Murad’s New Wrinkle-Correcting Serum Is About the Closest Thing You’ll Get to Botox in a Bottle

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Wrinkles are a sign of a life well-lived, but sometimes, it's nice to be able to soften them—and Murad's new Targeted Wrinkle Corrector ($78) serum helps us do just that. It not only provides a quick fix in instantly plumping the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but over time, it can smooth them away altogether.

"Throughout the pandemic, when dermatologist appointments were not as available, we recognized a need for an at-home solution that could successfully address fine lines and wrinkles without a professional service or needle," says Kristen Robinson, Murad’s senior director of new product development. The formula works to address the motion-induced lines on our faces—such as forehead lines, crow's feet, 'elevens' (AKA glabella lines) between the brows, and lines around the mouth. "Immediately after application users will see visible improvement in motion-induced wrinkles, smoother texture on the applied areas, and smoother facial expression lines wherever the product is applied," says Robinson.

The formula features instantly-gratifying hyaluronic acid, plus long-term skin-smoothing heroes hexapeptide, and squalane. "Each of the star ingredients really works so well together to give you that instant filler effect," says Robinson. "The highly bioavailable hyaluronic acid floods wrinkle—even deep-set, stubborn lines—with hydration to plump, smooth, and reduce wrinkle intensity on contact. Elasticity-boosting hexapeptide helps skin bounce back from lines triggered by facial expressions, while plant-derived squalane prevents moisture loss to help skin resist future wrinkles."


Experts In This Article
  • Kristen Robinson, senior director of new product development at Murad
  • Shirley Chi, MD, board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology

And this combo, it seems, really works: A clinical study conducted by the brand found that with continual use and daily application over four weeks, 88 percent of users felt that their facial expression lines looked smoother.

The product is a great alternative to injectable wrinkle reducers as it offers similar short- and long-term skin-smoothing, but keep in mind that no matter how good a topical is (over-the-counter or prescription), it can't provide the same wrinkle-fighting impact as a neuromodulator like Botox or Xeomin.

"Topical treatments are an important part of your anti-aging regimen," says Shirley Chi, MD, a Califonia-based dermatologist. "They're very good for prevention. They can turn back the clock a few years, but it's not going to be as significant of a difference as what an in-office procedure can do."

Learn more about peptides, one of the star ingredients in this serum:

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Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.

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