Currently taking TikTok and Instagram by storm, volufiline has quickly become one of the most talked-about skincare ingredients for achieving a plump, lifted, more rejuvenated-looking appearance – without invasive treatments.
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The Ordinary’s formula is one of the most popular, and the appeal is simple. Rather than relying on cosmetic procedures like Botox, this targeted serum takes a skincare-first approach, combining active ingredients designed to support skin health and improve the look of firmness, smoothness, and facial fullness over time.
But what exactly is volufiline, and how does it work?
Volufiline is an active ingredient derived from the root extract of Anemarrhena asphodeloides, a plant used in traditional Asian medicine. The extract is particularly rich in sarsasapogenin, a plant-derived saponin that has attracted interest in the beauty industry for its potential skin-plumping properties.
Unlike conventional hydrating ingredients, which work primarily by increasing moisture at the skin’s surface, volufiline is used to stimulate the activity of adipocytes and encourage lipid accumulation within them. The goal is a fuller, plumper-looking appearance in areas that may appear hollow or lacking in volume.
Volufiline 92% + Pal-Isoleucine 1% Plumping Anhydrous Serum
- Why it’s -approved: The beauty of The Ordinary is that it cuts through all the noise and tells you exactly what’s in each formula. This one in particular blends 92 per cent volufiline and 1 per cent pal-isoleucine to target volume loss, plump fine lines and support skin elasticity.
- “The texture of this formula is unexpected – leaning more watery-oil than traditional serum. That said, I like to be very particular with where and how I apply it. My target area is my hollow under-eyes, so I dispense two small drops onto my fingers before massaging it into the orbital bone. That way, the serum doesn’t get in my eyes. It’s the first volufiline formula that I tried, and the one that got me hooked. Its benefits are subtle but cumulative. I can always tell a difference the next morning.” —
- More to know:
- Key ingredients: 92 per cent volufiline, palmitoyl isoleucine
Thanks to its targeted formulation, The Ordinary’s Volufiline Face Serum is intended for specific, localised application to areas where the skin appears hollow or sunken, such as the temples, cheeks, the eye area and around the mouth and nose, creating a plumping effect. Used consistently, the formula is designed to help improve the appearance of skin firmness and counteract the loss of tissue volume.
In addition to volufiline, the formula contains 1 per cent palmitoyl isoleucine, a lipoamino acid selected for its skin-conditioning and firming properties. This ingredient complements the formula by helping to support the appearance of smoother, firmer, more elastic-looking skin.
As with any new skincare product, it is advisable to perform a patch test, particularly if you have sensitive or reactive skin. Once tested, apply a small amount to the desired areas with clean, dry skin. The product is intended for targeted use rather than application over the entire face. Always shake the bottle well before use.