No Filler Required—These 12 Products Bottled Up the Ingredients for Plump, Smooth Skin (2024)

Psst, want to know the secret to a youthful-looking complexion? It’s shockingly straightforward —plump skin. “Skin naturally loses elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid as we age,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman, noting that these three substances are essential to plump skin. Collagen is considered a building block as it strengthens and firms, helping to “keep the skin from sagging,” says Dr. Hartman, while elastin is a protein in the skin that provides elasticity. Hyaluronic acid is important because it’s a humectant, which works by attracting water, explains Dr. Hartman, pulling it “deeper into the skin to add moisture to the skin barrier.” Without these three players, skin can lack volume, plumpness, and hydration.

He also recommends drinking water, wearing sunscreen, and getting your beauty sleep as key factors for bouncy, youthful skin. We conducted hours of research on the best skin plumping products, evaluating formulas based on active ingredients, concerns targeted, and results. After considering dozens of brands and consulting with two board-certified dermatologists, we landed on the following best in show.

What We Like: Fast-acting, lightweight, and doesn't leave a residue.
What We Don't Like: Smell might not be for some.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vegan collagen peptides, thyme extract | Skin Type: Normal, dry, mature | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We were instantly impressed by this fast-acting formula. It went on with a milky texture that our skin drank up rapidly, instantly plumping the look of fine lines. It does so using a blend of different hyaluronic acid molecules, thyme extract, and honey extracts (honey’s a known humectant, which draws in moisture). The only potential downside of this serum is its scent —while we love the honey aroma, we can see how others might not.

What We Like: Provides long-lasting hydration, lightweight feel, and non-comedogenic.
What We Don't Like: Unhygienic pot container.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Normal, combination, oily, sensitive, dry, mature | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Not all skin plumpers are comfortable on oily and acne-prone complexions —but this one from Neutrogena is designed to deliver intensive moisture while letting skin breathe, making it a favorite formula of Dr. Hartman’s. “The hyaluronic acid provides a protective barrier on the skin and helps build collagen, which is essential for plump skin,” he notes. Despite its lightweight texture, it’s nourishing enough even for dry skin types.

What We Like: Velvety texture, a little goes a long way, and softens the skin.
What We Don't Like: Doesn’t layer well with other formulas.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, DMAE | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, mature, sensitive | Size: 2 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Four types of hyaluronic acid make this silky serum a real skin plumper. One of PerriconeMD’s signature ingredients, DMAE, also helps rejuvenate the look of skin by firming, lifting, and hydrating. The cherry on top? Niacinamide, also known as essential vitamin B3, fights dullness and shrinks pores for skin that looks healthy and smooth.

What We Like: Easy to use throughout the day, refreshing and lightweight formula, and hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin.
What We Don't Like: Strong natural fragrance.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides | Skin Type: Sensitive, normal, oily, dry, combination, mature | Size: 3.38 fl. Oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Using plant-based probiotics, this unique mist-on formula helps support the skin's microbiome, which is critical to locking in skin-plumping moisture. It boasts a bevy of hydrating and firming ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, vegan collagen, and peptides. Though it’s best used on bare skin, we also enjoy spritzing it on over makeup midday when we’re feeling especially dehydrated.

What We Like: Sustainable and refillable packaging, organic ingredients, and rich texture.
What We Don't Like: Small amount of product.

Key Ingredients: Pro-Vitamin B5, omega-rich plant oils | Skin Type: Sensitive, normal, oily, dry, combination, mature | Size: 1.69 fl. Oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

For such a creamy, indulgent texture, this face mask from plant-based brand Irene Forte is surprisingly non-greasy. The mask sinks into skin to leave it looking plump, dewy and nourished in just 10 minutes, though it also can be used as an intensive treatment to protect against dehydration on long-haul flights. Bonus: Its subtle and allergen-free fragrance evokes “luxury spa” vibes.

What We Like: Rich texture, a little goes a long way, and excellent night cream.
What We Don't Like: May irritate acne-prone skin types.

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, vitamin F, squalane | Skin Type: Sensitive, normal, dry, mature | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This thick cream is a savior for parched and dehydrated skin thanks to its blend of humectants and emollients. Beetroot and coconut extracts draw water in to quench thirsty skin, while a long list of ceramides prevent water from escaping and seal in lasting nourishment. (If your skin is currently irritated by use of a retinoid, it’ll love this.) Fans of this formula say its texture and results are comparable to those of Creme de La Mer without the hefty price tag.

What We Like: Calms red and irritated skin, hypoallergenic and won’t congest skin, and fragrance free.
What We Don't Like: Could be more hydrating.

