‘Anti-ageing’ has long been a buzzword in the beauty industry – contentious, all the same. While you can’t halt your body’s natural ageing process, owing to dwindling collagen reserves, you can certainly stall its telltale signs. No, we’re not getting at fillers and other invasive (read expensive) beauty procedures; we’re talking about ‘Botox-in-a-bottle’ potions that can get the job done without denting your pocket. A term popularised on TikTok, ‘Botox in a bottle’ refers to topical products that offer anti-ageing properties. Boosting vital structures, including collagen and elastin, while strengthening the skin barrier, these elixirs guarantee firming and plumping benefits to reveal taut, smooth skin.
In simpler terms, these concentrated, needle-free formulas deliver active ingredients to your so-called ‘ageing regions’, addressing fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet, among other concerns. Potent serums boasting peptides, retinol, ceramides, and vitamin C can hydrate, soothe, protect, repair, and fortify your epidermal barrier, helping you feel more confident in your skin. Scroll through to meet our edit of the best anti-wrinkle serums in 2024.
Our Top Picks: The Budget-Friendly Edit
A medley of 0.6% retinol, coenzyme Q10, rosehip oil, and squalane work to promote cell turnover, boost collagen synthesis, and ultimately curb signs of photoaging. Ideal for intermediate users across skin types, this concentrated formula decreases enzymes and reduces wrinkle depth – a must-have for those who’ve just begun to notice mature lines.
After six weeks of recommended usage, consumers reported an 87% reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, 88% improved skin elasticity, and 93% firmer, youthful-looking skin. An amalgam of retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, and arginine, trust this potion to lift your skin by lending hydrating and age-reversing properties.
Rejoice, advocates of clean, conscious beauty – OZiva’s cruelty-free, vegan, and clinically tested formulation is a 100% plant-based anti-ageing aid. Suitable for all skin types, apart from stimulating collagen production, this wonder potion leaves you with visibly smoother, tighter skin.
Meet this promising, non-irritating formula from India’s first-ever 100% vegan beauty brand; Plum’s weightless serum erases fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, prompting optimal collagen production for a firmer appearance. Use it once a week at night, following it up with a moisturiser to lock in hydration.
Fight fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, and an uneven tone and texture with Nykaa SKINRX’s Wrinkle Repair Serum, which features a blend of retinol, lactic acid, and caviar lime extract. Ideal for those in their mid-20s, carry out a patch test before applying the product to your face. Use this weightless potion twice weekly and gradually increase the frequency as your skin’s tolerance improves.
Our Top Picks: The Luxe Edit
Hyaluronic acid, vitamin CG, and seven pre and probiotic fractions come together to strengthen your skin microbiome, deliver 72-hour-long hydration, and neutralise free radicals. Invite Lancôme’s Youth Activating Concentrate into your beauty regime to improve the overall appearance of your skin day by day, with every drop.
As the name suggests, this age-defying serum visibly minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin elasticity and firmness, and lightens skin pigmentation. A harmonious blend of liquorice, cow’s ghee, and 24k gold Bhasma, this Ayurvedic elixir improves overall skin tone and texture.
After overnight use of the L'Occitane Immortelle Reset Anti-Ageing Serum, consumers reported 97% refreshed, rejuvenated skin. After a week of use, consumers claimed that their wrinkles appeared less apparent, and after four weeks, they stated their skin looked plump and radiant. Need we say any more? The proof is in the pudding.
Does your skin lack lustre and elasticity? The potent solution in Beauty of Joseon will drive away your ageing woes over time. Imbued with niacinamide, 3% snail secretion filtrate, and 63% ginseng root water, this lightweight serum moisturises your skin while targeting signs of ageing to give you a healthy, nourished glow.
Meet this tri-active technology to fight mature lines and boost skin luminosity. Murad’s concentrated offering turns to hyaluronic acid and Swertia flower extract to maximise radiance, reverse the signs of ageing, and improve your skin’s vitality. Suitable for sensitive skin, too, note a visible improvement within just two weeks of use.