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Warning: Spoilers for Survivor seasons 49 and 50 ahead.

Before she arrived in Fiji to compete on Survivor season 49 last April, Savannah Louie amped up her workout routine. She took bootcamp classes to improve her strength and endurance, did hot yoga to condition her body for the island heat, and worked out after fasting to get used to exerting herself while hungry and weak. She prepped aesthetically, too. Before the 26 days of filming began, she made a point of getting a gel manicure and having her hair colored. She’d already gotten laser hair removal, and was reaping the wrinkle-reducing benefits of a recent Botox appointment. After all, on Survivor you don't have access to makeup, skin care, or even a shower—but Louie and some other contestants still managed to look camera-ready at all times.

As a former newscaster, Louie already knew how much work it takes to look good on screen. But she wasn’t the only contestant that season who prepared this way—and fans noticed. "Why does this cast seem so well-groomed and polished?" asked one Redditor in r/survivor. In the comments, fans speculated on a laundry list of beauty treatments contestants might have had done: Eyebrow microblading and lamination, lip blushing and tinting, lash lifts and extensions, laser hair removal, keratin hair treatments, teeth whitening, gel manicures, Botox, fillers, the list goes on.

They weren’t wrong. But pre-show cosmetic interventions haven’t always been the norm. The competition series has a long and complicated relationship with beauty—and the contestants' newly snatched appearances reflect not just the way the show has changed but the way society around it has changed, too.

Sage Ahren-Nichols on season 49.

Photo: Courtesy of CBS

Survivor premiered in 2000, and watching the early seasons, you can tell. Beautiful women (and men—you've seen photos of Boston Rob in 2002, right?) were key to the show’s marketing strategy. One of its most-referenced early scenes featured contestants Heidi Strobel and Jenna Morasca stripping naked in exchange for chocolate and peanut butter in a 2003 episode titled "Girls Gone Wilder." In 2015, CBS promoted the show on its website by publishing a photo slideshow of female contestants with the headline "The 36 Hottest Bikinis Ever Worn on Survivor."

But back then, beauty on Survivor was a lot less… polished. Parvati Shallow, one of Survivor's best-known players, first competed on Survivor 13: Cook Islands in 2006 and went on to compete in four other seasons through 2025. She tells me that when she found out she’d been cast on the show for the first time, she only had one piece of beauty prep in mind. "The only thing I did before Cook Islands was laser hair removal for my bikini and my underarms," Shallow says, recalling the way cameras would often pan up and down women’s bodies. "There is always a challenge where you're holding your arms over your head. I saw that and said, 'I'm not gonna be the girl with the hairy pits.'" But otherwise, she says, "On Survivor, you're going to be covered in dirt and look a little like a caveman. I just accepted that." Her prep remained low-key for her next three appearances, but for Survivor Australia v. the World in 2025, she says she got Botox "because I get very squinty in the sun."

I'm a relatively recent Survivor fan. In the past 14 months, I've watched 30 seasons and counting, spanning 25 years of television, and have witnessed a time-lapse of changing aesthetic ideals. Survivor is a particularly interesting example of changing beauty trends because contestants don't have access to makeup or skin care products on the island—save for sunscreen (more of a health necessity than a beauty one). You don't see makeup trends like the Tumblr-beloved winged eyeliner, colorful eyeshadow, or bold matte lipstick, but you can pinpoint when microblading went mainstream (season 30 from 2015). In the early seasons, many of the female contestants are thin, pretty, and often wearing skimpy bikinis—but their faces are bare with scant lashes, faint eyebrows, and foreheads that crinkle naturally with their facial expressions. In contrast, many of today's female contestants have Botox-smooth foreheads, clear, dewy skin, dramatic brows and lashes, and sparkling white smiles.

"To be perfectly honest… going on the show has made me a lot more self-conscious about how I look than before."

Savannah Louie

All this beauty prep isn't a secret; in fact, many female constants are happy to talk about it. In a pre-season interview, season 49 contestant Sage Ahren-Nichols told The Seattle Times that she thinks her fellow contestants misjudged her, in part, because her Botox made her appear unempathetic. During and shortly after season 49 aired, Louie and fellow contestants Sophi Balerdi and MC Chukwujekwu answered fan questions on TikTok about their on-island beauty looks; Balerdi credited a Grande Cosmetics serum for her long lashes, while Chukwujekwu shared that her glow during her first appearance on the jury was thanks to bug spray, not body oil as some assumed. That said, sometimes there’s nothing juicy to share: Balerdi tells me that Fiji’s humidity, sun, and salt water were responsible for her “Survivor glow.”

If male contestants are engaging in pre-taping primping, they’re remaining tight-lipped about it—with the notable exception of Survivor New Zealand's Adam O'Brien, who revealed he got a whopping 36 units of Botox before competing so he could purposefully hide his expressions from his competitors (one has to wonder if he was also viewed negatively among his castmates like Ahren-Nichols says she was).

Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick on season 50.

Photo: Courtesy of CBS

Other contestants beauty prep for reasons beyond the aesthetic, too. Tiffany Ervin says she got her hair braided before filming season 46 for practical purposes. "Being out there in the jungle with a curly afro is absolutely not a thing," she says. "It was a non-negotiable: I had to get braids." She decided to style her long box braids in Scary Spice-inspired space buns, which immediately made her stand out in press photos. "I thought it was a cute way to have a braided hairstyle but make it unique to me," Ervin says. She decided to recreate her hairstyle for her return on Season 50.

And speaking of season 50—the first all-star season since 2020—trailers and cast photos ahead of its February 25 premiere have shown a transformation among returning contestants. Louie is returning for season 50; she got Botox during her short break between seasons. "When you hear Survivor 50 and you know how many resources are going into it and how much excitement there is, you want to look good," she tells me. "You can tell from just watching the trailer, the women are gorgeous. You can tell people have their eyelashes done and they look spectacular." She sees a difference in her own appearance between seasons 49 and 50, too: “When you watch the trailer for 50, I feel like I do look a little different. My forehead does look a little bit smoother, and I'm like, 'Thank you, Botox.'”

Tiffany Ervin on season 50.

Photo: Courtesy of CBS

For other contestants, going on Survivor season 50 meant returning to the show for the first time in over a decade. Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick is returning for season 50; she was just 24 when she first appeared on Survivor in 2005 and was 30 the last time she appeared on the show in 2010. "I'm 46 now. I don't look like I did in my twenties," she says. Her season 50 prep included laser hair removal, a series of facials, dermaplaning, an eyebrow tint and wax, a lash lift and tint, Botox, and collagen and peptide supplements. "In the new era, everybody's more contoured and everybody has the lashes and everybody has big perfect brows and all that because that's in," she says. “It's just another level of beauty, you know?”

While contestants can be critiqued by fans for not looking well-groomed enough, those who are perceived as too polished can also get backlash. "It felt a little tricky on my first season of Survivor, because when someone looks at me, they immediately have a perception of me," says Dee Valladares, who won Survivor 46 in 2024 and is returning for season 50. Her well-groomed looks—she got Botox and microblading before her appearance—led some Survivor fans to perceive her negatively. "I've been told, 'You're from Miami and you might be stuck up.' I even got fans calling me a 'mean girl.' If I looked different and I said the same things, you might not say that about me, or if you met me in real life," she says. "But, you know, you're either loved or hated."

Savannah Louie in season 49.

Photo: Courtesy of CBS

Savannah Louie in season 50.

Photo: Courtesy of CBS

Louie says she was also frustrated by some of the fan commentary on her looks during season 49. "It's not a show about being the best-looking person on the beach, right?" she says. "I've been very surprised to get feedback talking about what I look like when the game is supposed to be about strategy and physical competition and social game. People are like, 'her smile is too toothy' or 'her eyebrows are crazy.' To be perfectly honest with you, I feel like going on the show has made me a lot more self-conscious about how I look than before."

