Individuals are likening this £20 serum to filler—having tried it myself, I can see why there's such excitement.

      If there’s one skincare brand that has consistently demonstrated that effective skincare doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag, it’s The Ordinary. Since its launch in 2016, the brand has changed the beauty landscape with its clinical formulations, minimalist packaging, and ingredient-focused products that are both desirable and accessible. From popular toners and SPFs to beloved retinols, every new product release seems to ignite a new wave of enthusiasm online. As a beauty editor, I can confidently say that it’s one of the few brands regarded as a true disruptor in the industry. So, when The Ordinary Volufiline 92% + Pal-Isoleucine 1% Plumping Serum arrived on my desk, I was eager to try it. The serum claims to address fine lines and enhance elasticity, offering a subtler, non-invasive option compared to treatments like fillers.

      While I do enjoy a bit of Botox, I’ve never opted for fillers. Although I wouldn’t want to erase all my lines—after all, they add character and are a normal aspect of aging—I would be dishonest if I said I didn’t want to maintain my skin’s structure for as long as possible. Could this new serum be the solution? Here’s what I experienced when I used it.

      Shop The Ordinary Volufiline 92% + Pal-Isoleucine 1% Plumping Serum

      **The Ordinary**

      Volufiline 92% + Pal-Isoleucine 1% Plumping Serum

      **Pros**

      - Definitely plumps skin

      - One bottle lasts a long time

      - Simple ingredient list

      - Expert-approved

      - Non-greasy

      - Affordable

      **Cons**

      - Will never truly “replace” filler

      - Less effective on deeper lines

      **How Does The Ordinary Volufiline 92% + Pal-Isoleucine 1% Plumping Serum Work?**

      At first glance, the 15ml bottle is quite small, and though the ingredients might seem intimidating, the product is simpler than it appears. The key ingredient is volufiline, a patented complex derived from a plant called sarsasapogenin, which makes up 92% of the formula and is suspended in an oil base. This ingredient is gaining popularity in skincare for its ability to restore volume in areas that tend to lose firmness over time, such as the under-eyes, cheeks, temples, and smile lines. The serum also contains 1% pal-isoleucine, which is a combination of amino acids and lipids that enhances absorption and supports the skin’s natural collagen and elastin production. Together, these components have earned the serum the nickname "filler in a bottle" among beauty TikTokers.

      What do the experts say? "The anhydrous (water-free) lipid-heavy texture is logical since volufiline is oil-soluble, and The Ordinary has avoided unnecessary fragrance or fillers," explains award-winning aesthetic doctor Sophie Shotter, who generally approves of the serum. "The ingredient list is concise and targeted, and the peptide-like amino acid derivative is linked to skin cushioning and firmness," she adds.

      Here’s the catch, though, and it’s a significant issue I have with beauty marketing language: There is no skincare product available that can replicate the effects of injectables. Dr. Shotter concurs: "Despite the 'filler in a bottle' claim, it cannot mimic actual dermal fillers. Injectable fillers physically add volume under the skin by inserting hyaluronic acid deep into the tissue, providing instant lift and contour reshaping." Essentially, no topical serum can penetrate deeply enough to create that structural effect. "Any visible improvement from volufiline will likely come from surface hydration, smoother texture, mild temporary swelling, and perhaps very slight increases in superficial lipid storage, rather than genuine volumization of facial fat pads," Dr. Shotter explains. This is why, she notes, the results are subtle, gradual, and dependent on maintenance rather than dramatic or sculpting. "The research on volufiline is also limited, with most studies being small and linked to manufacturers, so while the product may modestly enhance skin appearance, it is far from replacing fillers regarding mechanism or results."

      **After Using The Ordinary Volufiline 92% + Pal-Isoleucine 1% Plumping Serum**

      Two weeks into testing The Ordinary Volufiline 92% + Pal-Isoleucine 1% Plumping Serum—has it impressed me? Yes, there’s a lot to appreciate about this product. I was initially concerned that the oily texture might cause breakouts, but to my surprise, it’s non-greasy and absorbs quickly, allowing me to apply moisturiser or SPF afterward. Did it help reduce lines? Yes, to some extent. After ten days, I noticed a subtle improvement in my crow’s feet. However, for the deeper nasolabial folds running from my nose down past my mouth