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Between the expense of frequent injections and the potential for side effects, Botox treatments are not for everyone. Fortunately, there are a wide range of at-home Botox alternatives, including serums, creams, chemical peels, patches, and microcurrent machines, that promise skin plumping and smoothing effects all from the comfort of your own home — no needles or office visits required.
While at-home options can help improve skin texture, they won’t replicate the results or provide the instant gratification of professional Botox treatments. Still, if you’re looking to enhance your skincare routine, these products offer a non-invasive way to soften fine lines and wrinkles over time.
To figure out what at-home Botox alternatives are worth trying, I researched and tried several. I also reached out to Dr. Jean-Francois Tremblay, a dermatologist at Dermapure in Quebec, Canada, and Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist at Kopelman Hair Restoration, which has offices in New York, New Jersey, and Florida.
The Best At-Home Botox Alternatives
- Best Overall Peptide Serum: Medik8 Liquid Peptides
- Best Budget: Asterwood Argireline Peptide with Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Best for Oily or Combination Skin: StriVectin Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Plump Line Filling Bounce Serum
- Best Retinol Cream: Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Retinol 500 Shot Cream
- Best Chemical Peel: The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
What to Consider
It’s important to note that, unlike Botox, the effects of most at-home Botox alternatives are not instantaneous.
“You'll usually start noticing results after about 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use,” says Tremblay. “While your skin renews itself every four weeks, it takes longer for changes, like increased collagen production, to become visible.”
Some beauty treatments that may help improve skin texture can also be drying or cause skin irritation, so you may want to patch-test a small area first or look for a formula that contains added moisturizers if your skin is especially sensitive.
Even if you don’t have any particular skin sensitivities, it’s always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist before changing up your skincare routine so that they can recommend the best and safest option for your needs.
Kopelman advises that people looking for an at-home alternative to Botox consider ingredients like retinol and peptides that offer skin benefits.
What Are Retinol and Peptides?
Retinol is an over-the-counter form of vitamin A that helps speed up your body’s natural process of shedding skin cells and replacing them. It can also assist in unclogging pores, giving your skin a smoother and more even texture in the process.
Meanwhile, peptides are short chains of amino acids. When applied topically, peptides can help stimulate your skin’s natural collagen production, which can result in improved skin texture, firmness, and elasticity.
“I find that peptide serums and creams are a great option for daily use and can be a key part of an effective anti-aging regimen,” says Kopelman.
Adds Tremblay: “The big advantage to using them is that they’re non-invasive and easy to fit into your daily skincare routine. That said, these treatments take time to show results, while neuromodulator treatments such as Botox or Dysport work much faster by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles. Also, keep in mind that at-home products won’t target the deeper, expression-related wrinkles that Botox can address.”
How We Chose
As a freelance beauty writer, I personally tested the majority of the products on this list and considered how the treatments felt on my skin. I also considered what, if any, visible effects resulted, such as if my skin felt smoother, softer, or more hydrated afterward. I paid special attention to the area around my forehead area and eyes where I’m more prone to fine lines and wrinkles.
I also consulted with professionals dermatologists Tremblay and Kopelman, who provided their insights on what kinds of at-home Botox alternatives they recommend and what they’ve seen work well for their patients.
Pros
- Formula contains a combination of at least 10 different peptides
- Fragrance-free
Cons
If you’re looking for an effortless beauty treatment to combat fine lines and wrinkles, this hydrating peptide serum from Medik8 is a perfect addition that can be folded into any skincare routine, both day and night. Clear in color and fragrance-free, it’s composed of a 30% blend of different peptides and moisturizers, including carnosine and hyaluronic acid, expertly mixed together.
I personally liked how this peptide serum gave me an instant glow after applying it, and the thicker consistency of the serum was great for giving my face an all-over softer appearance. The serum was also easy to apply via a dropper. While consistent usage is needed for long-term results, this serum is worth the investment, in my opinion.
Key Specs
Best Ingredient | Carnosine and hyaluronic acid |
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Size | 1 ounce |
Pros
- Affordable
- Free of parabens, oils, and sulfates
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Thin consistency
For less than $20 a bottle, this fragrance-free Asterwood peptide serum is a steal compared to the cost of other peptide serums. It contains a single type of peptide called argireline, plus hyaluronic acid for added hydration.
“Argireline is often called ‘Botox in a bottle,’" said Dr. Kopelman. “It’s a peptide that works by inhibiting muscle contractions, potentially offering a subtle improvement in fine lines and wrinkles.”
For those looking to try peptides for the first time or who don’t want to invest in pricier options, this serum is a great option to add to your skincare routine that won’t break your budget.
Key Specs
Best Ingredient | Argireline peptides, Hyaluronic acid |
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Size | 1 ounce |
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Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Strong fragrance
This lightweight peptide serum from StriVectin contains a proprietary blend of three peptides, dubbed the “Alpha 3,” as well as hylauronic acid, red algae extract, and turmeric root extract. These ingredients all work together to help boost collagen and elastin production and soften the skin.
While it’s similar in price to the Medik8 serum, I found the StriVectin to a bit less hydrating for my drier skin type. However, if you have oily or combination skin, you might just appreciate the more lightweight consistency of this serum.