So, yes, Survivor contestants are looking more snatched than ever before—but can you blame them? It sounds like fan reactions would be even more brutal if they weren't. And honestly, it feels like everyone is looking more snatched than ever before, whether they’re on TV or not. "I know so many women in my circle who are not on TV who are getting the same treatments that I got when I was getting ready for Survivor 50 and Survivor 49," says Louie. "I think it's just a reflection of where our society is as a whole with beauty. And that's one of the cool things about Survivor—the game itself is a reflection of our society."

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You don't need a special meaning behind a tattoo, but for many people—Jennifer Love Hewitt included—our ink is inspired by the people, places, and things that matter most. For example, in 2023, she got an important reminder, “the universe always provides,” tattooed on her forearm, and in 2024, she got a tribute to her show, 9-1-1, in the form of a phone on her wrist. And she just shared the latest addition to her collection, which may just be her most heartfelt yet.

On her Instagram Stories, Hewitt shared an artsy black-and-white photo of the back of her wrist. There, a few inches above a cluster of bracelets, is a new, super-dainty tattoo: four little hearts, each one drawn a little differently, a little imperfectly. But when you know why, it turns out they're actually perfect.

“I had my husband and kids draw hearts for me,” Hewitt captioned the photo. “And now I can see them all the time." How sweet is that?

Hewitt tagged and thanked Orange, California, tattoo artist Audrey Glass, known for both fine-line tattoos and cosmetic tattooing like microblading and freckles.

Photo: Jennifer Love Hewitt/Instagram

You have to admit, it's a lovely idea. It's very much in the same vein as handwriting tattoos, like Kylie Jenner's tattoo of her grandmother's name in her grandfather's handwriting, and Demi Lovato's tattoo of her mother's handwriting, reading, “I love you more.” And tiny hearts? This is bound to be collected all over Pinterest.

The great news is, even if you copy the idea, the hearts will always be unique to the people drawing them—and that's what makes this ink particularly special.

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Jennifer Garner is a woman who knows what she wants. And doesn't want. At least right now. Chatting with Kylie Kelce on her podcast Not Gonna Lie With Kylie Kelce, the star of The Last Thing He Told Me shared what cosmetic procedures she's currently willing and unwilling to get, but was also candid about not knowing how she may feel down the line.

Kelce brought up that Garner had once said she wants to be able to move her forehead because it's “such a big part of my face.” And the actor confirmed she still very much feels this way.

“I mean, of course, I've tried Botox and all that, but it takes very little to completely freeze my forehead,” she says. “And then I just feel so conspicuous, like I've got a walking billboard. I might as well get a tattoo of something, you know, across it. It's horrible. So no, the Botox in the forehead, unfortunately, is not for me.”

But that doesn't mean she doesn't sometimes take issue with her lines. “I have creasy wrinkles, and I'm just—they're going to have to just be there. So sometimes I get bangs,” she says (though, we ought to note, she currently isn't keeping her forehead covered with any fringe). “Women have been doing it forever.”

She isn't against seeing a dermatologist for some cosmetic poking, however. “Don't think that I don't have something in there,” she says, touching her cheeks, and assuring Kelce she hasn't had any actual surgery. "Once a year, I go see someone, and I'm like, do it. I'm a pincushion.” It's unclear if Garner means she gets filler, microneedling, or something else that calls for a pincushion metaphor, but we appreciate her candor nonetheless.

“I can't really tell the difference after—that's what I've noticed. The more you spend on a dermatologist doing a bunch of things to your face, the less you can tell that they've done it. And somehow that's a good thing,” she says, laughing about how she just wants to look subtly refreshed. “I don't know why, but I will go pay them so much money to say, 'I don't want to see it.'”

