If you weren’t born with them naturally, you would have to turn to filler to get the juicy, plump lips of your dreams. But if someone (or an algorithm) told you that a serum could get you the same results sans a needle and for a fraction of the price of an injectable, would you use it?
If so, you’re not alone. Volufiline is the buzzy ingredient—with over-the-top, practically unbelievable plumping effects. Content creator and skin influencer Amy Mataczynski first came across the ingredient on TikTok a few years ago, and after consistent use for a few weeks, she says she was already noticing results. “The idea of a plant-based ingredient that could make your skin look fuller without injections sounded too good to pass up,” Matacynski tells Vogue. “I ended up grabbing a K-beauty serum, and the rest is a juicy history.”
But how much does this miracle ingredient actually live up to its hype?
What is volufiline?
Volufiline is a patented cosmetic ingredient that was first developed by then French company Sederma (it was acquired by the cosmetic company Croda a few decades ago and now no longer exists). According to Natacha Bonjout, French pharmacist and founder of Bonjout Beauty, the ingredient is based on plant extract Anemarrhena asphodeloides root, which is rich in sarsasapogenin to stimulate fat cells. “It is positioned in cosmetics as an agent that enhances skin volume and contour by affecting lipid metabolism in subcutaneous fat cells,” Bonjout says.
“[It] is basically a plumping ingredient,” adds cosmetic chemist and founder of KKT Labs Krupa Koestline. “You’ll mostly see it marketed for ‘volume’ and ‘fullness’ in skin.” Krupa goes on to say that you’ll usually find it in targeted products such as lip treatments, eye products, or face serums. As it is oil-soluble, she says that it does best when in oil-based serums or well-designed creams.
How does vollufine work?
Hadley King, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, says that volufiline works by stimulating fat cells to store lipids in hypodermis, a.k.a. the deepest layer of your skin. Dr. King goes on to explain that it is supposed to activate the receptors involved in regulating fat cell maturation and encourage the skin to store fat lipids within existing fat cells. “This leads to increased volume beneath the skin, creating a plumper, fuller appearance,” she says.
The Benefits
The biggest benefit is its supposed its plumping effect, but Bonjout says that products with volufiline claim to do other things, such as possibly contouring the cheeks, lips, under eye area, décolleté, or even body areas like the breasts or butt; smooth uneven texture; and improve elasticity. Dr. King says that to old clinical data from Sederma that suggest an 8 to 10% increase in volume when used consistently.
The Downsides
Though many stand by their first-hand experiences with the ingredient, experts say that research is still limited. That means that expectations around volufiline—especially when it comes to long-term effects—should be tempered. Bonjout points out a small study done by Sederma that showed a 2.2% increase in breast volume after 56 days of applying volufiline topically. Besides that (and the many testimonials on social), there are no other definitive studies on efficacy. “There is no strong peer-reviewed literature demonstrating meaningful facial volume increase from topical application,” Bonjout says.
Akis Ntonos, DNP, board-certified doctor of nursing and founder of the Manhattan Aion Aesthetics, adds that volufiline should not be seen as a dermal filler or professional treatment replacement. If any effects do occur, Dr. Ntonos says they are usually going to be mild and can vary from person to person. “It won’t rebuild lost facial fat, lift tissue, or add structural volume. At most, it can be a helpful addition to your skincare routine, but it shouldn’t be seen as a transformative product,” he says. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations and advancements being made every day. One area that has seen significant growth in recent years is artificial intelligence (AI). AI is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. It has the ability to learn, reason, and solve problems in a way that mimics human intelligence.
One of the most exciting developments in AI is the use of deep learning algorithms. Deep learning is a subset of machine learning that uses neural networks to simulate the way the human brain works. These algorithms are able to analyze large amounts of data and make predictions or decisions based on that data. This has led to significant advancements in areas such as image recognition, natural language processing, and autonomous vehicles.
Another important aspect of AI is its ability to automate tasks that were previously done by humans. This has led to the development of chatbots, virtual assistants, and other tools that can help businesses streamline their operations and improve efficiency. For example, chatbots can handle customer service inquiries, virtual assistants can schedule appointments and reminders, and AI-powered algorithms can analyze large datasets to identify trends and patterns.
AI is also being used in healthcare to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. Machine learning algorithms can analyze medical images to detect diseases such as cancer at an early stage, while AI-powered robots can assist surgeons during procedures. This has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry and make healthcare more accessible and affordable for everyone.
Despite the many benefits of AI, there are also concerns about its impact on jobs and privacy. Some fear that AI will lead to mass unemployment as machines take over tasks that were previously done by humans. There are also concerns about the ethical implications of AI, such as bias in algorithms or the potential for misuse of personal data.
Overall, AI has the potential to transform industries and improve our lives in countless ways. It is important for policymakers, businesses, and individuals to work together to ensure that AI is developed and used in a responsible and ethical manner. With the right approach, AI has the power to revolutionize the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us.