Key Specs
Best Ingredient | Alpha-3 peptide and hylauronic acid |
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Size | 1 ounce |
Pros
- Compatible with sensitive skin
- Easy to spread, balm-like consistency
Cons
- No English-language ingredient list on packaging
If you don’t already have a retinol cream in your skincare arsenal, you’re missing out on some major skin benefits according to the dermatologists I consulted.
“Retinol is one of my go-to recommendations,” Kopelman said. “It’s a powerhouse for boosting collagen production and increasing cell turnover, which helps to smooth out fine lines over time.”
This retinol cream from the Korean brand Missha is one of the best non-prescription ones I tried. It’s formulated with retinol and probiotics to help brighten and plump skin, and I found it didn’t cause any excessive irritation or dryness. Although my fine lines didn’t disappear, my skin felt smoother in the mornings after using this cream overnight.
Key Specs
Best Ingredient | Retinol |
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Size | 2.02 ounce |
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Pros
- More immediate results
- Excellent option for exfoliation and improve skin tone
Cons
- May cause burning if used improperly
- Contraindicated with the use of peptides, vitamin C, retinoids, or other acids in the same skincare routine
While far less invasive than Botox, this Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is the most aggressive skin treatment I recommend. However, if you want to exfoliate your skin and help improve the texture, soften the appearance of wrinkles, and see results from a 10-minute treatment, an at-home chemical peel is the way to go.
Affordably priced, the peel contains a mix of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, including glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid, as well as hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5. To use the peel, you apply the formula to clean, dry skin, leave it on for no more than 10 minutes, and then wash it off.
However, if you’re brand new to chemical peels, you may want to first patch-test a small area or try a lower-concentration peel before advancing to this one.
“Using such a high concentration at home requires caution, as overuse or improper application can lead to irritation, sensitivity, or even burns,” advises Kopelman. “I generally recommend starting with lower concentrations and being mindful of sun exposure, as chemical peels can make the skin more photosensitive.”
Key Specs
Best Ingredient | Hyaluronic acid |
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Size | 1 ounce |
Pros
- Non-invasive
- Suitable for most skin types
Cons
- Consistency required to achieve results
From Korean brand Medicube, this Age-R Booster Pro microcurrent device promises to deliver “glass skin” by toning and smoothing your skin and the underlying muscles. Basically, using it for 5-10 minutes a few times a week is like doing a mini-workout for your face.
“These devices use low-level electrical currents to stimulate the facial muscles, providing a subtle lifting effect and improving skin tone,” says Kopelman. “While the results aren’t as immediate or dramatic as Botox, with consistent use, my patients often notice a firmer, more toned appearance.”
While many other microcurrent devices require the use of a conductive or priming gel, this one does not. Rather, you can use it on its own after applying any serums and creams.
The device is also simple to use and has six setting modes with different levels to choose from. In my experience, the lowest setting feels like almost nothing at all, while stronger settings have a noticeable zapping sensation.
Make sure to consult with a doctor if you have any health issues before using a microcurrent device. Certain conditions, including pregnancy, heart problems, epilepsy, or the use of a pacemaker may not be compatible with electrotherapy.
Key Specs
Best Ingredient | N/A |
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Size | 9.37 x 5.71 x 2.91 inches |
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Pros
- Unscented
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- May shift or come loose with movement
To minimize fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness around the eyes, try these eye masks from Grace & Stella. While the brand makes eye masks in a variety of colors to target different skin concerns, the sparkly white ones contain a cocktail of peptides, retinol, and hyaluronic acid to help firm the skin around the eyes and reduce the appearance of crepey skin.
“These patches work by keeping the skin taut and hydrated, which can temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles — particularly useful for overnight use,” says Kopelman.
Like other at-home Botox alternatives, these under-eye masks aren’t a solution to erasing fine lines all together, but I noticed wearing them in the morning noticeably helped to de-puff my eyes.
Key Specs
Best Ingredient | Hyaluronic acid and retinol |
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Size | 24 pairs per package |
Pros
- Affordable
- Free of chemicals
Cons
- Strong scent
If Botox is effective at minimizing wrinkles by temporarily freezing them, then Frownies forehead patches might be the next best alternative. They come with the added benefit of being completely chemical and toxin-free.
Made from unbleached Kraft paper and water-activated adhesive, Frownies are designed to stick to your forehead overnight or for a minimum of 3 hours. Once applied, they function like facial splints, helping to support and relax the muscles that contribute to forehead wrinkles.
While there is a learning curve to both applying and removing them, once you master the technique, Frownies can be an affordable and straightforward solution for minimizing shallow forehead wrinkles, at a fraction of the cost of Botox injections. However, like other at-home treatments, consistent and ongoing usage is necessary to maintain the temporary smoothing effects, and results may vary based on how much you engage your forehead muscles throughout the day.
Key Specs
Best Ingredient | N/A |
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Size | 144 patches per package |
Margeaux Baulch Klein
Freelancer
Margeaux Baulch Klein is a freelance writer and SEO strategist based in Los Angeles. She has written for publications like Bustle, Romper, Huffington Post, and HelloGiggles, among others.