And her kids really don't want to see it. “My kids are like, 'Mom, promise us you'll never get a facelift.' And I say, ‘I am unlikely to rush toward a facelift,’” she says. “And yet, I refuse to make that promise, because I am me today, and I don't know how I'm gonna feel.”

See the entire interview below.

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Hailey Bieber definitely has a signature beauty look. The model and Rhode founder is drawn to dewy skin (or “glazed donut” skin, as she calls it), layered cream blush, minimal eye makeup, and a lined, contoured lip. She has previously described her glam routine as “less is more," and while she doesn't typically use a full suite of products for her GRWM TikTok videos, we love poring over them to see which products earn the highly coveted Hailey Bieber seal of approval.

In her latest video, which depicts off her current go-to routine for “fresh skin and a lip on repeat,” which begins with a very intriguing foundation application. Instead of smoothing on a liquid formula with her fingers or a brush, she mixes a few generous drops of her chosen shade with Rhode's Glazing Milk, swirls them together, and applies the combo to her skin with a medium-sized brush, taking her time to really buff the product in for a light-as-air finish.

The foundation in question is m.ph beauty by Mary Phillips's new Le Skin Weightless Serum Foundation, which the brand describes as a “breathable” foundation with a buildable medium finish. It comes in 35 shades and retails for $49. This product pick makes a lot of sense, as Bieber has been working with Phillips for years. Mixing it with the Glazing Milk allows for a sheer, featherlight texture that lets Bieber's skin shine. Once she's done applying foundation, she dots on a bit of concealer (Kosas Revealer Concealer, if you're curious) and sets it with powder, then dots a few faux freckles across the bridge of her nose. The “lip on repeat” starts with a Rhode Peptide Lip Shape liner, and Bieber then fills in the shape with a rosy brown lipstick; her exact shade is Merit's Lip Blush in Bespoke.

Watch Bieber mix up her foundation below:

TikTok content

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The best volumizing hair products can be lifesavers for second-day styling, deflated blowouts, and flatness-prone strands. Mousses, sprays, and powders (oh, my!) add dimension and texture to hair that needs a boost, using ingredients like polymers, copolymers, and resins to restore your long-lost zhuzh. Still, you don't need fine or flat hair to benefit from a volumizing hair product. Even people with naturally fuller hair can use these formulas to amp up volume and bounce for that just-left-the-salon look that lasts for days. Interest piqued? Keep scrolling to discover our favorite hair volumizing products to give that crown some well-deserved lift.

Our Top Volumizing Hair Products

• Best Overall: Crown Affair The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse, $38
• Most Long-Lasting Hold: Hours Full-Time Plumping Mousse, $27
• Best Heat Protectant: Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist, $32
• Best for Fine Hair: K18 Biomimetic Hairscience AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray, $46
• Best for Second-Day Refreshes: Dae Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray, $30
• Best for Curls: Chris McMillan The Hair Mousse for Bouncy Volume, $36
• Best for Oily Hair: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, $52
• Best for Frizz: Davines OI Soufflé, $50

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What does a volumizing hair product do?
• How do I choose a volumizing hair product?
• What should I avoid in a volumizing hair product?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Crown Affair The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse

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Crown Affair

The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse

$38

Sephora

$38

Violet Grey

Allure social media manager Bianca Richards after applying the Crown Affair The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse

Why it’s worth it: Don’t let the word “mousse” scare you away—Crown Affair’s The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse always leaves strands feeling flexible and soft, which is partly why it won a 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award. Infused with nourishing tsubaki meadow oil, texturizing pink salt, and a plant blend of kale, carrot, and lemon extracts that, together, strengthen and add moisture, this featherlight formula hydrates, de-frizzes, and disappears upon contact—though the results stick around for hours. “It's perfect for enhancing curls, giving you good volume and a strong hold that will last,” Katelyn Ellsworth, a hairstylist based in San Diego, CA, told Allure. It’s our go-to for days when we skip heat styling, but still want natural movement and airy volume. When it’s time to re-style your hair the next day, you can brush right through your strands without worrying about any leftover stickiness or residue.

