In an efficacy-first world, consumers are increasingly seeking out advanced skin care solutions that deliver professional, medspa-level results in the comfort of their own homes. Enter the rise of “treatment in a bottle”—a trend that bridges the gap between clinical-grade procedures and at-home convenience. From needle-free fillers to microneedling-inspired serums, these innovative products promise to transform the way shoppers approach facial skin care. Here, we break down standout concepts redefining the industry and offer innovation takeaways for marketers and product developers.
Consumers Send Mixed Signals on Facial Skin Care
Before we dive into the effects of treatment-inspired products on the skin care sector, it’s important to understand where facial skin care stands in 2025. According to a McKinsey reporta released in June of this year, consumers overwhelmingly consider facial serums, eye creams and facial moisturizers as the most splurge-worthy products in skin care.
Yet facial skin care—particularly sales in brick-and-mortar stores—were the primary drag on the U.S. prestige skin care sector in the first half of 2025, per Circanab. In fact, the prestige skin care category actually declined 1% in that period. Instead, growth was led by mass, as well as prestige body creams, cleansers and hand soaps, signaling that growth has migrated away from the face.
That said, McKinsey offers a hint of what consumers prioritize. Rather than public-facing founders or sustainability, today’s shoppers are focused on product quality and efficacy, fundamentals that facial skin care brands can leverage for relevance.
This provides the perfect setting for the rise of so-called “treatment in a bottle” skin care.
Needle-free Fillers & Botox Alternatives
In July, biotech beauty brand Ourself launched what it touted as a reengineered version of its Replenishing Lip Filler. As Tina Fleck, the brand’s VP of R&D, put it: "This truly is as close as you can get to filler—without the needle."
The filler features Ourself’s Tiered-Release Vesicle technology, which delivers dual-weight hyaluronic acid, peptides antioxidants and benzyl nicotinate deep into the lips to replenish volume while smoothing the texture and enhancing definition.
Designed to complement injectable procedures, the Replenishing Lip Filler pen presents an at-home solution that is safe for consumers.
"This is a game changer," said Carolyn Jacob, MD, investigator on the product’s efficacy study. "Achieving 0.61 cc in volume—more than half a syringe of HA—without a needle is remarkable. We saw measurable improvements in definition, contour and overall lip aesthetics."
The Ourself launch is part of a wider phenomenon Spate has called “treatment in a bottle,” offering professional- and medspa-inspired benefits in consumer-friendly formats.
Also on the needle-less front is DSM-Firmenich's Syn-Ake, which is "a neuro-inspired cosmetic peptide that helps visibly smooth expression lines by reducing the look of micro-tension in the skin, offering a refined, non-invasive alternative for clinical beauty-inspired care," according to Irena James, senior business development manager, beauty and personal care, ingredients and specialties, Univar Solutions.
The synthetic peptide is designed to relax the face, reducing the appearance of wrinkles without diminishing facial expressiveness, per the company. By relaxing the face, Syn-Ake is also able to delay the onset of new wrinkles. The technology is reportedly fast-acting, long-lasting and fully reversible.
K-Beauty Microneedling in a Bottle
Famous for its viral "microneedling in a bottle" product, the Reedle Shot, VT-Cosmetics can offer what it claims are professional-grade results at home, utilizing biodegradable microneedles for a seamless and effective experience.VT-Cosmetics
Famous for its viral "microneedling in a bottle" product, the Reedle Shot, the brand can offer what it claims are professional-grade results at home, utilizing biodegradable microneedles for a seamless and effective experience.
The U.S. expansion featured nine core products, including the best-selling Vegan PDRN Essence, designed for sensitive skin. Ulta Beauty also offered two exclusive starter kits to introduce consumers to the brand’s microneedling products.
With a strong following in Asia and more than 100 million organic impressions on TikTok and YouTube, VT-Cosmetics aims to meet growing demand for advanced, clinic-grade skin care at home.
VT-Cosmetics’ success with its Vegan PDRN Essence points to a wider trend, per Spatec.
Another highlight, salmon sperm, was a top percentage grower on both Google and TikTok queries pairing the ingredient with skin care products. Salmon sperm, which comprises polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), is renowned for its stimulation of collagen production, as well as skin hydration and regeneration.
From Salmon to Skin Care: The PDRN Glow-Up Revolution
Spate has also highlighted PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) as a standout in the treatment-in-a-bottle revolution, offering results comparable to microneedling in a more accessible form.
PDRN, a DNA-based compound extracted from salmon sperm (vegan alternatives exist), promotes skin repair and rejuvenation by stimulating cellular regeneration and boosting collagen production.
