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As a beauty writer who consistently goes for in-office treatments like Botox, I’m also constantly testing the best wrinkle fillers to extend the time in between my visits. Through years of experimenting, I’ve figured out which ingredients (think: retinols, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and more) are most effective—both short- and long-term.
“Topical wrinkle fillers are skin care products that temporarily plump up the skin to decrease the appearance of lines,” says Connie Yang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC. They typically come in creams, gels, or serums, and “they work by filling in wrinkles with ingredients like silicones, plumping the skin with hydrators such as hyaluronic acid, and blurring imperfections using light-reflecting particles,” says Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in NYC. “Some also include peptides or retinol to support collagen production over time.”
To narrow down the best options out there, we consulted with several dermatologists and tried the most highly rated products on the market firsthand. Our pick is Dr. Dennis Gross DermInfusions Fill + Repair Serum, thanks to its ability to both instantly fill fine lines and prevent wrinkles in the long run. But if you’re looking for a budget option, or a specialized product for deep wrinkles or undereye crepiness, there are options for you too.
The best wrinkle fillers, at a glance
- Best Overall Wrinkle Filler: Dr. Dennis Gross DermInfusions Fill + Repair Serum, $75
- Best Budget: No7 Instant Illusion Wrinkle Filler, $17
- Best Botox-Alternative Wrinkle Filler: Skinceuticals P-Tiox Serum, $148
- Best for Deep Wrinkles: Strivectin Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Plump Line Filling Bounce Serum, $89
- Best for Eyes: Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Fill + Fix Under Eye Cream, $45
Best Overall Wrinkle Filler: Dr. Dennis Gross DermInfusions Fill + Repair Serum
- Pros: Plumps and hydrates
- Cons: Requires consistent application for full results
Dr. Dennis Gross DermInfusions Fill + Repair Serum is our best overall pick because it covers all the necessary skin care basics: It firms, plumps, and fills, and most importantly, it helps to restore the skin’s moisture barrier, which is crucial to maintaining a youthful look. Not to mention, it contains four weights of hyaluronic acid, which “means that you’re getting different layers of penetration into the epidermis for a plumping effect,” says Daniel Belkin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon based in NYC. Plus, it has ectoin, a powerful skin protectant that not only strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier, but prevents transepidermal water loss, which is key for fighting aging.
“Not only does it soothe my skin after application, but it fills in any fine lines on my forehead and notably plumps the area around my eyes,” says Glamour contributor Taryn Brooke. “Though I’ve only been using the serum for about two weeks, and I usually only use it in the morning as my serum step, it leaves my skin looking radiant and fuller. And I simply follow it with my moisturizer and SPF.” Brooke says the serum has also helped her maintain her “daily no-makeup look.”
Best for Botox-Alternative Wrinkle Filler: Skinceuticals P-Tiox Serum
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- Pros: Lightweight serum; adds shine and bounce to the skin
- Cons: Pricey for the amount of product
“Though I have been getting Botox for years, I’ve found that each time I get it (about four times a year), it wears off a little faster each time,” says Brooke. “To help extend the life of my ’tox and keep my forehead as smooth as possible in between appointments, I started using Skinceuticals P-Tiox Serum after my daily vitamin C serum in the morning and before my retinol products at night.”
This peptide-powered serum made of the Skinceuticals proprietary blend of advanced peptides and synergistic actives, such as PHA, niacinamide, and laminaria extract, is clinically proven to help reduce fine lines, leaving your skin with a glass-like radiance. “I can confidently say that not only have my expression lines been reduced, but I now wait a little longer between my Botox appointments,” says Brooke. “I also love how it’s improved the texture of my skin and added a healthy bounce.”
Best for Deep Wrinkles: Strivectin Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Plump Line Filling Bounce Serum
- Pros: Reduces deep wrinkles
- Cons: Takes time to see full results
This product passes the line-filling test with flying colors. “I used this product for a week, and whether it ironed out my wrinkles or not, my skin feels bouncy and looks bright. I love the way it looks, and yes, the forehead lines, which the brand says the serum specifically helps, appear more faint. I would dab on the product in a targeted way, on the problem areas, let it absorb, then put on a layer of moisturizer,” says Glamour contributor Charlotte Twine. Though she says that the wrinkles around her mouth looked about the same, she’s “pleased with the results overall” and plans to make the serum a part of her regular routine.
Best for Eyes: Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Fill + Fix Under Eye Cream
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- Pros: Smooths out fine lines under the eyes and evens out dark circles almost immediately
- Cons: Temporary effect
“Sometimes there are places that Botox and filler just won’t reach, so to help smooth out my undereyes for the day, I reach for this cream,” says Brooke. “I use it every morning, and it not only refreshes the appearance of my tired eyes (because honestly, who’s able to get a full eight hours these days?), but it also helps to color-correct and brighten my undereye area.” The best part, she adds, is the cooling metal tip that instantly wakes up your eyes and gently spreads the product. “There are times I will use the product alone, without makeup, or I’ll use it prior to applying my foundation. I love it,” she says.
