Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the web’s best products. If you purchase through our links, we may receive a commission. Our editorial team is independent and only endorses products we believe in.
Full disclosure: I’ve gotten “baby Botox” on and off throughout my 20s. Most recently, before my wedding last year when my dermatologist suggested it to treat my so-called “gummy smile” and the fine lines between my brows. And while a couple rounds of injectables (and a few hundred dollars) did leave me with Gen Z pout-approved lips and a forehead so firm and glowy it could practically reflect light, it didn’t last.
Unfortunately, I chalk it up to poor genetics—or maybe all the pre-wedding hot yoga I was doing—but either way, I haven’t injected neurotoxins into my face since. The results never seemed to last long enough to justify the cost or upkeep, especially at roughly $280 per area in Boston. Now, at 30, there’s something slightly ironic about quitting Botox.
Admittedly, I was swept up in the unrealistic beauty standards my algorithm fed me (I’m just a girl, after all). Influencers and medical professionals have helped normalize Botox and fillers, often positioning them as “preventative” and something to start as early as your mid-20s, before you even have deep lines to treat. At a certain point, I realized I didn’t actually dislike my fine lines or smile—I had just been trained to notice them.
Ahead, I’m sharing 10 products that have earned a permanent spot in my anti-aging routine, from serums and wrinkle patches to eye creams and LED masks.
Can Skincare Products Really Replace Botox?
“Realistically and scientifically speaking, no,” explains Kayleigh Christina, CLEARSTEM co-founder and CMO. “Botox paralyzes muscle movement, and no topical can replicate that exact mechanism.” However, Christina shares, “the question shouldn’t be ‘Can skincare replace Botox?’” It should be “‘What is your skin actually missing?’”
“A lot of people turn to Botox prematurely because their skin is dehydrated, inflamed, or collagen-depleted,” she continues. In many cases, often without realizing those are the underlying issues. But luckily, “those are all concerns that topical products can address.”
What Ingredients Can Mimic the Effects of Botox?
According to Christina, “The science has come a long way, and peptides are the most clinically compelling topical alternative to injectables.” Certain formulas, she explains, “work by signaling the skin to rebuild its own collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid—the structural proteins that deplete as we age, causing skin to crease and sag.” Christina recommends pairing peptides with plant stem cells for firming, so “you have a formula that’s actually working with your skin’s biology, rather than temporarily overriding it.”
With that in mind, these are the products I’ve tried—and loved post breakup:
We like
We don't like
Christina says that BOUNCEBACK, aka the brand’s “no-tox” serum, is a Tri-Peptide and Plant Stem Cell serum that regenerates skin and boosts natural collagen production.” A tried-and-true of mine since it first launched, it’s for anyone who wants to go longer between injections, take a break entirely, or navigate pregnancy without sacrificing their anti-aging routine, all without ever worrying about breakouts-causing ingredients.
We like
We don't like
This non-pore-clogging, Mandelic-acid-based serum was my savior during a bout with cystic acne, since it helps clear congestion, smooth texture, refine pores, and brighten tone. Its lightweight and gentle formula doesn't irritate my sensitive barrier and leaves me with glowy, glassy skin (the closest I get to Botox without actually getting it).
We like
We don't like
What makes HYDRAGLOW a great, natural Botox swap is its key ingredient: Bakuchiol. It's a plant-based retinol alternative that boosts collagen production without causing skin sensitivity. Plus, it's formulated with Plant Stem Cells and Squalene that work together to hydrate and diminish fine lines. This is one product I'm always stocked up on!
We like
We don't like
As a 30-year-old, crow's feet are something I'm trying to get ahead of. Enter: these True Botanicals eye patches made with Chebula, a key antioxidant that boosts skin's natural collagen levels and targets five signs of aging. They're 100% biodegradable, easy-to-use hydrogel patches that firm, brighten, de-puff, hydrate, and plump altogether.
We like
We don't like
This worth-the-TikTok-hype LED light therapy mask offers red, blue, and purple light that work to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, bring down inflammation, and clear acne. If you can get past the price tag, it really does work with consistent, everyday use.
We like
We don't like
These 100 percent medical-grade silicone patches target the "11" forehead lines—something I used to target with pricey neurotoxin injections, but now for a fraction of the cost. They can be used up to 20 times, and I typically wear them for one to two hours for a quick boost before a big event or while I sleep for even better results.
We like
We don't like
This small-but-mighty, multi-purpose tool can be used to release tension and balance energy flow, but I mostly use it to firm loose skin between my brows. All you need to do is scoop your favorite skincare product (I like a serum!) with the spoon end and activate points with the reflexology tip. Not only is it relaxing, but I see major benefits afterward.
We like
We don't like
Sunscreen is arguably the most important step in any anti-aging routine, and this mineral SPF from Iris&Romeo is my go-to. Unlike most, my pick is infused with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps support collagen and visibly brighten dark spots. Yes, it prevents wrinkles, but it leaves behind a luminous, dewy glow, too.
We like
We don't like
If you can't already tell, I'm a sucker for a good skincare gadget. As I'm getting older, I've noticed that my jaw and neck have slowly but surely started to sag, which is where the NuFace Trinity+ comes in. The TikTok-viral device uses microcurrent to sculpt and contour the face and neck by toning facial muscles, delivering an instant, lifted effect.
We like
We don't like
It can be easy to focus just on the face, but incorporating a body balm into your anti-aging routine is just as important! This whipped balm melts into the skin to deeply hydrate while helping improve the look of firmness over time. As a bonus, it's packed with seaweed and antioxidant-rich ingredients that leave me feeling like I just left the spa.
We like
We don't like
Breaking up with Botox wasn’t about rejecting it entirely—it was about rethinking why I felt like I needed it in the first place. While no cream or device can fully replicate the effects of injectables, I’ve found that the right combination of ingredients and tools can make a visible difference in how my skin looks and feels.
More importantly, this shift has helped me embrace a lower-maintenance, more skin-first approach to aging. One that prioritizes hydration, barrier health, and long-term results over quick fixes—fine lines and expressions all included.
