This €28 The Ordinary serum plumps your face without botox

Over time, the face naturally loses its bounce and volume. Yet the world of skincare is full of ingredients capable of giving skin a new lease of life. In 2026, the The Ordinary serum featuring Volufiline is making waves as a botox alternative, no needles, no clinic visits required.

Volufiline, a star ingredient for restoring lost volume to hollow areas

Volufiline is often presented as a botox alternative for restoring volume to hollow areas. This active ingredient works precisely where skin has begun to sag, giving it back density and bounce. It addresses a very real concern that many people notice as their face changes over time.

The Ordinary chose to incorporate this ingredient into a targeted plumping treatment. The formula also pairs two complementary actives for a more complete effect. The goal is a reshaped face with restored volume.

This type of skincare wins people over with its straightforward promise: restore facial volume, smooth fine lines, and bring back a plump, bouncy complexion. As a result, it appeals to both mature skin types and those looking to get ahead of sagging before it sets in.

A targeted plumping serum, not an all-over treatment

The Targeted Plumping Serum Volufiline™ 92% + Pal-Isoleucine 1% by The Ordinary is not designed to be applied all over the face. It targets precisely the areas that lack density, keeping its action concentrated where it is genuinely needed.

This treatment works specifically on the cheekbones, the eye contour, and smile lines. It also acts on nasolabial folds and the temples, areas that are often the first to lose volume with age.

“Its goal? To restore facial volume, smooth fine lines, and bring back a plump complexion, all guaranteed without a needle or a clinic visit.”

A high-precision formula combining two complementary actives

The The Ordinary serum concentrates 92% Volufiline™ to visibly increase skin firmness and density. This active ingredient works specifically where skin has begun to sag over time, delivering a visible plumping effect on targeted areas.

The formula also relies on 1% palmitoyl isoleucine, a lipo-amino acid. This active supports the skin’s deeper structures. By maintaining the pillars responsible for a youthful-looking face, it helps smooth wrinkles while improving elasticity.

• 92% Volufiline™ to increase skin firmness and density
• 1% palmitoyl isoleucine to support deeper skin structures
• Targeted action on cheekbones, eye contour, and smile lines
• Visible plumping effect and reshaped volumes
• No needles, no clinic visits

By maintaining these pillars, the formula aims for reshaped volumes and a lifted effect. This plumping serum therefore positions itself as a serious option for anyone seeking visible results, without resorting to invasive procedures.

Palmitoyl isoleucine, the active that supports skin from within

Palmitoyl isoleucine is a lipo-amino acid that acts on the skin’s deeper structures. It maintains the pillars responsible for a youthful-looking face, complementing the action of Volufiline for a more comprehensive result.

This active also helps smooth wrinkles while improving elasticity. Its combination with Volufiline further enhances the plumping effect of the The Ordinary serum. The two ingredients work together to restore the face’s bouncy, full appearance.

What you need to know before using this The Ordinary plumping serum

This ultra-concentrated treatment retails at €28.00 at Sephora. For best results, apply it only to the areas that lack density, it is not meant to be used all over the face.

Application is simple: shake the bottle well before use, then apply the product immediately after your moisturiser. This step ensures the actives are properly absorbed by the skin.

Since the The Ordinary serum may cause a mild tingling sensation, a patch test is recommended beforehand. If irritation occurs, rinse immediately and discontinue use. If symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

This The Ordinary plumping serum is aimed at anyone who wants to address facial volume in a targeted, accessible way. With its dual-active formula and affordable price point, it represents a concrete option in an anti-ageing routine, one that meets a genuine need without overpromising.