Key Ingredients: Cica, squalane | Skin Type: Normal, dry, oily, sensitive, combination, mature | Size: 2 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

While the brand’s Water Sleeping Mask may get all the hype, we prefer this iteration because of its inclusion of cica, a potent hydrator recognized for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. The cica in this mask is derived from Laneige's proprietary fermented yeast extract—one the brand claims is more effective than other forms of the ingredient. After slicking this on as the last step of your evening routine, you’ll wake up with smooth and bouncy skin.

What We Like: Absorbs quickly, lightweight, and leaves skin instantly radiant without shimmer.
What We Don't Like: Dropper packaging can malfunction.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Size: 1.01 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Don’t sleep on this serum from beauty guru Huda Kattan. The syrupy formula is loaded with three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to pull water deeply into the skin, plumping it up from within. Peptides promote collagen production while niacinamide boosts hydration levels and promotes a more even skin tone. It also makes for a great pre-makeup step — it absorbs quickly without leaving any residue behind.

What We Like: Made with advanced skincare technology, recommended by dermatologists, and softens skin texture.
What We Don't Like: Pump can get stuck easily.

Key Ingredients: Growth factors, peptides, marine extracts | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, mature, oily, sensitive | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

According to Dr. Hartman, this one’s worth the investment. “It has an update on the original, groundbreaking TNS technology of patented growth factors that will improve fine lines and wrinkles and overall appearance of healthy, youthful skin,” he says. Growth factors trigger cellular repair as well as the formation of new collagen and elastin. More of those proteins build up and firm the skin, which translates into a smoother, plumper, and more lifted look.

What We Like: Absorbs easily, non-greasy finish, and comes recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
What We Don't Like: May leave a white cast on deeper complexions.

Key Ingredients: Sunscreen, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide | Skin Type: Normal, combination, oily, sensitive, dry, mature | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Dehydration is a major cause of deflated-looking skin, but the number one contributor is sun damage. UV exposure leads to accelerated skin aging, which includes fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity. Dr. Hartman likes this formula not only because of the SPF, but its moisture-retaining ceramides, too. “It’s a nice option for someone who needs a quick routine in the morning,” he says.

What We Like: Absorbs into the skin quickly and easily, versatile, and a little goes a long way.
What We Don't Like: May irritate acne-prone skin types.

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, glycerin, urea, niacinamide | Skin Type: Normal, combination, dry, sensitive, mature | Size: 3.4 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dr. Hartman praises this formula for both its innovative texture and potent ingredients. “It goes on as a gel, and as you rub it into the skin, it turns into an oil consistency without a greasy finish,” he says. “It delivers intensive moisture to the skin with shea butter, glycerin and urea and also has vitamin B3, which helps the skin retain the moisture added for a longer-term benefit.” Even better, it’s especially budget friendly as it can be used on both face and body.

What We Like: Rich consistency, non-greasy finish, and can reduce the appearance of fine lines.
What We Don't Like: Unhygienic pot container.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, sea mayweed | Skin Type: Normal, combination, dry, sensitive, mature | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This gorgeous formula feels indulgent in texture and application—it comes with a little spatula to help you scoop the thick cream out of the jar. The moisturizer is infused with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and skin-conditioning omega fatty acids to promote deep hydration and nourishment, plus sea mayweed, an ingredient the brand says helps relax facial muscles to smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

What to Look for in Skin Plumping Products

• Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid will decrease the appearance of dryness as it locks in moisture—the vital component of healthy-looking skin—while antioxidants "help prevent damage to the skin and improve overall skin health," notes Dr. David Shafer, a board-certified plastic surgeon. While Dr. Shafer does say that "conservative" wrinkle and lip injections boost the goal for smoother skin, there's no need to go that far if you'd rather stick to topical ingredients.
• Ceramides: Ceramides are a specific type of fat or lipids. Dermatologists recommend applying products with them twice daily, in the morning and at night, for best results. They can restore the skin barrier, lock in moisture, reduce signs of aging, and even appease inflammation.
• Peptides: You may know this word in relation to collagen, and for good reason: Peptides are known as collagen boosters that also help to preserve your body's supply of this needed protein. "Peptides tell your cells to produce more collagen, one of the major building blocks of the skin," board-certified dermatologist Dr. Erin Gilbert previously told Byrdie. "So by applying them directly to your skin, you're telling your body it needs to make more collagen."
  

Why Trust Byrdie

Emily Orofino is a Byrdie contributor with a deep background in skincare and beauty. She has bylines in Editorialist, Harper's Bazaar, Well+Good, Cosmo, and RealSelf. As a beauty consultant, she helps develop formulas for skincare and beauty brands. For this article, she interviewed two experts for more insight and recommendations:

• Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist andthe founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.
• David Shafer, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Shafer Plastic Surgery and Laser Center.