shown to help stimulate collagen production, potentially increasing skin tone and firmness. Research shows it can improve the appearance of dynamic lines and wrinkles, especially on the forehead and around the eyes.”
And how does it do that? “Argireline works just like Botox at the neuromuscular junction, but with a different action and a different result,” says Rebecca Marcus, MD, FAADa board-certified dermatologist and founder of a skincare brand Maei MD. According to a 2021 study that called argirelin “a safe, needle-free alternative to Botox,” the ingredient works by “inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters in the neuromuscular junction, creating a Botox-like effect.”
In simpler terms, this means that argireline penetrates the deeper layers of the skin and targets the neurotransmitters (also called brain chemicals) that stimulate muscle movement. This keeps the muscles from contracting, preventing them from causing wrinkles, keeping the skin smooth and firm.
How does argireline compare to Botox?
“The effects of Argirilene are temporary and much less dramatic than those of Botox,” says Dr. Marcus.
Although Botox can completely erase wrinkles and last for months, argireline must be used more regularly to see similar effects. According to Research from 2018A twice-daily application of the ingredient reduced wrinkles by as much as 48 percent for four weeks. “Compared to Botox, argireline's effects are much more subtle,” says Dr. Marcus. “In addition, Argireline provides a very temporary effect, while the effect of Botox is expected to last about three months.”
Divya Shokeen, MDa board-certified medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatologist and founder of Ocean Skin & Vein Instituteadds that argireline is especially useful for those who aren't ready to undergo more invasive treatments like Botox, but still want to see similar – albeit temporary – effects.
“While both argireline and Botox work by targeting the facial muscles responsible for wrinkles, they are not interchangeable,” she says. “Botox is a prescription drug that is injected into the muscles and paralyzes them, while argireline is a topical cosmetic ingredient that relaxes the muscles. Botox is generally more effective than argireline, but has more potential side effects and requires a medical professional to administer serve It.”
If you're looking for a Botox-like effect that doesn't require a trip to the dermatologist's office, argireline is the ingredient to try.
Buy the best skin care products with argireline
Dr. Dennis Gross, DermInfusions Fill + Repair Serum – $75.00
It is clinically proven that this product from Dr. Dennis Gross improves the appearance of fine lines and is a plumping, firming masterpiece. It contains argireline, four weights of hyaluronic acid, four different peptides, niacinamide and ectoine to rejuvenate the skin and act as a filler, in that it visibly fills in lines and gives the skin a plumper, fresher and more bouncy appearance. Were sold.
Estée Lauder, Revitalizing Supreme+ Youth Power Creme Moisturizer – $98.00
Estée Lauder's Revitalizing Supreme+ Youth Power Creme Moisturizer is so beloved that at the time of writing it has just under 3,000 reviews on Sephora, and we can see why. The ingredient list includes cactus stem cell extract and hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin for up to 72 hours, and hibiscus morning bloom extract provides lifting and firming properties. All these powerful active ingredients come together in a soft formula with a luxurious texture that smells wonderful.
Medik8, Liquid Peptides 30% Complex Moisturizing Peptide Serum — $62.00
For the price, this serum really hits the mark in terms of ingredients. It contains a blend of peptides (including argireline) to envelop your skin in plumping and nourishing goodness. It also uses a Matrixyl 3000 complex to further reduce fine lines and wrinkles, plus hyaluronic acid for its moisturizing properties. Bonus? It is also vegan, cruelty-free and alcohol-free.
Paula's Choice, Calm Rescue and Repair Weightless Moisturizer – $33.00
Your new summer moisturizer is here! The feather-light formula keeps skin hydrated and nourished for up to 24 hours, with argireline, mushroom extract and squalane reducing redness and fine lines and keeping your skin barrier healthy. A great option for sensitive, oily and combination skin types. It makes the skin look bouncy without clogging pores or causing irritation.
Peter Thomas Roth, Super Large Eye Concentrate Without Wrinkles – $200.00
This is no ordinary eye cream. It contains no less than six neuropeptides (including argireline), plus matrixyl 3000, a double peptide, to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. and crow's feet. After four weeks of use, 91 percent of testers agreed that their under-eye skin felt soft and smooth, and 86 percent said their skin felt firmer and firmer. It is also suitable for people with sensitive skin around the eyes and for people who wear contact lenses.
La Mer, the Revitalizing Moisturizing Serum – $255.00
Although on the pricey end of the spectrum, the Revitalizing Hydrating Serum is a light-as-air formula infused with microdroplets of green, brown and red algae, which are designed to quickly and efficiently absorb deep into the skin's surface, plus antioxidants to to prevent protect the skin against free radicals and of course argireline to tackle fine lines and wrinkles. Simply apply one to two drops to your face in the morning and evening.
The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10% – $9.00
The Ordinary is known for affordable formulas that actually work, and the argireline-infused solution is no exception — so much so that it often sells out as fans call it “Botox in a bottle.” Apply morning and evening to the forehead and around the eyes to see results like smoother skin, fewer fine lines and a brighter, firmer complexion.
111SKIN, Celestial Black Diamond Eye Cream – $300.00
In addition to argireline, the 111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Eye Cream contains a cocktail of impressive ingredients, including centella asiatica to stimulate collagen production and plump fine lines, arbutin to improve pigmentation and fine diamond powder to ensure the ingredients penetrate thin skin. be included. under the eye. Yes please.
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