Can a budget-friendly serum genuinely restore lost facial volume without injections? As a beauty journalist in my 40s, I put The Ordinary's latest viral product - the volufiline 92% + pal-isoleucine 1% serum - to the test over one month.
What is Volufiline and Why is it Trending?
Dubbed 'filler in a bottle' across TikTok beauty communities, volufiline represents one of skincare's most sought-after ingredients. Before The Ordinary's November 2025 launch, this volume-enhancing compound remained scarce in commercial products, leading beauty enthusiasts to create risky DIY formulations using raw ingredients.
The Ordinary has democratised access to this innovative ingredient, packaging it in their signature apothecary-style bottle for just £15. The serum combines volufiline with pal-isoleucine, creating a dual-action formula that stimulates lipid storage while supporting collagen and elastin production.
My Testing Methodology as a 40-Something Beauty Editor
As an experienced beauty journalist specialising in mature skincare, I approached this test with realistic expectations. Having never received dermal filler injections, I specifically wanted to address the volume loss around my eye area that created persistent dark circles, regardless of how much sleep I obtained.
I incorporated the serum into both my morning and evening routines for 30 consecutive days, carefully monitoring three key aspects: the scientific formulation, application experience, and visible results over time.
The Application Experience and Formula Details
Unlike the raw ingredient that required dangerous DIY preparation, The Ordinary's ready-to-use serum features a simple one-drop dropper design. The brand specifically recommends applying it to targeted areas experiencing volume loss: under-eyes, cheeks, temples, and smile lines.
I discovered that using sparingly proved crucial - the serum has a runny, oily consistency that can feel greasy if over-applied. A slight tingling sensation occurred, particularly under the eyes, though this proved non-irritating and temporary.
The Visible Results After One Month
While skincare rarely delivers overnight miracles, consistent use yielded visible improvements around the one-month mark. Most notably, my under-eye area appeared plumper with significantly reduced shadows. Before testing, I consistently looked tired and occasionally unwell, but now my complexion appears brighter and healthier.
Additional benefits included slightly fuller cheeks and softened smile lines - surprising results given the relatively short testing period. My cheeks felt firmer and more youthful, though it's important to maintain realistic expectations. No topical serum can replicate injectable filler results, despite social media comparisons.
Is The Ordinary Volufiline Serum Worth Your Money?
For £15, The Ordinary has successfully transformed a cult TikTok ingredient into an accessible, effective skincare solution. I achieved my best results on cheeks and under-eyes, where I now appear more rested and bright-eyed.
However, IndyBest colleague Lucy Smith reported mixed experiences testing the serum on her late-twenties oily skin, experiencing breakouts and sensitivity. This suggests the formula might be better suited to mature, drier complexions experiencing natural volume loss.
For those seeking affordable solutions to age-related volume depletion, The Ordinary's volufiline serum represents a worthwhile investment that delivers noticeable improvements with consistent use.