Best Retinol Wrinkle Filler: RoC Retinol Correction Deep Wrinkle Filler
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- Pros: Diminishes the look of fine lines
- Cons: Full results with consistent use over time
Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle swears by this RoC product. “Now that I’m in my 30s, retinol has come into play a lot more in my skin care routine, and this wrinkle filler is one of the best creams I’ve tried,” she says. “I’ve noticed that my skin isn’t as plump and firm as it used to be. Since I’m constantly squinting or looking at my computer, I’ve also noticed I formed eleven lines on my forehead area. I’ve been using this RoC Retinol Correction Deep Wrinkle Filler on that area of my brows, and it significantly reduced the appearance of those lines. I add it to my routine about once or twice a week, and it keeps that area smooth.”
Best Multi-Purpose Wrinkle Filler: Lawless Forget the Filler Skin-Plumping Line-Smoothing Perfecting Cream
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- Pros: Works immediately; great under makeup
- Cons: Takes time and consistency for full results
A moisturizer that plumps and also works perfectly as a makeup primer? Say less. “This ultra-soothing pink cream makes my skin look and feel plumped and refreshed almost instantly after application. It’s packed with peptides that help soften fine lines, and add bounce and resilience to the skin, and I’ve definitely noticed a difference after using it for a few weeks. The fine lines on my forehead are less apparent, and my skin looks tighter and even-toned, not to mention, this cream is perfect for creating a smooth canvas for makeup too,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary.
Best Instant Wrinkle Filler: Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firmx Temporary Face Tightener
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- Pros: Goes on smoothly; instantly tightens
- Cons: Filling is temporary
This cult favorite “has become my go-to makeup primer as of late,” says Brooke. Formulated with silicones and skin-nourishing antioxidants vitamins C and E, the product offers immediate tightening within five minutes of application. The silicone in the formulation “form[s] a thin film over the skin that can fill in the lines and smooth out uneven texture–this is why they’re often found in primers to provide a smooth base for your makeup,” says Dr. Yang.
Though she doesn’t use it every day, Brooke says she reaches for this product when she wants her makeup to look extra smooth on a night out. “I mostly love the tightening effect that it has on my forehead and around my eyes. The only catch is that you have to make sure all your products, such as your moisturizer, are fully absorbed before you even attempt to use this,” she says. “After your face is dry, slowly and smoothly apply the face tightener, keeping your face still, and allow it to dry before you apply your makeup. Et voilà! Any trouble spots on your face are smooth, and your makeup looks flawless,” says Brooke.
Best Budget: No7 Instant Illusion Wrinkle Filler
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- Pros: Works instantly
- Cons: Results are temporary
Thanks to silicone, a noted wrinkle-filling ingredient, this product smooths fine lines and wrinkles instantly, without the hefty price tag. Glamour contributor Twine loved this one but said that it required a little practice with the application to get the best effect. “On my first try, I was astounded—it instantly erased some crinkles and crepiness around my eyes, and the fine lines in my eleven area and on my forehead. Kind of like spackle!” Twine says. “However, there are a couple of caveats. When the product dries, it has kind of a white, chalky effect. So I really had to practice in order to not put too much on. Also, you have to use a pretty deft, light patting motion in order to get the product in the wrinkle itself, then gently smooth away the excess. And I’m not sure how long it lasted throughout the day? My face is expressive (honestly, I like my smile lines! Yay!), so I noticed the crinkles weren’t as covered by the end of the day. But the initial blurring effect is too good to pass up.”
Best Wrinkle Filler for Lip Lines: Alastin Skincare HA Immerse Serum
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- Pros: Instant hydration and plump
- Cons: Pricey for the amount of product
A dermatologist favorite, this product penetrates deep into the skin, increasing the skin’s hyaluronic acid levels, aiding in long-term hydration and plumping. “It gave my skin an instant boost of hydration, smoothing out my fine forehead lines that remind me that it’s time for my next Botox appointment,” says Brooke. “Having just gone for an ablative laser treatment, I love that the serum is suitable for post-procedure skin, especially because I was unable to use any of my other actives, so I’m able to see the plumping effects of the serum even more.” Brooke says the serum felt lightweight, and she saw small improvements in her skin’s clarity and radiance after using it daily for almost a week.
Your wrinkle-filler questions, answered
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 [outermost layer of 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 compliment injectables like Botox and dermal fillers,” 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, “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,” says Dr. Rambhia.
How we tested
We tested different categories of wrinkle fillers, including serums, moisturizers, and makeup primers by evaluating their ease of application, longevity of application, and how our skin 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.
Meet the experts
- Connie Yang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC
- Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in NYC
- Daniel Belkin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon based in NYC
