Social media influencers have been promoting the idea of buying neurotoxins, dermal fillers and hyaluronic acid pens online to use at home. Unfortunately, DIY injections carry serious risks, including infection, scarring and even permanent skin damage. Here's what to know about the dangers of at-home injectables and the dermatologist-recommended skin care products that can deliver visible results instead.
What are at-home injections?
At-home injections, including Nabota, Innotox and other DIY alternatives to BOTOX®, are cosmetic injectables purchased outside of a medical setting and administered without a licensed provider. Because these products are sold outside regulated channels, there's no reliable way to know whether they're authentic and, even if they are, whether they've been stored properly or are expired or contaminated. That uncertainty makes every injection a risk.
Because these products bypass the regulated supply chain, there is no way to confirm what is actually inside the vial. Many are counterfeit, contaminated, diluted or improperly stored before they ever reach your door.
The dangers of at-home injectables
Even when a DIY product is authentic, injecting the face requires a detailed understanding of facial anatomy. Your face contains a complex network of blood vessels and nerves, and even a small mistake can have devastating consequences.
Board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains, "Injectables are medical procedures, and they should be treated that way. When filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel, it can block blood flow and cause tissue necrosis, or even blindness, stroke or death. Counterfeit neurotoxins carry their own risks, including everything ranging from drooping eyelids (ptosis) to botulism (difficulty breathing and swallowing that may require emergency care or hospitalization). In some cases, deaths have occurred from improper use of these."
The risks can become even greater when products are purchased online from unverified or unauthorized sources. In 2024, the CDC investigated harmful reactions associated with counterfeit or mishandled botulinum toxin injections, including cases involving self-injection and injections performed in homes and other non-healthcare settings. More recently, the CDC has continued to warn about serious illness associated with DIY botulinum toxin products purchased from unlicensed sources.
“Even authentic injectable products are not risk-free,” explains Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon. “With botulinum toxin, improper dilution and administration can cause unwanted effects such as drooping eyelids, infection, or change in facial shape or movements.”
Dermal fillers carry their own risks, including infection, nodules and accidental injection into a blood vessel which can cause catastrophic damage. Other potential complications include infection, allergic reactions, asymmetry and scarring.
“Without a trained provider, there's also no one to recognize a problem early and treat it quickly,” adds Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “In a medical office, for example, hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if a complication arises, which isn't an option at home. With blindness, stroke or death as possible side effects, seconds and minutes count if there is a complication.”
Why professional expertise matters
When performed by a board-certified dermatologist or trained medical professional, injectable treatments such as BOTOX® can deliver safe, natural-looking results. Providers use FDA-approved products from authorized distributors, follow sterile techniques and customize each treatment to your facial structure.
“Great injectable results depend on the product, the technique and the experience of the provider,” explains Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. “If you want to soften lines between appointments, or you aren't ready for injectables at all, a consistent routine with proven topical ingredients can make a noticeable difference in firmness and skin texture.”
Ingredients such as peptides, retinoids, growth factors and hyaluronic acid help support collagen, boost hydration and smooth the look of fine lines over time, all without a needle.
The best products to firm and smooth skin
A consistent skin care routine can help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture and loss of firmness over time. These dermatologist-recommended ingredients are a great place to start.
Peptides
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that help support collagen production and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This makes them a popular needle-free option for smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
LovelySkin LUXE Firming Peptide Neck Cream
Specially formulated for the delicate skin of the neck and décolleté, this cream features an Advanced Multi-Peptide Complex to improve the look of firmness, lift and elasticity. In a 16-week clinical study with twice-daily use, 100% of participants said the skin on their neck appeared lifted.
SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Wrinkle Modulating Peptide Serum
Inspired by the effects of neurotoxin injections, this serum combines 2% hexapeptide and 2% dipeptide to visibly reduce nine types of contraction and expression lines. PHA and niacinamide also refine the look of pores and reveal glass skin radiance in as little as one week.
Retinoids
Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that speed up cell turnover and boost collagen production, which makes them one of the most well-researched ingredients for smoothing the look of fine lines and wrinkles at home.
LovelySkin LUXE Advanced Retinol Serum
Formulated with 0.5% retinol, this serum fades the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and large pores while promoting a plump and firm appearance. A combination of lipids helps restore the skin barrier to reduce the dryness and peeling often associated with retinol.
skinbetter science AlphaRet Overnight Cream
Powered by patented AlphaRet technology, this award-winning cream combines a retinoid with lactic acid to improve the look of lines, wrinkles, uneven tone and texture with minimal irritation. Peptides, ceramides and squalane help support firmness while delivering lasting hydration.
Growth Factors
Growth factors are proteins that help regulate the skin’s natural repair and renewal processes, supporting firmer, smoother-looking skin over time.
Neocutis Bio Serum Firm Rejuvenating Growth Factor & Peptide Treatment
This supercharged serum combines Neocutis' proprietary peptides and human growth factors to help skin look smoother, tighter and firmer in just six days. With continued use, you'll see an even greater difference plus improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by eight weeks.
Glo Skin Beauty Bio-Renew EGF Drops
Featuring 100% vegan epidermal growth factors (EGF) and a multi-peptide complex, this reparative serum stimulates collagen and elastin to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid instantly draws moisture to the skin's surface for a plumping effect.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is the same ingredient found in many dermal fillers, and when applied topically, it draws moisture into the skin to plump the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
LovelySkin LUXE HA Peptide Serum
This moisturizing serum uses hyaluronic acid to firm and plump the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while peptides derived from growth factors help support skin's natural renewal process. Swiss apple stem cells and Persian silk tree extract leave skin looking healthier and more radiant.
SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen Replenish + Restore Hydrator
Featuring five forms of hyaluronic acid, this lightweight hydrator provides immediate moisture while helping support the skin's ability to retain hydration. The result is a plumper, smoother and more dewy-looking complexion.
Looking for more ways to keep your complexion healthy, smooth and glowing? Learn how to rebuild your skin barrier after over-exfoliating on the LovelySkin blog.
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