Frequently Asked Questions
Do wrinkle filler creams really work?
Yes, but with some important distinctions compared to their injectable counterparts. “There are many amazing topical wrinkle ‘fillers’ that can really plump your skin. But, these are not as effective as injectable dermal fillers,” says Dr. Viera. The main difference between wrinkle fillers that anyone can buy at a store and injectables lies in the depth of penetration, with “over-the-counter creams working at the surface level and injectables affecting the deeper layers of the skin,” she adds.
How long do wrinkle fillers last?
The effects of wrinkle fillers are temporary: “Usually anywhere from a few hours to a day,” says Dr. Lolis. While they don’t last long, “the benefits over over-the-counter wrinkle fillers are primarily that users see immediate effects. They are needle-free options, and more affordable over injectable fillers,” she adds.
What ingredients can help “fill” wrinkles in a topical product?
When it comes to wrinkle-filling topical products, the key ingredients to look for are all about giving your skin a plumper, smoother appearance. Dr. Viera highlights hyaluronic acid’s “ability to retain and attract moisture—making skin look fuller and reducing fine lines.” Antioxidants like “niacinamide, peptides, and vitamin C help improve skin texture, pigmentation, and fight free radicals while boosting collagen production,” she says. A newer ingredient popping up on ingredient lists is argireline, “sometimes referred to as ‘topical Botox’ for its ability to partially relax muscles and stimulate collagen and elastin production,” she says. Lastly, over-the-counter retinoids “have many important functions in slowing collagen breakdown, increasing cell turnover, and improving skin texture,” she adds.
Meet the experts
- Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Hamden, Connecticut
- Cheryl Karcher, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Center Aesthetic & Dermatology based in New York City
- Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hackensack, New Jersey
- Martha Viera, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in private practice in Coral Gables, Florida
- Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon 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 the best wrinkle fillers, 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 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.
Now, watch our favorite celebs nail their 10-minute beauty routines—and steal a little beauty inspiration while you’re at it:
