The "Notox" skincare trend has taken the beauty industry by storm. This movement is focused on achieving a youthful, plump, and smooth complexion without resorting to injectables like Botox. As consumers increasingly seek non-invasive alternatives to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, skincare products promising similar results have risen in popularity.

But how effective are these products, and what ingredients should you look for to get that sought-after “Botox-like” effect? We turned to Dr. Bottiglione, a board-certified dermatologist with over 50 years of experience and the founder of Dermatologist's Choice Skincare, to shed some light on the "Notox" trend and how you can smooth and firm your skin at home.

What is the "Notox" Skincare Trend?

"The ‘Notox’ skincare trend is about avoiding needles, injections, and other fillers to plump up the skin and smooth fine lines on the face," says Dr. Bottiglione. "That’s why I developed Dermatologist's Choice products with active non-neutralized glycolic and TCA acids. These acids, which I’ve been using for 50 years, are incredibly effective at taking off wrinkles and smoothing the skin. A chemical peel using these acids is clinically tested for significant results."

One of the major appeals of the "Notox" trend is that instead of temporarily freezing muscles as Botox does, it works by improving the overall health of the skin. "The other benefit of the ‘Notox’ approach is you're actually improving your skin, not just paralyzing the muscle that causes the skin to wrinkle," Dr. Bottiglione adds. "When I do strong peels in my office, I can take off all the wrinkles on someone’s skin."

Key Ingredients for a “Notox” Skincare Routine

So, what are the best skincare ingredients for achieving Botox-like results without injections? According to Dr. Bottiglione, it all comes down to active acids, peptides, and collagen-boosting agents. Here are the top ingredients to look for:

• Glycolic Acid: This alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliates the skin, removing dead cells and promoting new cell turnover. "Active non-neutralized glycolic acid plumps up the skin because it increases collagen production, which adds fullness," says Dr. Bottiglione. His go-to recommendation? The Dermatologist’s Choice Glycolic Peel Cleansing Pads or the Ultra Anti-Aging Cream.

• TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid): A powerful acid used in chemical peels, TCA helps smooth the skin’s surface and reduce deep-set wrinkles. It’s a go-to for those looking for dramatic results without invasive procedures.

Types of "Notox" Skincare Products to Consider

To create an effective "Notox" skincare routine, it’s essential to choose products that contain these key ingredients. Dr. Bottiglione recommends incorporating the following types of products into your regimen.

• Creams: Anti-aging creams containing active glycolic acid can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. "The Dermatologist’s Choice Ultra Anti-Aging Cream is my top recommendation for those looking to smooth and plump the skin at home," says Dr. Bottiglione.  A Dermatologist's Choice customer praised the Ultra Anti-Aging Cream as it helped her avoid lip filler! 

• Peels and Masks: For more intensive results, consider using a chemical peel or mask once or twice a week prior to using the Ultra Anti-Aging Cream or using the Peels for each night for a week to really exfoliate deep into the skin. That's when the skin gets a little red but it's nothing to be alarmed about, it means the glycolic is going deep to rebuild the collagen. The Glycolic Peel Cleansing Pads are a great at-home option for gentle exfoliation and collagen-boosting benefits. Also for the next-level, try the TCA Advance Peel Solution. This is a deeper peel so those who have more stubborn wrinkles or lifeless looking skin this is what I would recommend. Use a moisturizer after as the skin is likely to flake off or peel, says Dr. Bottiglione.

The "Notox" trend offers a viable alternative for those seeking youthful, wrinkle-free skin without the need for injections. "If you want to try the peel and a wrinkle-reducing treatment at home without needles for a ‘Notox’ experience, use the Dermatologist's Choice Glycolic Peel Cleansing Pads or the Ultra Anti-Aging Cream with active non-neutralized glycolic acid," Dr. Bottiglione advises. With the right skincare routine and effective ingredients, achieving smoother, plumper skin is more accessible than you may think and you may not need to get Botox.