In June, Spate reported, “Interest in PDRN serums has surged more than 1,000% over the past year, and across platforms.” Key brands associated with the trend included K-beauty superstars Medicube and Rejuran. Given the PDRN craze, the ingredient has started turning up in products such as Lancôme's Absolue Longevity Soft Cream, while players like AmorePacific are exploring non-animal alternatives from algae and other sources.
Goodbye 'Ozempic Face': a New GLP-1 Skin Savior Emerges
In August 2025, SkinCeuticals launched its A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum, which was designed to address sagging skin related to sudden weight loss. SkinCeuticals
In August 2025, SkinCeuticals launched its A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum, which was designed to address sagging skin related to sudden weight loss. Via physician testing with GLP-1 patients, the serum’s efficacy in conjunction with ultrasound procedures reportedly delivered a 20% decrease in skin laxity vs. a control over 12-weeks.
The A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum is a non-invasive solution engineered to address collagen loss and glycation. It features 34.6% Flavo-Proxylane, a combination of 30% proxylane to improve firmness and reduce wrinkles and 4.6% wild fruit flavonoids (blueberry, pomegranate and Cassia alata extract) to combat oxidative stress and shield the skin from free radicals.
Other ingredients include rhamnose, hydrating, anti-aging sugar that enhances elasticity and visibly revitalizes the skin, and Gentiana lutea root extract, an antioxidant that protects collagen and supports overall skin health.
The serum also contains emollients, polymers and patent-pending film formers for a reportedly lightweight and non-sticky feel and velvety-smooth finish.
"I've seen a marked increase in patients experiencing skin laxity, and they are looking for effective, non-invasive solutions for their sagging skin," said Julie Woodward, MD, oculofacial plastic surgeon. "A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum is incredibly effective and clinically proven to deliver visible lifting and tightening results on its own. When paired with existing SkinCeuticals product A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced Cream and an ultrasound procedure, patients can expect visible improvements to their skin laxity. This makes a huge difference in these patients' lives, giving them tools that help them achieve as much confidence in their face as they have in their body. This serum is truly a 'visible lift in a bottle.'"
Chestnuts to the Rescue: Rapid Lifting & Firming
Earlier this year, Silab unveiled new efficacy data for its chestnut-derived Liftilience, highlighting lifting effects for the face and tensor effects for the body, as well as long-lasting anti-wrinkle and radiance-boosting effects.Krakenimages.com at Adobe Stock
The company reported a rapid lifting effect (within 15 min) on crow's feet from a single application of a gel product formulated with 0.32% Liftilience. The ingredient also displayed a long-lasting tensor effect on the body, per Silab, when applied on the thighs in a gel formula incorporating 0.16% of the active. Results included a 5% boost in skin firmness, 8% increase in skin elasticity and 34% boost in skin tone just four hours post-application.
After 21 days of twice-daily application, Liftilience reportedly smoothed forehead wrinkles (-11%) and boosted radiance (reflection up 14%, pink color up 17% and olive color down 14%). Perceived eye fatigue also reportedly declined by 17%.
In a subjective evaluation, 78% of volunteers found their wrinkles and lines less visible, per Silab, while 91% found their skin more luminous; 100% of them considered their skin softer.
Martha Stewart’s Lab-forward Skin Care Takes on Pro Treatments
The "treatment-in-a-bottle" trend has made its mark in the celebrity brand arena as well. Elm Biosciences, a clinical skin care line co-founded by Martha Stewart and board-certified dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, FAAD.Elm Biosciences
The brand launched with two products. The A3O Elemental Serum ($135) is an antioxidant formula featuring an anti-senescent molecule that targets UV damage, pigmentation, dehydration and irritation without harming sensitive skin. Meanwhile, the Inner Dose Daily Skin Supplement (SRP $50) is a capsule that reportedly targets the internal triggers of aging, including inflammation, oxidative stress and hormonal imbalances.
At the time of the brand’s launch, Bhanusali noted, “Elm was created to solve a clear problem: the science has evolved, but most skin care hasn’t. Our goal is to bring novel molecules and complexes to skin care that reset the expectations we have for what products can do. While Martha has always led in ‘farm to table,’ Elm is our answer to ‘lab to consumer.’”
Performance-Boosting Packaging in the Era of Slow Aging & Longevity
The Derma Series from Aptar represents a curated collection of high-performance dispensing solutions, supported by technical expertise and regulatory guidance.Aptar
"The industry is not after anti-aging anymore; everyone is moving to 'longevity,' and longevity brings together beauty and health," says Xavier Joseph, vice president, global marketing, innovation and business development at Aptar Beauty.
Achieving high-performance, professional-quality results relies on both formula integrity and precise application. That’s why packaging plays a pivotal role in the success of beauty product launches.
"The dermocosmetic and medical aesthetic markets are outpacing the traditional beauty market—having grown historically at 10–15% CAGR, with a projected lead of 2-3 points above the category averagee," says Joseph.
He adds, "These brands face complex regulatory demands and require packaging that protects potent actives, supports patient adherence and elevates brand image. We proactively conducted our own independent analysis by soliciting direct input from our brand partners and dermatologists. Through this exercise, we identified the problems they were facing and where we had opportunities to help them as a packaging and dispensing partner."
According to Joseph, these concerns included:
- What is the right packaging for my formula (aggressive, active, preservative-free)?
- How do I achieve a premium brand image while remaining sustainable?
- How can the package be inclusive in design (ergonomic, functional)?
- How can I improve patient adherence to help them achieve their desired results?
- How do I navigate the robust regulatory requirements for this industry to ensure I am compliant?
The executive notes, "Based on feedback and our deep understanding of this rapidly growing market, we leveraged Aptar’s dual expertise in beauty and pharma to engineer a packaging platform that meets these needs. The Derma Series is the result: a curated range of high-performance dispensing solutions backed by technical services and regulatory support."
Precision dosing was a particular area of focus in the design process.
Aptar's NeoDropper delivers formula protection, precise dosage control and reduced product waste compared to traditional droppers.Aptar
As beauty and science advance together, formulations continue to improve—featuring higher concentrations, fewer preservatives and increasingly sophisticated active ingredients.
"The Derma Series collection addresses these different needs by providing brands with selective packaging and dispensing options that are paired with in-house services such as formula compatibility, simulation technology, fast prototyping and usability testing in our labs, as well as connected solutions," says Joseph.
Aptar helps clients choose the best packaging for their products by focusing on key priorities: protecting the formula, ensuring precise dosing, and enhancing user experience to promote adherence.
"This collection of high-performance packaging and dispensing solutions perfectly adapts to these specifications," says Joseph. "All technologies are compatible with skin care or personal care formulations: airless, cosmetic pumps, droppers, dispensing pumps, spray pumps and aerosols. Each solution is capable of premiumization for shelf differentiation and offers sustainable features."
Skin Care Gets Serious: Pro Results, No Needles
As consumers prioritize quality and efficacy over flashiness, the surge in “treatment in a bottle” products is not just a trend but a reflection of changing skin care preferences. With groundbreaking innovations like PDRN serums, needle-free fillers and microneedling-inspired solutions, beauty brands are meeting demands for professional-grade results without the need for invasive procedures. This movement signifies a new era in skin care, where advanced technology and accessibility converge to empower consumers and redefine beauty routines.
Treatment-in-a-Bottle Playbook for Marketers & Product Developers
Focus on At-Home Professional Results
Consumers want medspa-level results at home. Products like needle-free fillers and microneedling-inspired serums are leading the way, showing demand for high-efficacy, clinic-grade solutions in convenient formats.
Prioritize Product Efficacy
Shoppers are prioritizing quality and effectiveness over other factors like sustainability or brand image. Highlighting proven results and scientific innovation can drive product relevance.
Leverage Emerging Ingredients
Ingredients like PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) and dual-weight hyaluronic acid are gaining traction due to their ability to promote collagen production, skin hydration and repair. Incorporating such trending ingredients can resonate with consumers.
Capitalize on Viral Trends
Products like VT-Cosmetics’ microneedling-inspired serum gained popularity via platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Engaging with social media trends and viral marketing can amplify product reach and appeal.
Expand Accessibility
As seen with VT-Cosmetics entering Ulta Beauty, making advanced skin care accessible through mainstream retail channels can enhance visibility and meet growing consumer demand for at-home solutions.
Explore Multi-Channel Storytelling
Create educational and engaging content around advanced skin care solutions and their science-backed benefits. Highlighting unique technologies like Tiered-Release Vesicles or biodegradable microneedles can build trust and excitement.
Monitor Consumer Shifts in Spending
While facial skin care has historically been a priority, growth in categories like body creams and cleansers indicates a shift. Diversifying product lines to address broader skin care needs may capture a wider audience.
Footnotes
awww.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/state-of-beauty
bwww.circana.com/industries/beauty
ewww.iqvia.com/library/white-papers/under-the-skin-dermocosmetics-2022