Richards before applying the Crown Affair The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse

Richards after applying the Crown Affair The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse

Bianca Richards

Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards

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“I love how seamlessly the Crown Affair The Texturizing Air Dry Hair Mousse fits into my low-maintenance, low-effort haircare routine, and it leaves my hair looking the best I've ever felt in my natural state. It’s a super low-lift way to achieve that effortless, undone look. Unlike other mousses, it doesn’t leave your hair feeling crunchy—which is the best part!” —Bianca Richards, social media manager

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“My thick hair is incredibly stubborn about maintaining volume at the roots and body throughout the day, but this mousse does what was previously impossible: It provides a natural, flexible hold (absolutely no crunch!) that sends my curls into juicy, hydrated spirals, giving my hair an allover plumping effect. It's the manifestation of va-va-voom for air-dried hair.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: tsbukai meadow oil, pink salt, plant protein blend (kale, carrot, lemon)
• Who it's good for: those who like to air-dry their hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Most Long-Lasting Hold: Hours Full-Time Plumping Mousse

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Hours

Full-Time Plumping Mousse

$27

Amazon

$27

Nordstrom

Why it's worth it: The lightweight, foamy, and soft-but-mighty Hours Full-Time Plumping Mousse won an Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2023 and 2024 for its all-day staying power. The formula leans on fatty acids derived from castor oil to help hydrate the scalp and reinforce each strand, creating a good foundation for volume. Once dispensed, the airy propellants in the formula expand and then evaporate, giving the roots a subtle lift as your hair dries. That expansion acts almost like scaffolding, encouraging strands to stand taller. Then, humectants like propylene glycol and butylene glycol draw in moisture, plumping the hair shaft so it looks and feels thicker.

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann before applying the Hours Full-Time Plumping Mousse

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffmann after applying the Hours Full-Time Plumping Mousse

Sarah Hoffmann

Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann

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"Listen, mousse was a dirty word to me for the majority of my life—I did my time in the crunchy curl trenches in middle school—but I've done a full 180 since discovering Hours Plumping Mousse. My hair retains a ton of water post-shower and gets weighed down super easily, but adding two pumps of this to wet hair inflates my hair like a freakin' balloon. It's also responsible for the longest-lasting blowout I've ever had—it's literally a miracle product to me." —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: propylene glycol, castor oil, sodium polyitaconate
• Who it's good for: those with flat, fine hair that gets weighed down easily
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Heat Protectant: Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist

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Olaplex

Volumizing Blow Dry Mist

$32

Ulta

Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying the Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist

Why it's worth it: No bouncy blowout is complete without a good heat protectant, like Olaplex’s Volumizing Blow Dry Mist. This 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner safeguards your strands from temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit while wrapping them in a barely-there veil of defense. Bamboo extract lipopeptides form a weightless, protective film that helps fortify the hair fiber. Pea peptides and jackfruit polysaccharides join the mix to boost hydration and encourage airy lift, minus the frizz. The finish is touchably soft and completely invisible, for hair that looks naturally sky-high.

Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen

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"That any product could create volume on my superfine, color-treated hair is a damn miracle, which means Olaplex's Volumizing Blow Dry Mist is basically a religious deity in my eyes. With a few hearty spritzes of this lightweight spray along my hairline and in my roots—plus some elbow grease with a round brush, of course—I can at last achieve a style that makes me look like I have more hair than I actually do." —Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: bamboo extract, pea peptides, radish root ferment
• Who it's good for: people who style with heat regularly
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Fine Hair: K18 Biomimetic Hairscience AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray

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K18

Biomimetic Hairscience AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray

$46

Amazon

$46

Sephora

Allure features director Dianna Singh applying the K18 AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray

Dianna Singh

Why it’s worth it: Powered by the brand’s biotech-backed peptide complex called K18peptide, which mimics the natural structure of keratin, the Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning Biomimetic Hairscience AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray does more than just add volume. A few spritzes boost fullness while repairing damage and reducing breakage. According to Eddie M. Parra, a hairstylist in New York City, it delivers a conditioning effect (thanks, red algae) without sacrificing lift. And, it has two-day hair memory, so the volume lasts for up to 48 hours whether you apply it on damp or dry hair (it goes on completely invisible either way).

