Botox® injections have been clinically proven to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in users.1 But what if you don’t want to deal with needles and potential risks? Botox is also expensive, with one session averaging over $500.
What if you could achieve similar results with a topical at-home alternative to Botox? To help you make an informed decision on your skin care, outlined here are both over-the-counter and prescription topical Botox alternatives to consider. Learn about active ingredients, effectiveness, costs and more.
What is Botox®?
Botox is an injectable drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The same active ingredient is found in other brands, including Dysport®, Xeomin® and Jeuveau®.2 It is the same bacterium that causes a life-threatening type of food poisoning called botulism. In small amounts, Botox injections work by weakening or paralyzing muscles or by blocking nerves to treat health problems, including:3
Temporary smoothing of facial wrinkles.
Severe underarm sweating.
Cervical dystonia – a neurological disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder muscle contractions.
Blepharospasm – uncontrollable blinking.
Strabismus – misaligned eyes.
Chronic migraine.
Overactive bladder.
Botox Risks and Side Effects
Under the care of a trained professional, Botox injections are usually safe. However, there is some risk of unwanted side effects, including:4
Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site.
Headache.
Flu-like symptoms.
Droopy eyelids or crooked eyebrows.
A crooked smile or drooling.
Watery or dry eyes.
Infection at the injection site.
In rare cases, Botox can spread to parts of the body beyond the injection site. When this happens, it can cause issues, including:5
Muscle weakness.
Vision problems.
Trouble talking or swallowing.
Breathing problems.
Allergic reaction.
Loss of bladder control.
Average Cost of Botox
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost for botulinum toxin injections is $528 per session.6 Costs will vary depending on the issue you are treating, the product used and the provider’s expenses.7 Results from Botox injections can last from three to six months.8
What is Botox in a bottle?
Botox in a bottle is a beauty industry trend to describe topical products that reduce wrinkles and fine lines, comparable to Botox injections.9
What are popular over-the-counter alternative creams and serums to Botox?
There are no over-the-counter products that contain the same active ingredients as Botox. However, there are active ingredients in non-prescription topical products that claim to reduce signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines.
Argireline Solution 10%
Argireline, the active ingredient in the 10% solution, is a short-chain peptide that works similarly to botulinum toxin. It inhibits neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction, resulting in fewer facial movements.10 In clinical studies, Argireline did not reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles enough to be statistically significant or considered a viable alternative to Botox.11
The cost of Argireline solution 10% will vary by product and brand. A popular brand, The Ordinary®, ranges from $9 to $12 for a 1 oz bottle.12
Argireline is considered a cosmetic and is not regulated by the FDA.13
Matrixyl® 3000 Serum
Matrixyl® 3000 is a branded peptide blend clinically proven to stimulate collagen production in the skin.14 It is an active ingredient in many cosmetic skin care products.
The cost of Matrixyl 3000 varies depending on concentration and brand. For example, a popular brand Timeless® serum ranges from approximately $15 to $26.15
Like Matrixyl 3000, peptides are not regulated in cosmetics by the FDA.
Retinol
Retinol belongs to a class of vitamin-A-based ingredients called retinoids.16 A common active ingredient in skin care, it is used to treat acne and signs of aging. Retinol speeds up the skin cell renewal process, keeping pores unclogged and boosting collagen.17
The price of retinols varies significantly from as low as $1018 to well over $100.19
Retinol is an over-the-counter cosmetic and, therefore, not FDA-approved. In a review of clinical trials, there was no significant or reliable evidence that retinol-containing products improve the appearance of skin.20
Prescription-strength anti-aging creams for a fraction of the price.
Clinically proven, FDA-approved options for fine lines and wrinkles. Get prescription cream online starting at $20 per month with a $20 consult.
Get StartedWhat are popular prescription-strength alternative creams and serums to Botox?
One advantage to choosing a prescription skin care treatment is that all products are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Over-the-counter products are considered cosmetics and are not regulated by the FDA.21 If you would like a Botox alternative that is stronger or more concentrated than over-the-counter options, prescription-strength creams and serums could be right for you.
