Wrinkle patches are a relatively new innovation in the skincare industry, and they are gaining popularity for their effectiveness and convenience. These patches are designed to be applied directly to the skin, and they contain a variety of ingredients that work together to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The key ingredients in wrinkle patches are typically hyaluronic acid, retinol, and peptides.
Keep reading to learn how they work, how often to use them, what notable ingredients to look for, and our top picks, with insights from board-certified dermatologists. Our Top Picks In This Story Best Overall: 111SKIN Wrinkle Erasing Retinol Patches Why We Love It: One of the things that sets 111Skin’s wrinkle patches apart from the rest is that each set features variously-sized patches suited for different areas of the face—including the nasolabial folds, frown lines, and crow’s feet. Plus, they’re infused with all the wrinkle-alleviating ingredients one could hope for. “[Featuring] hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinol, and polypeptides, these wrinkle patches deliver hydration and plumping effects to reduce fine lines,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nicole Ruth. “These luxury patches are crafted to provide a spa-like experience with visible, short-term smoothing results.”
111Skin also emphasizes the use of biocompatible and sustainable ingredients, which are key to its success. 111Skin focuses on using high-quality ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and peptides in their products, which are known for their anti-aging properties. These ingredients work in tandem to combat wrinkles, promote collagen production, and improve skin elasticity.
This article discusses the benefits of retinol patches and how to use them effectively. It highlights the effectiveness of retinol patches for addressing various skin concerns, including acne, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. The article also provides a step-by-step guide on how to use retinol patches safely and effectively.
This innovative formula combines the benefits of a toner and a peel, delivering a gentle yet effective exfoliation. The product is formulated with a unique blend of AHAs and BHAs, which are known for their ability to dissolve and remove dead skin cells, revealing brighter, smoother skin underneath. The key ingredient in this product is a patented ingredient called “Alpha-Hydroxy Acid Complex,” which is a blend of different types of AHAs.
: Pure 0.2% retinol, bakuchiol, rambutan, ferulic acid, squalane, hyaluronic acid What’s Included : 8 treatment pads : 8 treatment pads Skin Type: Oily, normal, dry, or combination skin types Best Hydrocolloid Patch: Peace Out Microneedling Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Patches Why We Love It: Peace out, wrinkles! Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose explains that these hydrocolloid wrinkle patches, which feature 450 dissolving microneedles, contain retinol and peptides to promote skin renewal and boost collagen production. They also include hyaluronic acid, which helps to plump and smooth the skin while supporting the skin barrier. Camp is impressed with this ingredient list, citing this as an effective solution to treat crow’s feet, smile lines, forehead wrinkles, and vertical lines between the eyebrows.”
Peace out, wrinkles! Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose explains that these hydrocolloid wrinkle patches, which feature 450 dissolving microneedles, contain retinol and peptides to promote skin renewal and boost collagen production. They also include hyaluronic acid, which helps to plump and smooth the skin while supporting the skin barrier. Camp is impressed with this ingredient list, citing this as an effective solution to treat crow’s feet, smile lines, forehead wrinkles, and vertical lines between the eyebrows.” Key Ingredients : Retinol, vitamin C, 7-peptide blend, hyaluronic acid : Retinol, vitamin C, 7-peptide blend, hyaluronic acid What’s Included : 6 patches : 6 patches Skin Type: All skin types
Best Drugstore: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Non-Invasive Targeted Patches RoC Deep Wrinkle Targeted Patches $30 AMAZON Why We Love It: “These wrinkle patches are a great drugstore choice as they contain collagen-promoting retinol, firming peptides, and hyaluronic acid,” says Murphy-Rose. They feature a time-release retinol formula, making them ideal for gradually smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines. Plus, “Self-dissolving micro-cones on these pads contain potent age-defying ingredients, which help to plump and firm the skin,” per Camp. “These wrinkle patches are a great drugstore choice as they contain collagen-promoting retinol, firming peptides, and hyaluronic acid,” says Murphy-Rose. They feature a time-release retinol formula, making them ideal for gradually smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines. Plus, “Self-dissolving micro-cones on these pads contain potent age-defying ingredients, which help to plump and firm the skin,” per Camp. Key Ingredients : Retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid
: Retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid What’s Included : 2 patches : 2 patches Skin Type: All skin types Best Retinol-Free Option: Peter Thomas Roth FirmX Collagen Hydra-Gel Face and Eye Patches Peter Thomas Roth Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches $55 ULTA Why We Love It: If retinol doesn’t work for you, don’t fret—these patches are retinol-free and instead on focus plumping via hydration and marshmallow root to calm the skin (versus sped up cellular turnover). “Formulated with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, these patches deeply hydrate and plump the skin. They are great right before special occasions or when you need a skincare boost,” says Dr. Ruth. Regarding the shape, Dr. Camp notes that the two versatile patch shapes allow for customized treatment of the forehead, as well as around the nose, eyes, and mouth.
