Unlike other products by The Ordinary, their Argireline 10% Solution isn’t one that’s discussed all too often.
Compared to how popular their hyaluronic acid and niacinamide serum are, many haven’t heard of the Argireline Solution, even though the brand has been selling it for years.
This was why I was surprised to see many positive reviews of it, and decided to give it a try, put the science behind it to the test, and see what happens.
This is (my) The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10 review, so let’s jump right in.
TLDR Review Summary: Even though The Ordinary’s Argireline Solution 10% is an affordable product, it gives minimal and barely detectable results in return.
The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%
The Ordinary’s Argireline 10% is a lightweight, water-based solution intended to improve the appearance of facial areas prone to developing dynamic folds and wrinkles, such as around the eyes, mouth, and forehead area.
It uses the active ingredient ARGIRELINE™, a trademark owned by Barcelona-based Lipotec S.A.U, and a proprietary solution of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, a peptide compound that works by inhibiting the neurotransmitters that trigger muscle contractions.
Some studies have shown that the water content of formulations does impact the utility level of topical Argireline and specifically that higher water content results in better utility.
The Ordinary’s formulation is water-based and avoids oils, esters, and silicones to prevent potential ineffectiveness.
Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Propanediol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Gellan Gum, Sodium Chloride, Isoceteth-20, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
The ingredient list of The Ordinary’s Argireline Solution 10% is pretty straightforward, and the active ingredient is third on the list, which means it’s fairly potent.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is the famous peptide that’s marketed by manufacturers as “Botox in a jar”.
The basis for this claim is that it targets the same wrinkle-forming mechanism (wrinkles formed by facial muscle movement during facial expressions) as Botox, but it works in a very different way.
The manufacturer ran several studies to prove that Argireline has a wrinkles-smoothing effect, but none of these yielded results that were even close to Botox.
On the other hand, a Chinese study that involved 60 subjects who received a randomized treatment of Argireline or placebo and applied the solutions to the periorbital lines (around the eyes) showed more promising results, with 48% improvement in rough skin and wrinkles by the end of the project.
Additionally, a Spanish University also did some research and found that Argireline increased the level of skin moisturization and decreased both the depth and width of wrinkles “significantly”.
This means, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 does have some ability to smooth wrinkles, however, it’s safe to say that nothing on the current market can come close to the effects of Botox.
Additionally, Argireline isn’t a collagen builder because this study shows the penetration of the ingredient into the skin was poor due to its high molecular content and that most of it stayed on the surface of the skin, where it was subsequently washed off.
Consistency
The consistency of The Ordinary’s Argireline Solution 10% is watery and runny.
Once applied to the skin, make sure to spread it around the desired areas quickly, as it absorbs fairly quickly without leaving a sticky or shiny residue on the skin’s surface.
Smell
The Ordinary’s Argireline Solution 10% has no added fragrance, and there is no detectable scent.
How to Use The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10?
The Argireline Solution 10% should be applied to clean, damp skin twice a day before other skincare products.
Apply a few drops on the forehead, around the eyes, and mouth area where most dynamic lines appear due to facial expressions.
Always patch-test the product before applying it all over your face.
Although Argireline is a relatively safe ingredient and is well tolerated by most skin types, other ingredients in the product can potentially cause an unwanted reaction.
SN: I noticed a short-lived but intense tingling sensation when I used this product after exfoliating. It subsides after a few seconds, but I would advise you not to use the solution right after exfoliating.
Additionally, you may experience a tingling sensation in the corners of your lips if you are using the Argireline Solution 10% around your mouth, as the formula is very runny and can easily seep into other areas.
Therefore, if your lips are chapped, make sure to protect them with a lip balm or an ointment before applying the Argireline solution to your nasolabial folds or any other area close to the mouth.
The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10 Before and After
I’ve been using the Argireline Solution 10% twice a day for five months at the time of writing this review, and the only difference I noticed was a slight improvement in my periorbital lines (around the eyes) and my skin texture looking smoother and more refined.
On the other hand, in the five months that I have been using the product, I didn’t notice any improvement in the single expression line I have on my forehead, which was why I started using it in the first place.
Furthermore, my nasolabial folds (around the mouth) stayed the same, and I didn’t notice any significant improvement in depth or appearance.
I am sure it’s worked better for some people because it generally has positive reviews, with many people saying the Argireline Solution 10% is their holy grail product. Still, sadly, it didn’t do much for me.
It’s a cheap product with minimum side effects (unless you have an impaired skin barrier or chapped corners of the mouth), therefore, I encourage you to test it out for yourself but keep in mind that results can be slow.
On the other hand, if you need something that will help with lines and wrinkles but isn’t Botox or other invasive treatments – you should consider trying over-the-counter retinol or look into starting a prescription retinoid like tretinoin for antiaging purposes.
The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10% Pros:
- Affordable.
- Safe with low risk of side effects.
- Generally well tolerated by all skin types.
- Easily available.
- Can improve hydration.
- Can refine rough skin texture.
- Provides minimal results.
The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10% Cons:
- Takes too long to deliver barely noticeable results.
Where to Buy The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%?
The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10% can be purchased via the following sites:
- Deciem, $9.70 (Worldwide Shipping)
- Amazon, $9.70 (US)
- Sephora, $9.70 (US)
- Feel Unique, €10.49 (EU)
Argireline Related Questions:
What Does Argireline Do For The Skin?
Argireline is a synthetic peptide that can reduce the depth and severity of existing dynamic wrinkles that appear on the skin due to facial expressions and can also prevent new wrinkles from forming.
It is a safe topical treatment that is generally well tolerated by all skin types.
How Long Does it Take for Argireline to Work?
Argireline can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to six months to show results and can work faster or slower, depending on your skin type, the severity of your skin concern, and your skincare routine.
When Should You Use Argireline?
You should use Argireline twice a day for the best results.
Is Argireline Worth it?
No, I can’t say Argireline is worth the time and patience. The synthetic peptide has minimal data to back up the claims that it’s the equivalent of Botox.
Additionally, poor skin permeation can lead to a significant wastage of peptides, resulting in an unwanted high cost of production and an ineffective final dosage form.
My name is Simone and I am a certified skin specialist. I created this website to teach my readers how to take great care of their skin and I also like to occasionally share my honest opinions on skincare products I’ve tried. You can learn more about me here.
The Acne Solution: Your Ultimate Guide To Flawless Complexion
An extensive, no-nonsense course showing you how to never have acne again, from a licensed Esthetician specializing in oily/acne-prone skin.
Thank you for an honest review. The studies I read indicated that it was more effective on older skin.and there was a reduction in wrinkes of up to 30% after 30 days. Mine is definitely older skin. I’ve been using it for 2 months with on only 1 side of my face. There is zero reduction. Glad it works for some. Thanks again.