Tretinoin (Retin-A®) Cream
Tretinoin cream’s active ingredient is a prescription-strength retinoid designed to treat acne and signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration. It works by speeding up the skin cell renewal process.22 Tretinoin cream is available by prescription only and comes in strengths of 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%.
Tretinoin cream is FDA-approved and has over 40 years of use.23 In multiple clinical trials, tretinoin was proven to reduce signs of chronological and photoaging (from the sun). Research has shown tretinoin to be effective at boosting collagen as well.24
The average price for tretinoin cream ranges from approximately $32 to $40 for 20 grams, depending on the strength.25 From RedBox Rx, you can get a tretinoin cream prescription for $20 per month, one of the lowest prices online.
Compare Tretinoin Cream Prescription Prices
At RedBox Rx, we believe in putting you in control. With our upfront pricing tool, you can choose how much and how often prescriptions are sent to you, ranging from monthly to quarterly and 20 grams to 90 grams. Not only do we offer these transparent, low prices on FDA-approved tretinoin (generic Retin-A), we charge only $20 for the acne or anti-aging online consultation with one of our U.S. licensed medical providers. See how we stack up against competitors.
| Brand | Cost |
|---|---|
RedBox Rx |
$20/month billed as $60/3 months |
Hers® |
$29/month |
WISP |
$25/month billed as $75/3 months |
NURX |
$30/mo billed as $90/3months + $30 consultation fee |
Agency |
$40-$65/month |
Apostrophe |
$25/month billed as $75/3 months |
Tretinoin (Retin-A®) Gel
Tretinoin gel’s active ingredient is the same as tretinoin cream, a prescription-strength retinoid. It is available in strengths of 0.01% and 0.025%. Both can be used to treat acne and signs of aging. The difference between the two is the mix of ingredients and available strengths.
The cream is water-based and the gel is alcohol-based. In general, the cream is less irritating to the skin initially because it is less drying. However, some users prefer the quicker absorption of an alcohol-based gel.26
Tretinoin gel is FDA-approved to treat acne and signs of aging.27 The price for tretinoin gel ranges from approximately $30 (15 g) to more than $230 (45 g), depending on the strength and quantity.28 From RedBox Rx, you can get a tretinoin gel prescription for $33.33 per month.
Adapalene (Differin®) 0.3% Gel
Adapalene gel also belongs to the retinoid class of medications. It works by affecting the growth of skin cells and reducing inflammation and swelling.29 Clinical research shows that adapalene effectively reduces signs of aging, including wrinkles and sun damage.30
Adapalene 0.3% gel requires a prescription and is FDA-approved for topical use.31 Adapalene 0.1% is available over the counter.32 The average price of prescription adapalene 0.3% gel is around $75 for 45 grams.33 From RedBox Rx, you can get an adapalene gel prescription for $20 per month, one of the lowest prices online.
Tazarotene (Tazorac®) 0.1% Cream
Tazarotene cream is a third-generation synthetic topical retinoid that can diminish signs of aging. It works to reduce facial wrinkles and discoloration by causing an increase in the thickness of the outer skin layers.34 Clinical research has shown tazarotene 0.1% cream to reduce signs of photodamaged facial skin and achieve results faster than tretinoin 0.05% cream.35
Tazarotene cream is FDA approved and requires a prescription.36 The average price for tazarotene 0.1% cream is approximately $111 for 30 grams.37 From RedBox Rx, you can get a tazarotene cream prescription for $75 for 30 grams, one of the lowest prices online.
Botox vs. Anti-Aging Cream & Serum Comparison Chart
How RedBox Rx Can Help
RedBox Rx makes receiving prescription-strength anti-aging skin care easy and affordable.
Benefits of RedBox Rx include:
Transparent, affordable, flat rates for medications starting at $20 per month.
$20 consultation with a U.S. licensed medical professional.
No insurance required. FSA and HSA eligible.
No office wait times or scheduling issues typical with physical medical practices.
FREE shipping directly to you. One-time, monthly and quarterly subscriptions available.
Get started on your journey toward better skin with our anti-aging assessment.
