Let me start by saying that nothing you can DIY at home or do without a needle will give your lips the same volume, plumpness and definition as good old lip injections. Sorry, but that’s just the reality. When hyaluronic acid (the main ingredient used in popular lip fillers like Restylane and Juvéderm) is injected into the lips by a professional, the results can be absolutely *chef’s kiss*.
That said, injectable lip fillers (or any facial fillers for that matter) can have potential downsides, including the risk of bruising or swelling, lumpy or crooked lips, hefty price tag (think $1000+), and pain of pricking by needles in a very the sensitive area of your face. Now I don’t want you to worry if these cons outweigh the pros of getting injectable lip fillers because I have details on all the new needle-free natural lip filler options available. Read on for everything you need to know about the three most popular needle-free lip filler alternatives—plus the one lip filler alternative you should definitely avoid—according to my most trusted dermatologists Heather RogersMD, and Deddy EngelmanMD.
The three needle-free lip filler alternatives worth trying:
1. Topical lip treatments with hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is the main ingredient used in injectable lip fillers, but it can have a plumping effect when applied topically to your lips as well. “Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance in the body that can attract and retain a large amount of water, which helps to hydrate and firm the skin,” explains Dr. Rogers. “When applied topically to the lips, products with hyaluronic acid can help increase the water content in the top layer of the lips, making them appear fuller and plumper. says Dr. Rogers.
Unlike hyaluronic acid lip fillers (which typically last six months to a year), topical hyaluronic acid lip balms and serums are short-term. “The firming and smoothing benefits are the result of temporarily increased hydration of the surface layers of the skin,” says Dr. Rogers, adding that “as the skin cells on your lips are quickly shed, your lips will return to their natural state with as time went by. Dr. Dendy recommends that her patients using topical hyaluronic acid lip shampoos apply and reapply the product three times a day or more for the longest-lasting, most noticeable effect.
Another way to maximize the benefits of topical hyaluronic acid lip treatment is to pat your lips with a little water before applying the product, says Dr. Engelman. “It gives the hyaluronic acid extra moisture to hold onto so the volumizing and smoothing effect is more noticeable.”
Top 4 Topical Hyaluronic Acid Lip Treatments:
2. LED lip lights
You’ve probably used an LED device or mask to treat chapping, but did you know that LED devices, especially those that harness the power of red and infrared light, can also help plump your lips? “The red and infrared light emitted by an LED device signals your cells to produce more collagen and elastin, two products that are responsible for your skin’s softness, firmness, and firmness,” says Dr. Engelman. In addition to plumping and slightly volumizing your lips, regular use of an LED device can help smooth out lip lines and give your lips a rosy color.
For best results, you’ll need to use the LED device for at least 10 minutes each day, says Dr. Rogers. Dr. Rogers prefers to use a full-face LED mask (her favorites are from Celluma and Omnilux) instead of just one for the lips so your whole face gets the benefits, but full-face options can be much more expensive. So, if your lip area is your main concern, try one of my favorite LED lip lights, below.
My favorite LED lip lights:
CurrentBody Skin LED Lip Perfector
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite LipWare Pro LED Device
3. Hydrafacial Perk Treatment
You’ve probably heard of the Hydrafacial, but I bet you didn’t know there’s an additional lip service called Hydrafacial Perk which can temporarily smooth and plump your lips. During a Hydrafacial Perk treatment (see treatment video here and here) your lips are gently exfoliated to get rid of any rough and flaky texture, then infused with a blend of antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients to create fullness and firmness.
Like all lip filler alternatives, the results are both subtle and temporary (in my experience fullness lasts for a day or two and smoothness about a week), but if you’ve already booked a Hydrafacial treatment and want to give your lips a little extra boost, I say go for it. It will cost you about $30 more than the full face Hydrafacial, FYI.
And the one no-needle lip filler alternative you should definitely skip:
1. Hyaluron pen
These are TERRIBLE! Don’t go…go away, says Dr. Rogers.” Hyaluron pens are promoted as painless, non-invasive alternatives to lip fillers such as Restylane, Juvéderm and RHAbut in fact these pens are both unreliable and unsafe.” Unsafe enough that the FDA, which is usually slow to respond to anything, issued a warning for these devices almost two years ago, adds Dr. Rogers.
Dr. Engelman agrees that hyaluronic pens are an absolute no-no. “Essentially, you’re using blunt force to push the hyaluronic acid into your lips. Not only does this cause trauma to the area, but there’s no way to control the placement or amount of product that goes into your lips,” says Dr. Engelmann.
The bottom line:
If you’re not up for injectable lip fillers, topical hyaluronic acid lip products, LED lights specifically designed for the lip area, and a Hydrafacial Perk treatment are all viable (albeit short-term) options worth trying. And while it might be a thing on TikTok, hyaluronic pens are a hard no-no, so skip them altogether. Also! If you I am doing decide to ultimately go the injectable route, just be sure to make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who has plenty of experience with lip fillers to ensure the best possible result.
Meet the experts:
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Lauren Balsamo is the associate beauty director at Cosmopolitan with a decade of experience researching, writing and editing skin care and beauty stories ranging from the best sunscreens for sensitive skin to the best lasers for acne scars. He regularly works with the industry’s leading dermatologists and estheticians to evaluate new skin care treatments, products, ingredients and trends.
Lauren Balsamo is Associate Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all kinds of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for nine years at Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Women’s health and Seventeen magazines too. Follow her Instagram.
