The term ‘Botox in a bottle’ is super popular with skincare shoppers at the moment, for those on the hunt for non-invasive ways to achieve smoother, fresher-looking skin. While it’s merely a catchy marketing phrase (no topical skincare product can mimic Botox’s muscle-freezing effects), there are numerous new products on the market that promise to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. One such product is SkinCeuticals’ new P-Tiox Neuro-Peptide Serum. The brand, adored by beauty editors, skincare experts and dermatologists for cult classic products like C E Ferulic, has introduced this smart serum that features a multi-peptide complex along with PHA, niacinamide and laminaria extract, aiming to target nine different types of wrinkles, from crow’s feet to forehead lines, according to SkinCeuticals. Priced at £130, it’s not exactly a bargain (though new customers can snag a 10% discount on the SkinCeuticals website), so I’ve been testing it out to see how it stacks up against my current favourite wrinkle-reducing serum, Medik8’s Liquid Peptides Advanced MP… READ MORE: ‘I put this new “Botox in a bottle” serum to the test and it’s delayed my need for injectables’ READ MORE: ‘These five-star rated drops made a huge improvement to my sleep’
Peptide serums are really having a moment
(Image: SkinCeuticals)
Pros Skin looks immediately smoother, brighter and healthier Lines appear slightly lessened A real one-and-done serum – no need to layer other serums or moisturisers Absorbs quickly but still feels hydrating Trustworthy, derm-approved brand Cons Expensive Some report that it pills a little under make-up (I haven’t found this to be the case) May be a bit strong on very sensitive or broken skin I’ve tried and loved many SkinCeuticals products before, reports the Mirror, and it’s a brand I trust due to its clinical trials and expert recommendations. Therefore, I had high expectations for this serum. And I must say, it was love at first application.
P-Tiox is hydrating, smoothing and brightening
(Image: Laura Mulley)
P-Tiox is such a dreamy formula: it’s lightweight and runny yet rich, it absorbs instantly yet feels super hydrating (so hydrating that I’ve been skipping moisturiser and going straight to SPF in the mornings), and it layers perfectly with all my other skincare and make-up. I’ve only been using this for a week so far but the immediate and short-term results are so impressive that I know I’m already going to be gutted when it runs out. It makes my skin look instantly fresher, plumper and brighter – we’re talking ‘glass skin’ vibes here. I’m overdue a Botox top-up and I do think that this serum makes the fine lines on my forehead appear less noticeable, perhaps due to the instant brightening and smoothing effects. I’d previously been using the much-raved about Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP, which I adore (you can read my full review here), but find that it’s a tad drying, and I need to use additional skincare products. SkinCeuticals’, though, is beautifully hydrating, and a real ‘one-and-done’ anti-ageing serum.
This new serum is a hit with our beauty editor
(Image: Laura Mulley)
It’s tough to find a downside with this amazing all-in-one anti-ageing serum but if I had to pick one, I’d say that it might be a bit too potent for very sensitive skin (I had a bit of flaky skin from an old blemish and it stung for a couple of seconds). Of course, it’s also pricey, although newbies to the SkinCeuticals website can save 10% when they sign up, and you may also be able to find some other deals on it on Lookfantastic. You’re investing in some really top-notch skincare here, though. If you’re after a more budget-friendly option, Naturium Multi-Peptide Advance Serum is a top pick among beauty editors and it’s currently on sale, down from £27 to £21.60.
