People are likening this £20 serum to filler, and after trying it myself, I can see what the excitement is about.

      If there's a skincare brand that has adeptly demonstrated that effective skincare doesn't necessarily have to come at a hefty price, it's The Ordinary. Since its launch in 2016, the brand has changed the landscape of beauty with its clinical formulations, minimalist packaging, and ingredient-focused products that are both desirable and accessible. From trending toners and SPFs to beloved retinols, each new release tends to ignite a fresh wave of excitement on social media. As a beauty editor, I can confidently say it's one of the few brands recognized as a genuine game changer. 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 while restoring lost elasticity, serving as a subtler, non-invasive alternative to procedures like fillers.

      While I have a fondness for Botox, I have never opted for fillers. Although I wouldn’t want to erase all my lines—since they contribute character and are a natural aspect of aging—I would be misleading you if I said I didn’t want to maintain my skin’s structure for as long as possible. So, could this new serum be the solution? Here’s what happened when I tested it out.

      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 will last a long time

      - Simple ingredient list

      - Expert-approved

      - Non-greasy

      - Affordable

      **Cons**

      - Will never truly replace fillers

      - Less effective on deeper lines

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

      At first glance, the bottle appears quite small at just 15ml, and while the formula contains several complicated ingredients, it is actually simpler than it looks. The key ingredient is volufiline, a patented name for a plant-derived complex known as sarsasapogenin, which comprises 92% of the formula dissolved in an oil base. This ingredient is becoming more popular among brands due to its ability to help restore volume to areas that may lose firmness over time, such as the under-eyes, cheeks, temples, and smile lines. The serum also includes 1% pal-isoleucine, a blend of amino acids and lipids that enhances absorption and supports the skin’s natural collagen and elastin production. These ingredients have contributed to the serum's nickname "filler in a bottle" on beauty TikTok.

      What do experts think? "The anhydrous (water-free), lipid-heavy texture makes sense because volufiline is oil-soluble, and The Ordinary avoided unnecessary fragrances or filler ingredients," explains award-winning aesthetic doctor Sophie Shotter, who generally gives the serum a favorable review. "The ingredient list is concise and concentrated, and the peptide-like amino acid derivative is linked to skin cushioning and firmness," she adds.

      However, there is a significant issue I have with beauty marketing language: no skincare product can truly replicate the results of injectables. Dr. Shotter concurs: "Despite the 'filler in a bottle' claims, it cannot function like actual dermal fillers. Injectable fillers add volume beneath the skin by injecting hyaluronic acid deep into tissues, instantly enhancing and reshaping facial contours." Essentially, no topical serum can penetrate deeply enough to achieve that structural effect. "Any visible improvement from volufiline is likely due to surface hydration, smoother texture, mild temporary swelling, and possibly minor increases in superficial lipid storage, not true volumization of facial fat pads," Dr. Shotter explains. That’s why, she notes, the results are subtle, gradual, and reliant on maintenance rather than dramatic or sculpted. "The science behind volufiline is also limited, with most studies being small and linked to manufacturers, so while the product may offer modest improvements in skin appearance, it is far from replacing fillers in either mechanism or outcome."

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

      Two weeks into testing The Ordinary Volufiline 92% + Pal-Isoleucine 1% Plumping Serum, I have to ask: has it won me over? Yes, there is indeed much to appreciate about this product. I was initially concerned that the oily texture would cause breakouts, but it surprisingly does not feel greasy and absorbs quickly, allowing for easy layering with moisturizer or SPF. Did it help with my lines? Yes, it made a subtle difference in my crow’s feet after ten days. However, for my deep nasolabial folds that run from my nose to the corners of my mouth, I didn't notice a significant change, but I intend