Frequently asked questions
Do topical wrinkle fillers actually work?
Yes and no, says Daniel Belkin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon based in NYC. “With anything in skin care, you have to be so careful of marketing terms. If you hydrate the epidermis [the outermost layer of the skin] really well, you will get a plumping effect. If you moisturize the skin with a really good humectant to prevent transepidermal water loss on top of it, the result is a reduction in the look of wrinkles and plumper-looking skin.” Essentially, this means that you will get a wrinkle-filling effect with any great hydrating product.
Though some topical wrinkle fillers also contain ingredients, such as retinol, that help to stimulate collagen over time, most are effective for surface-level improvement and overall skin quality. “These products complement injectables like Botox and dermal fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane Lyft,” says Dr. Rambhia. “Injectable treatments deliver structural changes and volume that topicals simply cannot achieve.”
What ingredients do dermatologists recommend to fill in wrinkles?
Dermatologists recommend hyaluronic acid for instant plumping and hydration, peptides to stimulate collagen production, silicones for immediate optical blurring effects, niacinamide to improve elasticity, retinoids for long-term structural improvements, vitamin C to boost collagen synthesis, and growth factors to support skin repair. “The most effective products combine multiple ingredients rather than relying on a single component and should always be paired with daily sun protection for best results,” says Dr. Rambhia.
How long do wrinkle fillers last?
Dr. Yang says that though you will see almost immediate improvement within minutes of application, especially with those that are silicone-based, “the results are temporary, lasting anywhere from six to eight hours.” However, if you are applying wrinkle fillers that contain peptides, growth factors, and retinoids, says Dr. Rambhia, “they may deliver cumulative improvements over 10 to 12 weeks with consistent daily use. Results disappear once application stops, and effectiveness varies based on skin type, environmental conditions, and proper application technique. For sustained benefits, these products must become a regular part of your skin care routine.”
How long does it take to see results with a wrinkle filler?
The amount of time to see results depends heavily on the specific ingredients in the product, Dr. Haskin says. “Immediately plumping effects, within a few minutes to hours, could be seen in products that primarily hydrate the superficial layers of the skin with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Silicones can also provide an immediate smoothening effect on the skin’s surface.” However, she says that products with ingredients designed for more long-term antiaging benefits—such as retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants—would take several months of consistent use to see the effects.
Can wrinkle fillers be used with Botox?
“Wrinkle fillers can absolutely be used with Botox and would be highly recommended,” Dr. Haskin says. “Wrinkle filler would help smooth the surface changes in the skin, while Botox works much deeper on the muscles to soften movement and the associated skin folding and wrinkling.”
We tested different categories of wrinkle fillers, including serums, wrinkle creams, and makeup primers by evaluating their ease of application, longevity of application, and how our skin’s texture looked and felt after several weeks of use. The best ones tightened and plumped our skin immediately, had long-term benefits with consistent daily use, and served as a great base for makeup. We selected multitaskers that had ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C, retinol, and silicone to help hydrate, produce collagen, and tighten our skin. The wrinkle fillers that rose to the top of the list were not only loved by dermatologists, but also improved the overall look and quality of our skin.
- Daniel Belkin, MD, board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon based in NYC
- Alexandra Haskin, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Weiser Skin MD in NYC
- Whitney Hovenic, MD, board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon, and cofounder of sunscreen brand Spooge
- Pooja Rambhia, MD, board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in NYC
- Connie Yang, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in NYC
