If you wince at the thought of needles prodding your face card and don’t have a trust fund or the luxury of shelling out thousands of dollars to look like your 16-year-old self, TikTok might have just come up with the next best thing.
We’re talking about ‘Botox in a bottle,’ or what many #BeautyTok girlies call the Argireline serum.
@fierceclarity Replying to @Charlene✨????☀️???? botox in a bottle baby for $20 — Argireline is $9.40 and Matrixyl is $10.50 (or can use another Hyaluronic Acid)! The key is to be consistent whether you’ve gotten botox or not ????#botoxnatural #botoxinjection #botoxinabottle ♬ original sound – Dr D | wellness + glow up tips
The synthetic peptide has been making several rounds on almost every skincare enthusiast’s page and has been said to be so effective at wrinkle-fighting and offering anti-aging effects that it’s the closest thing to Botox that the frugal girls can ever get.
Want to learn more about the magical elixir? Keep scrolling to discover what it is, how it works, and how you can snag it for just $10.
What Is Argireline?
Contrary to TikTok, Argireline is the brand name for the peptide acetyl hexapeptide-3 or acetyl hexapeptide-8. Peptides are basically your skin’s protein-producing sidekicks, crafting the likes of collagen and elastin, which makes them essential for healthy, youthful skin.
But unlike other peptides, Argireline works by telling your nerves to zip it, putting a cap on those muscle signals, and preventing the notorious wrinkle dance.
Everyone’s trying to mimic Botox’s contenders; so far, Argireline is a dermatologist’s favorite contender. The peptide affects nerve-to-muscle communication, so your muscles can’t effectively contract, thus the Botox-like effects. But apart from the muscle-paralyzing effects, the peptide also stimulates collagen production, helping keep your skin smooth, supple, and wrinkle-free.
What Does Argireline Do For Your Skin?
Here are a few benefits of using Argireline in your daily skincare routine.
Prevents Wrinkles From Forming: The superpotent element interferes with the protein receptor complex that curbs muscle movement. Translation – it keeps your nerves from chatting with the muscles to prevent them from contracting, and fewer muscle contractions equals fewer wrinkles.
Stimulates Collagen Production: The superpower peptide boosts collagen production, the power protein responsible for firm, healthy skin. It also helps keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay.
Improves Moisture Levels In The Skin: Argireline supports collagen production, which, alongside its skin-smoothing and wrinkle-fighting benefits, also helps retain skin moisture. And gurl, you know hydrated skin is the only way to go if you want to look like Halle Berry and Angela Basset in your sunset years.
PSA: While this ingredient might have been proven to possess Botox-like effects, it’s crucial to recognize that creams or serums containing Argireline don’t come close to the results you’d get from neurotoxins such as Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin.
Instead of thinking of it as a quick Botox swap, consider this Botox-like ingredient the perfect option if you’re not quite ready to go under the needle yet. Also, if you decide to get your face done, using this peptide can potentially prolong Botox’s effects.
Did we mention that, unlike Botox, it’s safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding? Now you know!
How To Use It
Argireline is formulated for spots with folds or creases, i.e., areas around your eyes, the ‘11’ between your brows, and the forehead.
And since the final formulation of every product is different, make sure to read and follow the instructions provided to the letter.
The Best Argireline Products For Dark-Skinned Babes
Convinced you need this serum in your skincare routine? Below are 4 TikTok-approved Argireline serums:
The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%, $9.70 – Ulta
Scoring a Botox-effects-giving serum for less than $10? Yes, please! Unlike other Argireline serums, The Ordinary 10% Solution packs a potent concentration, so you can feel confident you’re getting your money’s worth.
No wonder TikTokers can’t get enough of it and keep referring to it as the ‘It Serum’ or the ‘Botox in a bottle’ for frugal babes.
Asterwood Triple Repair Serum, $18 – Amazon
The top-rated serum features Argireline along with Vitamin C and Matrixyl 3000 to stimulate collagen production and help reduce the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Several reviewers refer to it as the ‘Fountain of Youth.
The Ordinary ‘Buffet‘ Multi-Peptide Serum, $19.90 – Ulta
The multi-peptide serum uses a veritable smorgasbord of peptides to boost collagen production, improve moisture retention, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, sunspots, and wrinkles.
Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum, $12 – Ulta
Formulated with a blend of peptides that include copper tripeptides and hexapeptide-8, this anti-aging serum is said to smooth, plump, and firm the appearance of the skin, allowing for a healthy, youthful-looking glow.
According to the brand, you can use it in the morning or night to enhance your anti-aging routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Argireline Better Than Retinol?
It’s not so much that Argireline is better than retinol. They work differently and have slightly distinctive effects.
Retinol is perfect for minimizing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration from acne scars and sun damage. Conversely, Argireline is more suitable for targeted treatments in areas such as around the eyes, the ‘11s’ between the brows, and the forehead.
What Cannot Be Used With Argireline?
Avoid using the superpotent serum with AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid, plus BHAs such as salicylic acid, as that can result in inflammation or irritation.
Can I Use Argireline Every Day?
Experts recommend using it twice daily, once in the morning and once at night.
How Long Does It Take Argireline To Work?
A 2002 study found Argireline can reduce wrinkles by up to 30% if used once a day for 30 days.
