The Top Skin Plumping Ingredients To Know About

What ingredients plump skin?

Kicking things off with ingredients, we asked Dr Granite if the contents of our creams and serums really can plump skin.

1. Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a skincare ingredient we’re all au fait with these days. It’s a mainstay in almost every moisturiser and hydrating face mask. “Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule capable of binding 1000 times its weight in water, therefore it is able to very effectively boost skin hydration and plumpness, even in small concentrations,” says Dr Granite.

The beauty of hyaluronic acid is that you can use it as part of your morning and evening skincare routine – and if you have a hyaluronic acid serum you can add a couple of drops to your foundation too. *Adds hyaluronic acid serum to the shopping list pronto.

2. Collagen

“Collagen is a structural protein found within our skin that makes up the skin's scaffolding. Collagen is a large molecule, so cannot penetrate into the skin easily, therefore hydrolysed versions are better suited to skincare,” explains Dr Granite. “There is not much data to support topical collagen increasing collagen production within the skin, but topical collagen does have moisturising effects, improving skin hydration levels and plumpness.”

Unsurprisingly, there are plenty of formulas that promise to help protect your current supplies and bolster your skin’s natural collagen production too, including Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Booster, N/A and Dermalogica Pro-Collagen Banking Serum, N/A.

4. Retinol

Anyone who knows a thing or two about skincare ingredients will have anticipated seeing retinol in Dr Granite’s skin plumping list. “Retinol is a derm-favourite ingredient derived from vitamin A that works to stimulate collagen and elastin production within the skin, improving skin quality and plumpness, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr Granite.

If you haven’t used vitamin A skincare before, start with a low dose of retinol and introduce it into your skincare routine slowly – once or twice a week max. It is an incredible ingredient, but it’s powerful so you need to play the long game. Don’t forget to wear SPF every day too!

Best Skin Plumping Skincare

These are some of our favourite skin plumping skincare formulas, from the lifting serums to the nourishing overnight masks that allow you to wake up to firmer, radiant-looking skin in the morning.

How To Plump Up Your Face Quickly

While using the right skin plumping skincare ingredients will help to lift and firm your skin overtime, are there other things we can be doing in the meantime? According to Dr Granite, yes: “drinking plenty of water, getting a good night’s sleep, exercising and incorporating nutrient-rich leafy greens into your diet,” can also help to plump up your face.

For more of an instant lift, Dr Granite nods to “using a Gua Sha or roller”. When done correctly, facial massage can visibly lift your complexion as anyone who has had a FaceGym treatment will attest to. Massaging your skin increases the circulation and leaves it with a fresh, lifted glow.