While most Vogue-approved products for mature skin can help smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles—whether it’s a retinol serum or a peptide cream—the best wrinkle patches work a bit differently. By adhering to the skin, they create a physical barrier that temporarily prevents it from creasing. In some cases, wrinkle patches also deliver hydrating ingredients that fill lines in—at least for the length of a holiday party, if not forever.
Vogue’s Favorite Wrinkle Patches
“Wrinkle patches should be viewed as a supplementary treatment,” says Rayva Khanna, MD, a dermatology resident at Georgetown University Medical Center. “They can help soften the appearance of early fine lines, but deeper etched lines may require follow-up with a dermatologist for laser treatment or injectables.”
Think of it like this: Before an event, the best wrinkle patches put a final, smoothing touch on the skin—the beauty version, if you will, of steaming your outfit. Ahead, everything you need to know about the treatment; plus, the wrinkle patches dermatologists most recommend for giving the skin around the forehead, eyes, and mouth an age-defying refresh.
In This Story
- Do wrinkle patches actually work?
- What do wrinkle patches do?
- How do wrinkle patches differ from injectables like Botox?
- Who should be using wrinkle patches?
- How often can you use wrinkle patches?
- Notable ingredients to look out for?
- Are there any drawbacks to wrinkle patches?
- How We Tested
- Meet The Experts
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 Nicole Ruth, MD. "These luxury patches are crafted to provide a spa-like experience with visible, short-term smoothing results.”
- Key Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, peptides
- What’s Included: 2 semi-circle patches, 2 strips, 1 patch
- Skin Type: All skin types
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| Has patches of different sizes, packed with powerful ingredients | Some with sensitive skin may experience mild tingling |
Best Retinol Patches: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Perfectly Dosed Treatment
- Why We Love It: Instead of a leave-on patch, this Dr. Dennis Gross offering works like a toner pad to treat skin in just a few sweeps. “This pre-dosed retinol pad (each box contains 8 treatment pads) comes in two concentrations—one for novice users and another for experienced retinol users—to target stubborn fine lines,” explains board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD. This way, you can choose a treatment best for your skin type. Dr. Ruth adds that this uses a Lyocell delivery system, which is derived from wood pulp and is biodegradable. “The material is friendly for all skin types and helps form an occlusive barrier to deliver its active ingredients, such as niacinamide, L-ascorbic acid, and green tea,” she says.
- Key Ingredients: Pure 0.2% retinol, bakuchiol, rambutan, ferulic acid, squalane, hyaluronic acid
- What’s Included: 8 treatment pads
- Skin Type: Oily, normal, dry, or combination skin types
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| Comes in two concentrations to accommodate different levels of retinol sensitivity | Some notice mild redness or dryness after application |
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.”
- Key Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, 7-peptide blend, hyaluronic acid
- What’s Included: 6 patches
- Skin Type: All skin types
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| Can make frown lines and crows’ feet less visible | Adhesion could be better for those with oily skin |
Best Drugstore: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Non-Invasive Targeted Patches
- 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.
- Key Ingredients: Retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid
- What’s Included: 2 patches
- Skin Type: All skin types
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| Widely available, reasonable price point | May cause slight redness on some skin types |
Best for Forehead: Foreo FAQ Microneedling Anti-Wrinkle Hyaluronic Acid Patches
- Why We Love It: Foreo’s patches use more than 1,100 dissolving microneedles to push hydrating ingredients—including a hyaluronic acid complex—into the skin on the forehead. Firming, plumping, and smoothing, the patches can be paired with an LED face mask for elevated results; you can also use them on their own. “These forehead-specific patches deliver hydrators that pull water into the skin for a smoother look with immediate improvement in texture and fine lines,” Dr. Khanna says. In addition to the hydrating complex, the patches are infused with ku shen root to soothe inflammation and mugwort leaf extract for moisture.
- Key Ingredients: HA complex, ku shen root, mugwort leaf extract
- What’s Included: 3 patches per box
- Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types
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| The microneedles boost ingredient delivery | There’s a potential for mild irritation in some skin types |
Best Multipurpose: Wrinkles Schminkles Self-Dissolving Microneedle Patches
- Why We Love It: “Wrinkles Schminkles Self-Dissolving Microneedle patches are the best multipurpose patches,” says Dr. Khanna. Infused with topical collagen, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and caffiene, “They allow a blend of hydrating ingredients, antioxidants, and peptides to reach deeper layers of the skin, supporting both short-and long-term benefits,” she notes. Plus, they’re versatile: “These can be used for wrinkles around the mouth, in the central forehead, and under the eyes,” Dr. Khanna explains.
- Key Ingredients: Topical collagen, hyaluronic acid, peptides, caffeine
- What’s Included: 4 pairs per pack
- Skin Type: Normal to dry
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| Can be used around the mouth and eyes, and on the forehead | The strong adhesive can be tricky to peel off |
Best Retinol-Free Option: Peter Thomas Roth FirmX Collagen Hydra-Gel Face and Eye Patches
- 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.