Singh before applying the K18 AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray

Dianna Singh

Singh after applying the K18 AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray

Dianna Singh

Tester feedback from features director Dianna Singh

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"I've tried a lot of volumizers in my day, and I've found a handful that deliver oomph immediately—but very few that add volume that lasts. This spray is one of those rare gems: I apply it in damp hair, blow-dry, and then enjoy the extra bounce well into the following day." —Dianna Singh, features director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: red algae, arginine, K18peptide, polymers
• Who it's good for: flat, damaged hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Second-Day (or Third-Day) Refreshes: Dae Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray

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Dae

Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray

$30

Sephora

Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Dae Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray

Alessandra Foresto

Why it’s worth it: Dae’s Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray absorbs oil at the roots, making it a great pick for hair that hasn’t been washed in…a few days. But, unlike a dry shampoo, it also adds lift at your roots and bounce throughout the entire hair shaft with zeolite, a volcanic material known to add volume and cleanse the scalp. One spray gives hair a light refresh, while three-plus sprays offer more volume and zhuzh. It features yucca stem extract, indica seed oil, moringa leaf extract, and glycerin, all of which protect hair from environmental damage, improve softness and manageability, reduce breakage, and add shine.

Foresto before applying the Dae Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray

Alessandra Foresto

Foresto after applying the Dae Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray

Alessandra Foresto

Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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“I've been using this spray on day two and three after a wash to give my hair a boost of volume and soak up some oil from my roots. I'm seriously impressed by how much volume a few spritzes of this spray creates. After having my hair in a bun overnight, I like to spray it and tousle my hair and roots to make my waves even bigger. Other times, I spray it on my flatiron-made curls and I find they get a nice beachy look.

The spray bottle is powerful and a little bit goes a long way to give your hair serious lift and texture. It also adds grip to hair so my lackluster French pinning abilities can be more easily hidden. Unlike other texturizing sprays, I find that results last all day and my hair does not fall flat after a few hours. The spray features Dae's nice signature citrus scent too!” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: yucca stem extract, indica seed oil, and moringa leaf extract, glycerin
• Who it's good for: oily, flat hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Curls: Chris McMillan The Hair Mousse

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Chris McMillan

The Hair Mousse

$36

Sephora

Shipin applying the Chris McMillan The Hair Mousse

Shanna Shipin

Why it’s worth it: Chris McMillan’s The Hair Mousse is designed to help you recreate the stylist’s signature lift—no salon appointment required. Lightweight and airy, it’s made with curly hair in mind, giving coils instant volume and bounce while providing heat protection for diffuser days. The result? A soft, tousled texture with long-lasting hold—no crunch, no touch-ups, just effortless body that lasts. Infused with pine cone and mushroom extracts, the mousse also soothes the scalp and helps repair split ends, giving your curls a much-needed reset.

