Looking for a fuller, more defined pout without lip injections? You have options (although it’s worth noting that nothing can give you the same transformative effects that filler can). For example, if you want to change the actual shape and size of your upper or lower lip (or both), you’re better off going the injection route.
But if subtle plumpness and wrinkle filling is what you’re looking for, you should definitely give some needle-free alternatives a go. especially if you want to save money or can’t stand the sight of needles.
Meet the experts: Marisa Garshick, MDis a board-certified dermatologist based in New York and New Jersey. Pooja Rambhia, MDis a board certified cosmetic dermatologist and an ASDC fellow at UnionDerm in New York City.
Which needle-free alternatives are really legal? We asked two board-certified dermatologists to find out. Ahead, find their expert insights on how to achieve fuller, juicier lips at home — no fillers required. (Also, the one option at home you should avoid at all costs.)
1. Topical lip filler treatments
Although the results are temporary, lip products can be a solid short-term solution for anyone looking to avoid needles. Take it from Marisa Garshick, MDboard-certified dermatologist based in New York and New Jersey: “Lip plumping products incorporate ingredients that draw moisture to the lips, such as moisturizers such as hyaluronic acidwhich helps hydrate and firm lips while improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
Fun fact? Hyaluronic acid is actually the same ingredient used in the filler, although it’s important to remember that it won’t give you the same results when applied topically as when injected. “Other ingredients found in lip plumpers include; peptideswhich can be helpful in boosting collagen production while still being mild, as well as vasodilators like capsaicin, ginger and cinnamon which cause blood vessels to dilate and create a slight swelling in the lips that makes them look plumper ,” explains Dr. Garshick. .
If you have particularly sensitive skin, a certified cosmetic dermatologist Pooja Rambhia, MDshe recommends skipping lip plumpers that contain vasodilators and using fragrance-free moisturizing lip balms that contain peptides, which she says can stimulate collagen production over time. “THE Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm by Inkey List is a non-sticky, fragrance-free balm that contains a tripeptide complex that helps stimulate collagen production, as well as hyaluronic acid to hydrate lips, retain moisture and blur the appearance of fine lip lines.
Dr. Garhick also highly recommends PCA Skin’s Hyaluronic Acid Lip Boosterwhich helps boost lip volume and firmness both immediately—and over time. “The formula contains a blend of sodium hyaluronate and konjac root that work together to plump and hydrate lips, combined with collagen-boosting peptides. Production and vitamin Ewhich serves as an antioxidant to help neutralize free radicals.
Other Topical Lip Balms We Love
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Gloss
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Heat Universal Lip Luminizer + Plumper
2. Boost your hydration levels
This filling method may sound basic, but Dr. Rambhia stresses the importance of not only staying hydrated from the inside, but also making sure your lips are adequately hydrated so they look and feel their best.
“Moisturization can significantly improve the appearance of lips, giving them a slightly plumper appearance with less noticeable fine lines and wrinkles,” she says. “This can be achieved by drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and using moisturizing products that include ingredients such as petrolatum and hyaluronic acid.”
She recommends applying a hyaluronic acid-infused serum to the lips first, followed by a thick occlusive balm like Vaseline or Aquaphor. “This can actually help increase moisture levels, thereby reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the lips,” she explains.
3. Exfoliate regularly
Have you ever noticed how the skin on your face looks smoother and firmer after a good exfoliation? Well the same goes for your lips. “Using a gentle lip scrub once or twice a week can help naturally slough off dead skin cells, resulting in smoother, subtly plumper looking lips,” confirms Dr Rambhia. Makeup by Mario’s Perfecting Lip Scrub is a great option that contains micro-fine sugar crystals to gently remove dead skin, along with nutrients such as coconut oil, castor oiland vitamin E rich in antioxidants. Fresh’s Sugar Lip Polish Exfoliator is another fan favorite made with brown sugar crystals, shea butterand jojoba oilas well as meadow foam and grape oils. For optimal results, apply your hyaluronic acid serum and plumping lip balm immediately after exfoliation to lock in moisture and keep your lips looking plump for longer.
The one alternative to lip fillers that should be avoided at all costs
While topical lip fillers are generally considered safe, Dr. Garshick cautions against using any type of at-home injection, such as the Hyaluron Pen, which uses a high-pressure, spring-loaded hyaluronic acid system to push hyaluronic acid into lips. “These can be very harmful,” he says.
Dr. Rabia agrees. “Hyaluron pens are the worst needle-free alternative to lip filler,” she says verbatim. “These pens have been spread on social media and unfortunately they are fraught with all sorts of complications – namely unevenness and asymmetry given the lack of control and precision over product placement, but there is also the risk of infection, nodulation and most importantly, vascular occlusion and subsequent tissue death’.
The bottom line? Stay away.
Kaleigh Fasanella is a beauty and wellness writer with a decade of experience contributing to digital media. Having a rare genetic skin condition, she is extremely passionate about skin care and spreading skin acceptance. When she’s not furiously typing on her laptop, you can find her binge-watching British crime dramas, trying out TikTok recipes, and singing (badly) in the shower. If you want you can follow her @kaleighfaz.
Brian Underwood is the beauty director at Women’s Health. He is an award-winning journalist with more than 15 years of experience covering beauty and lifestyle for several national media outlets and previously served as beauty and wellness director for Oprah Daily. His work has appeared in Woman’s Day, Life & Style Weekly, Good Housekeeping and more. He also serves on the Skin Cancer Foundation’s holiday committee and lives in New York with his daughter.
