As a beauty editor navigating my 40s, the quest for effective, non-invasive solutions to volume loss is a personal one. So, when The Ordinary launched a new serum centred on the buzzy ingredient volufiline – nicknamed "filler in a bottle" across social media – I was eager to be among the first to put it to the test. Could this affordable formula genuinely help plump areas like under-eyes and cheeks without a needle?
Putting the Hype to the Test
I received a sample ahead of the official launch and incorporated The Ordinary Volufiline 92% + Pal-Isoleucine 1% serum into my morning and evening skincare routines for a full month. As someone who has never had dermal fillers but struggles with hollow, shadowy under-eyes due to natural volume loss, this was a targeted experiment. My testing methodology focused on the formula, application, and, crucially, the visible results over time.
The Science Behind the Serum
Volume loss becomes more pronounced in our 40s as collagen, elastin, and facial fat pads diminish. Volufiline, the star ingredient, is the trade name for sarsasapogenin, a fusion of plant extracts. It is claimed to stimulate lipid storage, aiming to increase volume where needed. The Ordinary has bolstered this by adding pal-isoleucine, a peptide intended to support elastin and collagen production for added plumping and line-softening effects.
This launch is timely, as volufiline products remain relatively scarce, leading some to experiment with the raw ingredient – a risky practice The Ordinary's ready-made serum safely circumvents.
Application and Initial Impressions
The serum is designed for targeted use on areas prone to volume loss: under the eyes, cheeks, temples, and smile lines. I applied it after moisturiser each day. The packaging features a simple one-drop dropper, which I initially missed the brand's typical pipette for, but it proves practical. A little goes a very long way with this runny, oily consistency, and over-application can lead to a greasy feel.
I noticed a tingling sensation upon application, particularly under the eyes, which the brand notes is normal. It wasn't irritating, but it's a sensation users should be aware of.
The Results: A Month of Consistent Use
Skincare results are rarely instantaneous, and this serum was no exception. However, after consistent use for around a month, I began to see visible changes. The most significant difference was around my orbital area. My under-eyes appeared plumper, with dark shadows becoming less pronounced. The tired, sometimes unwell look I battled started to fade, replaced by a brighter, healthier appearance.
My cheeks also looked slightly fuller and firmer, and my smile lines seemed softer. For such a short testing period, the effects were surprising. It's vital to maintain realistic expectations: no topical product can replicate injectable fillers. Yet, for a natural, gradual boost, the serum delivered noticeable improvements.
IndyBest colleague Lucy Smith, who tested the serum for a week on her late-twenties, oilier skin, had a different experience. She reported breakouts and sensitivity, suggesting the formula may be better suited to more mature, drier complexions.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
The Ordinary has successfully packaged a once-niche ingredient into an accessible, affordable serum. For me, in my 40s, it worked effectively to plump hollow areas and soften lines, particularly under the eyes and on the cheeks, delivering a more rested and youthful look. At £20 for 15ml, it represents significant value within the advanced skincare market.
If you're seeking a non-invasive option to target age-related volume loss and are prepared to use it consistently, The Ordinary's volufiline serum is a compelling, budget-friendly contender worth trying.