Shipin before applying the Chris McMillan The Hair Mousse

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after applying the Chris McMillan The Hair Mousse

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from Shipin

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“Hello, one and done! This product is your gel, your curl cream, your finishing product…all in one. It's truly been a game-changer for me, replacing all my products! I shake it up, then release a larger-than-a-golfball size amount and apply it all over. I tend to use it while my hair is slightly towel-dried, then again in the middle of my diffusing session, when it is about 40% dry. I love that it truly delivers on its promise of volumized, bouncy curls—full stop. It tames a bit of frizz, it defines my coils, and adds some necessary lift at my roots and mid-section. I've never received so many compliments on my hair. A little goes a long way, and if you do overdo it (like any mousse), you may get a little crunch. Just work it out with an oil to finish off styling and it'll soften up immediately. I think this works perfectly for my 3a hair, and I can imagine it working well for waves, too. The $36 price may seem steep, but this mousse and a diffuser are all I need!” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: mushroom extract, pine cone extract, polymers
• Who it's good for: curly hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Oily Hair: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

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Oribe

Dry Texturizing Spray

$52

Amazon

$52

Nordstrom

Why it's worth it: So, you got a blowout yesterday—but this morning's Pilates class did a number on your hair. Before you panic, Oribe's Dry Texturizing Spray is here to save the day. Yes, it adds volume and definition, but it also absorbs oil—think of it as a dry shampoo and a texturizing spray in one (very chic) bottle. The formula relies on zeolite crystallines, which add rough texture to your lengths while absorbing oil at the root. The spray also features Oribe’s Signature Complex, a brand hallmark that includes watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower to defend hair from drying and damaging oxidative stress. Pro tip: “Hit [hair] with the dryer again after spraying for volume at the root that lasts for days,” says Kate Johnson, hairstylist and founder of the Bridal Beauty Team. And, like all products in the Oribe lineup, it’s finished with the brand’s classic Côte d'Azur scent, which has notes of sandalwood, jasmine, and bergamot.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: zeolite crystallines, ginger root extract, kiwi extract
• Who it's good for: people who work out or sweat a lot
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Frizz: Davines OI Soufflé

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Davines

OI Soufflé

$50

Amazon

$50

Nordstrom

$50

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: Made with antioxidant-rich roucou oil and softening chicory root extract, Davines’ OI Souffle is a hair-plumping mousse that delivers serious shine and volume, with none of the crunch. It also offers heat protection up to 446 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great prep step before blow-drying for an extra full, bouncy finish. Once you apply it, you’ll notice how much silkier and smoother your hair feels, and when it’s dry, there won’t be any frizz left behind. Whether you’re defining curls or adding lift to straight strands, this is a solid pick—especially if your hair tends to puff up the second you step outside.

Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner

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“Humidity is my curly hair’s worst enemy, so when I’m rockin’ my natural waves, I always know Davines’ OI Mousse has my back in times of need. After showering, I scrunch it into my hair and I feel confident walking out the door on a rainy day or a scorcher, knowing my curls will stay right where I left them. Oh, and I have to mention the floral and clean scent of the entire OI line—I literally get compliments on it whenever I use it, with people asking me what perfume I’m wearing.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: roucou oil, chicory root extract
• Who it's good for: those with frizzy hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Softness: R+Co Rodeo Star Thickening Foam

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R+Co

Rodeo Star Thickening Foam

$38

Amazon

$38

Nordstrom

$38

Dermstore

Why it’s worth it: R+Co’s Rodeo Star Thickening Foam delivers non-sticky volume with a soft feel, says Victoria McLeod, a hairstylist based in Atlanta. It incorporates skin-care ingredients, like vitamin E to deeply condition, kiwi fruit extract to help retain moisture, and aloe vera leaf extract to minimize breakage and add shine. Yes, it gives hair that fuller, bouncier look—but it also leaves strands feeling so soft, you’ll want to run your fingers through them all day long.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: vitamin E, kiwi fruit extract, aloe leaf extract
• Who it’s good for: frizzy, dry hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Extending Styles: Redken Stay High Mousse

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Redken

Stay High Mousse

$31

Amazon

$31

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: “Redken’s Stay High Mousse is thick and has a lot of stiff texture to it, so it holds fine hair up in a way that a lot of volumizing products don’t,” says Johnson. She adds that the volume stays put all day long, whether you apply it only at the roots or throughout your hair shaft.“ Just make sure to use a small amount and run it through wet hair section by section before blow-drying,” she advises. It immediately melts into hair, never feels sticky, and hydrates and strengthens with help from castor oil. A win-win-win, in our book.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: castor oil, polymers
• Who it's good for: all hair types
• Fragrance-free: no

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a volumizing hair product do?

