The idea that a sub-$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 research did present me with some pretty undeniable testimonials by those who tried the serum.One Sephora reviewer flat-out touted it as “literally Botox in a bottle” while 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.” And today, the already-affordable skin care potion has a very rare 15% off discount for the first time this year.
As convincing as the bold statements are for regular beauty users, I wanted to ask the professional opinion of a board-certified dermatologist.
According to New York-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan 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 by claiming they could finally relax their over-active forehead muscles after using the serum for just a week.
The Ordinary — a brand that I’ve always loved for its longstanding reputation of offering simple and effective skin care at accessible price points — suggests using this serum after cleansing but before heavier solutions and moisturizers.
Camp 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 doubt 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 a $10 bottle on sale for 15% off, you’ve really got nothing to lose.
Take a look at even more promising reviews down below or grab yourself a bottle from any of its official retailers.
Promising Amazon reviews:
“This product lives up to the hype. I have been able to extend out my Botox treatments by a few months . Will be purchasing many more times in the future and have told all my girlfriends to buy this !!” — Rhonda Savas
“I do believe this serum has improved my forehead wrinkles. Will continue to use. Very economical.” — Karen D.
“What I love most is how it helps smooth out areas prone to expression lines. After a few weeks of regular use, I’ve definitely noticed my fine lines look softer, especially around my forehead and between my brows. It’s subtle but real, and that’s exactly what I was looking for.” — C.R.
“Side sleeper wrinkles? I make new wrinkles next to my nose every time I sleep. This serum helps prevent them.. It’s a miracle serum. Some days I wake up looking 80 and by the time I’ve applied this and let it sink in, I’m back to 40 something. It’s good stuff. It’s very thin, use it first in your repertoire.” — Sarita
“Love this product! I’m in my late 50s and my laugh lines are much less pronounced. I will continue to use this in my daily routine. Great price as well.” — A. Savoy
“I love LOVE the Ordinary products! They are the BEST quality for the price. I’ve gone through my share of low priced beauty products and been let down time and time again! Now here is the game changer! I am not paid or have received anything for my review , but I feel people should know about this company!!! Get ya some! Anything by The Ordinary is worth your time!” — Kathleen Cook
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.)