The idea that an under-$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. My reporting uncovered exactly why it works so well, per dermatologists. Even better? As part of Amazon’s Early Black Friday sales, the already-affordable serum is a rare 23% off, the lowest price on the internet, the lowest we’ve ever seen it at and only its second time ever being on sale! This is a steal, everyone.
I tell you no lies, The Ordinary — a brand that I’ve always loved for its longstanding reputation of offering simple and effective skin care at accessible price points —hasn’t discounted this beloved wrinkle-fighting serum this low on Amazon until today. And per my reporting, this isn’t just a sweet deal. It’s actually a solid skin care product.
One Sephora reviewer flat-out touted it as “literally Botox in a bottle.” 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.”
Still, as convincing as these statements were, I’m a reporter first, so I also sought out professional opinions.
New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Brendan Camp, explained that to understand 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.
“I’ve been on a (seemingly futile) journey trying every serum under the sun in a desperate attempt to delay botox,” they wrote. “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.”
The Ordinary brand suggests using this serum after cleansing but before heavier solutions and moisturizers.
Camp also 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 think 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 below $10 on a 15% off discount, you’ve really got nothing to lose.
Take a look at even more promising reviews of the serum from Amazon and grab a bottle while it’s on this super sale ahead of the official Black Friday event.
“Noticeable Results Without the Heavy Price Tag. I’ve been using The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10% for a few weeks, and I can already see a difference in the fine lines around my eyes and forehead. The texture is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and layers well under moisturizer or makeup without any pilling. What I love most is how gentle it is on my skin no irritation at all. With consistent use, my skin looks smoother, more relaxed, and refreshed. It really does give a ‘botox-like’ effect without the needles or high cost. If you’re looking for an affordable, effective serum to soften the appearance of fine lines, this is a must-try. A little goes a long way, so the bottle lasts quite a while. Highly recommend!” — Daisy Rodriguez
“As a licensed cosmetologists I am obsessed with my skin. This product delivers. At night, I apply it around my hair line, eyes and mouth and have seen wonderful results. I feel it makes my skin feel firmer and helps my fillers and Botox last longer. The quality is great and the price is even better. What more could a girl want?!! Thanks Ordinary!” — Mary S.
“Don’t doubt this magical little serum so just go ahead and buy it right now. It’s almost like a little baby botox. It feels like when your botox is wearing off but still working. The more you use it the better it works, of course, but I could feel it the first time I used it. I use this with the GF Growth Factors serum and the Matryxl with Hyaluronic Acid ones. I’ve only been using them all together for a few weeks and highly recommend them all. Next time I will buy the one that has this, Matryxl and HA all in one bottle for one less step. I think it’ll also be a little less runny.” — Sunny B
And if you’re on the hunt for Black Friday beauty deals you can snag before the rush later this week, check out this list:
The ever-popular and rapidly selling Crest 3D Whitestrips (34% off list price)
There's a reason these things absolutely fly off the shelves every time they're on sale: they really can work. So well, in fact, they have 4.6 stars from close to 99,000 customers. All you have to do is peel off two strips and apply them for 45 minutes once a day, and Crest says you can see a difference of up to 20 shades whiter in about three weeks. This kit comes with 44 Professional Effects Whitestrips — enough for 22 days of treatments — and two one-hour Express Whitening treatments. Get it for 34% off.
A double repair face moisturizer loved by everyone (25% off list price)
Multiple HuffPosters have sung the praises of this affordable French moisturizer for its non-greasy, lightweight feel and suitability for sensitive skin. It has a creamy texture, is fast-absorbing and can provide up to 48 hours of hydration. Hit the coupon for $5 off.
"I previously bought this on sale at Amazon and my skin — sensitive, acne-prone, combination — has really liked it! It's very no-frills, doesn't have a scent and doesn't feel too heavy on my face, especially in hot weather, which is a plus." — Erica Kam, HuffPost shopping staff writer
A drugstore formula that evens skin tone and corrects dark spots (30% off list price)
In as little as two weeks, the Eucerin Radiant Tone serum claims to visibly fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation and brighten dull-looking skin using an ingredient called Thiamidol. The hydrating formula also promises to prevent new sun damage from forming by using an ingredient called licocalchone, an antioxidant that can neutralize free radical damage responsible for causing premature skin aging. Get it for 30% off.
A multi-styler that, in my opinion, rivals the Dyson (43% off list price)
A lesser-known — but perhaps just as good as — alternative to the uber-expensive Dyson Airwrap is the Shark FlexStyle multi-styler, a tool that utilizes the same reverse directional airflow technology and functionality as the famed predecessor, but with some added ergonomic differences. The FlexStyle features a swivel function, which changes the 90-degree positioning of the arm into more of a traditional-shaped hair dryer to help make it less cumbersome for all-over styling and easier for creating multi-directional curls. It comes with up to five attachments to meet your styling needs, whether you're creating bouncy curls, salon-style blowouts or smoothing frizz. I took a chance on this tool earlier this year, and I can't believe how fast and easily it styles my hair into salon-looking perfection, without wearing out my arm. My hair has never looked bouncy or softer since using it. Get it for 43% off.
Dr. Dennis Gross' exfoliating pads that mimic a gentler chemical peel (20% off list price)
Previously suggested to HuffPost by board-certified dermatologists, the Dr. Dennis Gross daily peel pads can offer the benefit of a chemical peel, but with a gentler approach than what you might find in a dermatologist's office. Each treatment contains two pads: one to exfoliate and smooth your skin, and one that provides anti-aging benefits. The pads are pre-dosed with five acids, including glycolic, salicylic and lactic, that each work to reduce dullness and uneven texture, pores and hyperpigmentation.
One Amazon shopper said the following about this well-loved exfoliating treatment: "I loved this more than going and paying $100 for a chemical peel. It definitely improved the texture, skin tone, and overall quality of my skin. I used it every other day for 10 days and I will definitely be purchasing again. You don’t peel, but your skin looks better. I would highly recommend trying it." Get it for 20% off.
We’ve spent weeks sourcing the best Black Friday deals that are actually worth your time and money.
Want to see more? Some of our favorite stories are below:
All The Black Friday Deals You Need To See Before They Sell Out
Amazon's Black Friday Deals Are Here And The Hype Is Real
I'm A Beauty Reporter And These Are The Black Friday Beauty Deals You Should Actually Shop
Shoppers Have Given These Products Glowing Reviews – And They're Already On Sale For Black Friday
The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)