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The idea that a $10 skin care serum could offer the same benefits as an expensive in-office injectable, sounds too good to be true. So you can imagine my skepticism when a video came across my TikTok feed suggesting The Ordinary’s 10% Argireline Solution could do just that. But I also wasn’t about to let my cynicism get in the way of me doing some digging.
While I have yet to try the serum out for myself, my research did present me with some pretty undeniable testimonials by those who had. One Sephora reviewer flat-out touted it as “literally Botox in a bottle” while others went so far as to call it a “miracle product,” “life-changing” and so effective at reducing deep lines that “I don’t even need Botox anymore.”
As convincing as these statements were, I wanted to ask the professional opinion of New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp. He said that to explain how The Ordinary’s formula might work for preventing and softening wrinkles, we must first understand how treatments like Botox work.
According to Camp, neurotoxins, the active ingredient in Botox, “interfere with the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, into nerve synapses.” This temporarily freezes the muscles to reduce the appearance of dynamic lines and prevent new ones from forming.
The Ordinary’s lightweight and water-based solution features a 10% concentration of Argireline, otherwise known as Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, “a skincare ingredient that may reduce the appearance of expression lines by working as a neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptide,” Camp said.
One Sephora reviewer corroborated Argireline’s temporary muscle-freezing potential by claiming they could finally relax their over-active forehead muscles after using the serum for just a week.
The Ordinary — a brand that I’ve always loved for its longstanding reputation of offering simple and effective skin care at accessible price points — suggests using this serum after cleansing but before heavier solutions and moisturizers.
Camp reminds us that, topical serums will not deliver the same type of results as in-office procedures like neurotoxin injections. And, as someone who regularly receives Botox injections, I don’t this serum will be able to achieve that desired lift that can sometimes occur when neurotoxin is placed in areas like the outer corners of the brow or along the forehead.
That being said, I think this is a great supplementary product to possibly extend the life of my Botox and help me go longer in between treatments. And for only $10, you’ve really got nothing to lose.
Take a look at even more promising reviews down below or grab yourself a bottle from any of its official retailers.
Promising Sephora reviews:
“Started to notice results after a few days! I absolutely love this stuff, my fine lines and wrinkles on my forehead and around my eyes are almost nonexistent now.” — Isabellapi
“I used to get Botox for my one deep line in between by brows. Yes, used to. This serum has dramatically improved the appearance of the deep line, so much that I don’t even need Botox anymore. I cannot recommend this product enough for deep lines.” — lxlaine
“MIRACLE product is not an understatement! I cannot believe EVERYONE is not raving about this product. I’ve been on a (seemingly futile) journey trying every serum under the sun in a desperate attempt to delay Botox. After just two weeks of usage, my forehead lines have faded SIGNIFICANTLY. An effective topical product for people with overactive forehead muscles? At this price point?? Life-changing.” — Noctiflorous
“I’ve been using this for a week and am seriously impressed. I am very sensitive to light and often find myself unable to un-furrow my brow because of it. I feel like I can FINALLY relax my forehead after using this – I feel a slight numbness and relaxation where I apply this. I will repurchase!” — KP666
“Love it! Literally Botox in a bottle!! Works great and you can’t beat the price!” — tfoxx17
“I’ve found this product to be very effective for the price. Works well to diminish fine lines on my forehead and around my eyes.” — CrystalOrchid
