These Derm-Approved Wrinkle Fillers Help Plump Skin for a Youthful-Looking Complexion

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While it’s impossible to turn back the clock, the best wrinkle fillers can help plump fine lines for a more youthful-looking complexion. These topical products, often marketed as injectable filler alternatives or “Botox in a bottle” skincare products, are simply anti-aging serums or anti-aging creams that are formulated to address concerns like forehead wrinkles, smile lines, crow’s feet (wrinkles around the eyes), and beyond.

Wrinkle fillers “are products designed to minimize the appearance of lines,” explains Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in NYC. “They do this by pulling in hydration to the skin to give a plumping effect.” While these products can do wonders in visibly improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Dr. Zeichner notes that the effects are generally only temporary.

Meet the experts: Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in NYC; and Marisa Garshick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC

Many of these products are formulated with hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and plump the skin, which also happens to be the ingredient found in in-office, injectable dermal fillers, explains Marisa Garshick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC. “Wrinkles may be addressed in different ways, with dermal filler being a good option for deeper folds and wrinkles that often result from volume loss, but not all wrinkles can be treated with in-office filler.” For individuals who want to avoid invasive procedures or in-office injectables, topical wrinkle filler products can be a suitable (albeit more temporary) alternative for smoother, plumper skin.

Our top picks

Ahead, find the best wrinkle fillers recommended by dermatologists for hydrated, plump skin.

Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum

This wrinkle-filling serum from RoC was named a favorite by both Dr. Garhsick and Dr. Zeichner for its advanced formulation. “It combines hyaluronic acid for immediate plumping along with a stabilized form of retinol to stimulate collagen and strengthen the skin with continued use,” Dr. Zeichner explains.

User review: “This is an effective wrinkle-reducing serum,” one Amazon shopper wrote. “I’ve only used it for three to four weeks and my eleven lines between my eyes are less pronounced! My marionette lines look less deep also! I love that there is a refill that can be purchased for cost savings!”

Immersive Hydration Moisture Boost Serum

According to the pros, hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient to look for in wrinkle fillers (there’s a reason it’s the main ingredient in in-office dermal fillers!). “This serum delivers two forms of hyaluronic acid, both low and high molecular weight to hydrate, smooth, and fill the skin both deep in the skin and at the surface,” Dr. Zeichner explains.

User review: “The hyaluronic acid works wonders in smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. After just a few weeks of use, my skin looks plumper and more radiant. This serum has become a staple in my skincare routine,” wrote one Amazon reviewer.

Needle-less Serum

“This twice-daily serum contains a blend of peptides (including copper peptides), ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to improve the overall appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier,” explains Dr. Garshick. Plus, some reviewers even report that using this serum negates their desire for Botox and filler.

User review: “I’ve tried all types of anti-aging serums with varying degrees of success. Some worked okay but nothing has shown results quite like the Needle-less Serum. I initially bought it to reduce the fine lines around my forehead, but after daily use, I noticed my dark spots/hyperpigmentation started fading too!” wrote one Amazon shopper. “I am so shocked by how well this serum has worked for me. I was thinking about getting Botox, but after trying this, I honestly think I can wait a few more years.”

Youthbomb 360° Radiance Concentrate Serum

This serum delivers heaps of skin-loving ingredients to your skin, including hyaluronic acid—which Dr. Zeichner says “fills and plumps” as well as peptides to help “strengthen the skin.” It also contains other powerful humectants, like glycerin and polyglutamic acid, for hydrating and plumping the skin.

User review: “This is an amazing product! My skin felt so smooth and lifted as soon as I started to use it,” wrote one Beautypie reviewer. “I’ll definitely reorder in the future.”

Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum

This serum, which harnesses the power of retinol to boost collagen production and promote skin cell turnover, was previously recommended by Dendy Engelman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologic surgeon. The formula also contains peptides, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides which help with providing “smooth, glowing skin without irritation,” explained Dr. Engleman.

User review: “I started using this product about three months ago. Since I’ve started using it I get so many compliments on how great my skin looks. My skin has a nice even, glowy look and it visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines. So glad I introduced this into my skincare routine,” wrote one Ulta shopper.

Instant Illusion Wrinkle Filler

If you’re looking for instant results or a “quick fix,” Dr. Garshick recommends this serum from No 7. “This at-home treatment uses glycerin and light-diffusing particles, which blurs the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without irritating the skin,” she explains.

User review: “I love this filler and have recommended it to many of my friends. The price is certainly right and the product glides on and disappears into the crevices. They become less noticeable and smoother and plumper in effect,” one Amazon reviewer wrote.

Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

This cream, as opposed to a serum, helps fill in wrinkles by plumping and hydrating the skin and was previously named one of the best anti-aging creams by Debra Jaliman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist. The cream contains hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate, amino peptides to firm the skin, as well as niacinamide to brighten the complexion.

User review: “I’ve been using this face cream for about four years and I love it! It keeps my skin hydrated, it doesn’t seem to clog my pores, and I swear it has kept the wrinkles at bay,” wrote one Amazon shopper. “I’m in my mid-40s and people always tell me I look younger. In fact, I really don’t have any wrinkles at all and I think this cream has helped with that!”

DermInfusions Fill + Repair Serum

Formulated with peptides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ectoin, this serum helps to “fill lines” and “boost moisture and volume” says Dr. Garshick. The serum is formulated to provide immediate and long-term results with a variety of ingredients designed to deeply hydrate the skin while boosting collagen production with continued use.

User review: “I’m impressed with how lightweight this moisturizing lotion is. It goes on smoothly and gets absorbed by the skin in no time. It’s great for sensitive skin and a great choice for moisturizing my face. Since I’ve been using it regularly for a few weeks now, I’ve noticed a remarkable difference in how smooth and healthy my skin looks and feels. I couldn’t be happier with the results,” wrote one Amazon shopper.

Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50

Dr. Zeichner recommends this “multitasking” not only for its ability to “hydrate, plump, and minimize the appearance of lines” with hyaluronic acid but also for its ability to protect the skin from UV rays and environmental aggressors. “Plus it forms a smooth canvas for makeup,” he adds.

User review: ”Wow this is amazing. It blurs the skin and made my pores disappear. I love that it has hyaluronic acid to plump the skin and diminish fine lines,” wrote one Sephora shopper. “It stayed [on] great under makeup. I completely forget I’m wearing it.”

Deep Wrinkle Dermal Filler

“This serum combines heirloom apple and grape stem cells which are rich in antioxidants, coenzyme Q10 which also helps to smooth the skin, and goji glycopeptides which help to firm and lift the skin,” explains Dr. Garhsick. “It helps hydrate and smooth the skin, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”

User review: “I am VERY pleased with how well it works. I used it on my ‘kissy wrinkles’ around my lips and I could hardly believe the results!” one Amazon shopper wrote. “I like the way it seems to hydrate my skin, as well as filling in the lines around my mouth.

Pomegranate Peptide Firming Serum

“Combining peptides, pomegranate seed oil, and hyaluronic acid, this serum works to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also helping to firm, lift, and tighten the skin,” says Dr. Garhsick, who adds that it is “especially good for those with mature skin” due to it’s gentle, hydrating formula.

User review: “This serum is outrageously good! I saw my fine lines substantially diminished after just a few days of use, and my entire face feels soft, dewy, and super firm,” one Sephora shopper wrote. “Highly recommend!”

Revox Line Relaxer

Dr. Garshick recommends this formula from Revision Skincare for its ability to “reduce the appearance of expression lines” with a patent-pending blend of peptides as well as “plump the skin” and reduce dryness with hyaluronic acid. “It can be used twice daily and should be massaged into any area of fine lines and wrinkles,” Dr. Garshick adds.

User review: “I am 58 years old and stopped using Botox five years ago. Since stopping, I have had a lot of deep wrinkles around my eyes and forehead. I was reluctant to invest a lot of money on a product like this, but I am seeing some dramatic results. Yes, the wrinkles are still there, but the creases are much smaller, finer, and I think are suitable for a woman my age,” wrote one Amazon shopper.

Can you really fill in wrinkles at home?

While at-home (topical) products can certainly do wonders in improving the appearance of wrinkles, “the effect is generally considered temporary,” Dr. Garshick explains. However, certain ingredients that have been shown to boost collagen production (like retinol and peptides) may be beneficial in improving the appearance of wrinkles long-term, she adds.

How to choose and use the best wrinkle fillers

Dr. Garshick suggests looking for the following ingredients in at-home wrinkle fillers:

✔️ Hyaluronic acid. Products containing hyaluronic acid help “to draw moisture in and works to plump the skin,” Dr. Garshick says.

✔️ Retinol. Retinol has been proven to prevent and address visible signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles, for its ability to regulate skin cell turnover and boost collagen production.

✔️ Peptides. Like retinol, peptides help boost collagen, per Dr. Garshick. In doing so, peptide serums and creams can help plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

When it comes to using wrinkle fillers, it’s always best to follow the directions on the packaging and consult your dermatologist if you have any questions or concerns.

How we chose the best wrinkle fillers

We spoke with Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in NYC; and Marisa Garshick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC. We also sifted through countless product reviews to select the best wrinkle fillers available.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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