- Key Ingredients:
- What’s Included: 3 types of patch shapes
- Skin Type: Dry and sensitive skin types
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| Ideal for those who don’t tolerate retinol well | The patches can shift a bit before they settle onto the skin |
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 Dr. 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
- What’s Included: 4 treatments
- Skin Type: All skin types
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| Stay in place overnight | Can be a bit difficult to remove |
Best for Fine Lines: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch for Fine Lines
- 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 Dr. Ruth.
- Key Ingredients: Retinol, adenosine, sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide
- What’s Included: 6 patches
- Skin Type: All Skin Types
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| Deposits targeted ingredients directly into the skin | The micro-point delivery system could irritate some sensitive skin types |
Best for Under-Eyes: Glov Beauty Serum-Infused Micro Dart Eye Patches
- Why We Love It: Designed to brighten and plump the under-eyes, these patches use micro-dart technology—or teeny, serum-infused tips that melt into the skin—to deliver plumping ingredients. “These patches contain powerful hydrators like hyaluronic acid for instant deep hydration,” says Dr. Khanna. “The serum also includes peptides such as oligopeptide-1 to support collagen production.” Dr. Khanna notes that patches’ “powerhouse ingredients,” combined with their microneedle-style delivery system, work particularly well to soften fine lines under the eyes.
- Key Ingredients: Snow mushroom extract, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid
- What’s Included: 8 patches (4 pairs) of under-eye patches
- Skin Type: Suited for all skin types
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| Dermatologist-tested, safe for all skin types | There are mixed reviews on how well the microdart technology delivers the serum |
Everything You Need to Know:
Do wrinkle patches actually work?
“Wrinkle patches can be somewhat effective for temporary results,” explains Dr. Ruth. These patches are designed to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles by adhering to the skin, preventing muscle movement and skin folding. Some patches are infused with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or peptides, which can hydrate the skin and promote collagen production. “Wrinkle patches that deliver retinol or peptides may offer longer-term benefits by boosting collagen production with consistent use,” adds Murphy-Rose.
However, it is important to have realistic expectations when using wrinkle patches, as they are not as effective as in-office treatments. The results are often short-lived, typically lasting only a few hours after the patch is removed. “They work best for superficial lines and as part of a broader skin-care routine, rather than as a stand-alone solution. I still recommend in-office procedures like neurotoxins or lasers to effectively combat wrinkles,” says Dr. Ruth.
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,” Dr. 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?
Dr. 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.
“As a board-certified dermatologist, I would recommend Botox over a patch any day, unless there are contraindications to neurotoxin treatments, such as pregnancy or breastfeeding,” says Dr. Ruth.
Who should be using wrinkle patches?
“I would recommend a wrinkle patch for patients looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly those with early signs of aging,” says Dr. Ruth. They can be a good option for individuals who want to avoid or delay more invasive procedures like Botox or fillers, for example, younger individuals and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Those with sensitive skin might also find wrinkle patches a gentler alternative to other anti-aging treatments. “However, they work best for individuals with fine lines rather than deep wrinkles and should be viewed as a complementary treatment rather than a complete solution for aging skin,” Dr. Ruth instructs.
How often can you use wrinkle patches?
Wrinkle patches can typically be used as often as desired, though the exact frequency may depend on the specific product and its ingredients. Some people incorporate them into their nightly skin-care routine, while others might use them a few times a week or before special occasions. “It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid potential irritation, especially if the patches contain active ingredients like retinol, which can cause sensitivity if overused,” says Dr. Ruth.
What Ingredients to Look for in a Wrinkle Patch
When choosing wrinkle patches, look for ingredients known for their anti-aging properties. Dr. Ruth explains that hyaluronic acid is a standout for its ability to deeply hydrate and plump the skin, thereby reducing the appearance of fine lines. Peptides are also beneficial, as they help stimulate collagen production, which can improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles over time. Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is another powerful ingredient that promotes cell turnover and collagen synthesis, though it should be used with caution as it can cause irritation for some skin types and should be avoided by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. “I also recommend masks that contain antioxidants like vitamin C, which can help protect the skin from environmental damage and brighten the complexion,” says Dr. Ruth.
Dr. Khanna adds that the patches perform best when layered into a skin-care routine that already includes active ingredients like retinoids, peptides, and vitamin C. And as ever, SPF reigns supreme. “Sunscreen remains the most important step to protect collagen and prevent new wrinkles from forming,” she says.
Are there any drawbacks to wrinkle patches?
“Most wrinkle patches provide temporary hydration, and results vary if they are not used consistently,” Dr. Khanna notes. “They also do very little to prevent the underlying muscle movement that drives most dynamic wrinkles.”
Additionally, Dr. Khanna cautions that wrinkle patches containing active ingredients can irritate some skin types. “This effect is usually modest and depends on individual skin sensitivity,” she elaborates. “But for patients with very sensitive or reactive skin, I recommend avoiding wrinkle patches that rely on microneedle technology.”
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to wrinkle patches, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: key ingredients, number of microneedles, and the skin-care concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Meet The Experts
- Brendan Camp, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York.
- Nicole Ruth, DO, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York.
- Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist seeing patients in New York and the Hamptons; she’s also the founder of Skincare Junkie.
- Rayva Khanna, MD, is a dermatology resident at Georgetown University Medical Center.
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