If retinol doesn’t work for you, don’t fret—these patches are retinol-free and instead on focus plumping via hydration and marshmallow root to calm the skin (versus sped up cellular turnover). “Formulated with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, these patches deeply hydrate and plump the skin. They are great right before special occasions or when you need a skincare boost,” says Dr. Ruth. Regarding the shape, Dr. Camp notes that the two versatile patch shapes allow for customized treatment of the forehead, as well as around the nose, eyes, and mouth. Key Ingredients : : What’s Included : 3 types of patch shapes
: 3 types of patch shapes Skin Type: Dry and sensitive skin types Best for Crow’s Feet: PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Microneedle Eye Patches Why We Love It: Designed specifically for the delicate skin around the eyes, PCA Skin’s Hyaluronic Acid Microneedle patches are one of Ruth’s top picks. “Enriched with powerful peptides and hyaluronic acid to enhance collagen production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, these are designed for professional-level results, leaving the skin looking firmer and more youthful,” she says. You can apply them along dark circles and crow’s feet, just as you would any under-eye mask, leave on overnight (or at least 2-3 hours) to see best results.
Designed specifically for the delicate skin around the eyes, PCA Skin’s Hyaluronic Acid Microneedle patches are one of Ruth’s top picks. “Enriched with powerful peptides and hyaluronic acid to enhance collagen production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, these are designed for professional-level results, leaving the skin looking firmer and more youthful,” she says. You can apply them along dark circles and crow’s feet, just as you would any under-eye mask, leave on overnight (or at least 2-3 hours) to see best results. Key Ingredients : Hyaluronic acid, daisy flower and hawkweed extract, acetyl octapeptide-3 : Hyaluronic acid, daisy flower and hawkweed extract, acetyl octapeptide-3 What’s Included : 4 treatments
: 4 treatments Skin Type: All skin types Best for Fine Lines: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch for Fine Lines Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Fine Lines $25 AMAZON Why We Love It: “Featuring 1,390 dissolving micro-points, these fine line patches contain hyaluronic acid, retinol, and niacinamide to renew the appearance of the skin,” Camp explains of this set. A hidden gem among Hero Cosmetics’s lineup, the secret lies in the micro-point technology, which deposits targeted ingredients like retinol, sodium hyaluronate, and niacinamide directly into the skin. “While primarily known for its acne stickers, these wrinkle patches offer a gentle yet effective solution for fine lines,” says Ruth.
“Featuring 1,390 dissolving micro-points, these fine line patches contain hyaluronic acid, retinol, and niacinamide to renew the appearance of the skin,” Camp explains of this set. A hidden gem among Hero Cosmetics’s lineup, the secret lies in the micro-point technology, which deposits targeted ingredients like retinol, sodium hyaluronate, and niacinamide directly into the skin. “While primarily known for its acne stickers, these wrinkle patches offer a gentle yet effective solution for fine lines,” says Ruth. Key Ingredients : Retinol, adenosine, sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide : Retinol, adenosine, sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide What’s Included : 6 patches : 6 patches Skin Type: All Skin Types
**How do wrinkle patches work?**
* **Adhesive:** The patches are typically made of a thin, flexible material that adheres to the skin. This adhesive allows the patches to stay in place for several hours. * **Pressure:** The patches apply pressure to the skin, which helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
What do wrinkle patches do? “Wrinkle patches work by creating a physical barrier that smooths the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” Ruth explains. The pressure from the patch can temporarily flatten the skin, preventing it from creasing during facial expressions. Some patches contain active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, or retinol, which can hydrate the skin, boost collagen production, and improve overall skin texture. How do wrinkle patches differ from injectables like Botox? Ruth explains that wrinkle patches and injectables like Botox are entirely different in both mechanism and the longevity of results. Botox is a neurotoxin that temporarily paralyzes the muscles that cause wrinkles, leading to smoother skin for several months. In contrast, wrinkle patches do not affect the muscles but create a physical barrier to prevent the skin from folding.
Wrinkle patches are a relatively new product on the market, and they are not yet as widely available as Botox. However, they are gaining popularity, especially among younger generations. Wrinkle patches are often marketed as a non-invasive alternative to Botox, but they are not as effective as Botox. Wrinkle patches are also more expensive than Botox.
* **Frequency of use is individualized:** There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this. * **Product-specific guidelines:** It’s essential to check the product’s instructions. * **Nightly application:** Some individuals find it beneficial to use wrinkle patches daily.
