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This $16 'Botox alternative' sold out on Amazon — but you can still buy it here
Shoppers in their 50s love The Inky List's 'silky and hydrating' wrinkle-erasing Collagen Peptide Serum, which is still available at Sephora.
Last week, I wrote about Botox alternatives and, while I've been a beauty editor long enough to know that no one skin-care product will erase wrinkles as powerfully as injecting neurotoxins does, experts I spoke with explained that a few key ingredients can make a substantial difference in keeping aging skin bouncy, vibrant and even smooth. Among these is something called peptides and among the most potent peptide products is this one from The Inkey List, which is so popular that it regularly sells out on Amazon. Luckily, I found this miracle potion available at Sephora for under $20.
"A must-have," raved one five-star reviewer, which is formulated to help skin appear plumper and firmer and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. "This is a game changer at an affordable price — the collagen makes my face more supple, absorbs quickly, hydrates and has no smell — don't let the size fool you; one drop covers your face!"
What are peptides and why do you need them?
"Peptides stimulate collagen production. As we age, collagen production declines, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and thinner skin," explains Boston board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Akshay Sanan. Sanan says that peptides send messages to our skin cells, in effect "telling" them to produce more collagen, elastin and other structural proteins to keep skin firm and plump.
"Peptides are small chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. In skin care, peptides are used to mimic natural processes in the skin and encourage anti-aging effects like collagen production and improved elasticity," he says.
"Peptides also strengthen the skin barrier — the outermost layer — protecting against moisture loss and environmental damage, Sanan says. "Peptides can actually have a 'Botox-like' effect by relaxing facial muscles and reducing the depth of wrinkles caused by repetitive movements. Lastly, peptides like copper peptides have antioxidant properties, protecting skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure, pollution and stress."
What reviewers say about the Inkey List Collagen Peptide Serum
Thousands of reviewers across the internet are obsessed with this in-demand serum (there are even entire Reddit threads dedicated to where to find it). Most fans of the product say it's made a difference in the texture of their skin, the depth of their fine lines and wrinkles and, especially, in hydration and overall skin glow.
Pros 👍
"I'm 52 with combination skin," says one satisfied customer. "I use this as part of my night routine — just a dime-size amount is enough for face and neck. It's silky and hydrating, skin drinks it right up! Great price point too!"
"Can't live without this!" exclaims another. "I've bought this product a couple of times and absolutely LOVE it. It's lightweight and feels amazing on my skin. I've noticed my skin is more firm around my mouth and eyes. I recommended it to a few of my friends and they are buying it now, too."
And, according to this five-star reviewer: "You'll see a difference right away, I started to notice results within a day, somehow. I just use it as a spot treatment on parts of my skin where I am showing signs of aging, for me this is my neck and forehead. It's making a big difference already and I am pretty amazed, as I was always skeptical about anti-aging products."
Reviewers love the lightweight texture and how the product made their skin feel. Some, however, felt the formula was a bit sticky.
Cons 👎
Though the vast majority of reviewers enjoyed their Collagen Peptide Serum, some found the formula to be too thin and too tacky. Others complain that, while they love the product itself, they were less enamored of its price tag.
"Love this serum, but the price is high for the amount of product you get," says one disappointed fan. "The packaging isn't the best and needs a dropper or different lid. But the serum inside of this bottle is amazing and works for me."
"Needs a dropper or better instructions!" laments another. "[They're] very misleading. Hence the single star. Directions advise to apply in a 'pea-sized' amount. You would expect a serum with some substance, right? Nope. Like water, and when I tipped the bottle for my pea-sized amount half of it went right into the sink."