According to Toth, a volumizing hair product lifts roots from the scalp. "Some are simply weightless, some give incredible hold and texture, and some coat and surround each strand of hair," he says.

Raven Hurtado, a Chicago-based hairstylist, echoed Toth. He told Allure, "It works great for updos, and you could also use it as a dry shampoo." Hurtado explains, "You can also touch up your second-day blowout without having any residue."

While healthy hair can benefit from hair volumizing products, they can also help support damaged locks. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King told Allure, "Heredity, stress, poor nutrition, improper care of hair, and environmental damage (such as sunlight and harsh brushing)" can all be potential causes of thinning hair. If that sounds like you, a hair volumizing product could make a big difference, either as a permanent solution or to tide you over while going on a regrowth journey.

How do I choose a volumizing hair product?

Many products claim to be effective volumizers. But before you hedge your bets on a bottle, it's essential to know your hair type and your desired style. Santiago recommends using a root spray or a mousse before blow-drying if you want your hair to be more touchable and smooth. "If you like feeling your hair more textured, an aerosol spray or volume powder is a great choice," she adds. If you're just getting into the hair volumizing game, you might need to try a few different products before you land your best option.

What should I avoid in a volumizing hair product?

King previously told Allure to be wary of heavy oils and silicones, since "not all oils or silicones are created equal." She mentions that, while they can provide benefits like softening and hydrating, coconut and jojoba are weightier than other oils. Silicones also vary in weight and grade—but you don't need to be a scientist to determine which is which. "If it feels greasy on your fingers, chances are it will weigh down your hair," King advises.

Meet the experts

• Mia Santiago, a New York City-based hairstylist
• Devin Toth, a New York City-based hairstylist
• Raven Hurtado, a Chicago-based hairstylist at Maxine Salon
• Ginger King, a cosmetic chemist
• Kate Johnson, a hairstylist and founder of the Bridal Beauty Team
• Victoria McLeod, a hairstylist based in Atlanta, Georgia

How we test and review products

We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certain products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls—right?

For our review of volumizing hair products, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, cosmetic chemists, and makeup artists—who have a range of experience studying and using these products. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture, experience, and formula. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

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If there's ever a time to make a big, dramatic change to your look, it's while you're sitting front row at the Gucci show during Milan Fashion Week, with an adorable teeny dog in your lap. Okay, so most of us don't exactly have that kind of high-fashion access, but Demi Moore does, and she hit up Demna's much-anticipated first runway show looking like a Gucci dream in a sleek, chic wet-look bob.

When you think of the Oscar-nominated actor, you probably think about her long, straight, free-flowing dark hair, but her long hair was nowhere in sight in Milan. Instead, the The Substance star swapped it for a swingy cropped cut that fell just below her jawline, crafted by hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos. (The two apparently call it a “Demi-tris bob,” which is cute.)

Giannetos styled the bob to look as though Moore just stepped out of the shower or had a dip in the pool, with lots of wet, piece-y texture. When paired with her black leather jacket, pants, and face-shielding sunglasses, the look was futuristic but also a little Y2K, like Moore was hanging out on the set of The Matrix. In short, it fit right in with Demna's design aesthetic.

“I wanted to give Demi a very bold and fashion forward look for Demna’s show. It is inspired by the silhouettes of the new collection," Giannetos shared. “I felt an amazing, short, above-the-shoulder bob with this very sleek wet texture would be perfect to complement her look. It’s a big change for Demi—we’ve never seen her like this before! She looks very cool, effortless and modern. And it highlights her personality.”

To replicate the look, you'll need a good hair gel for that defined, damp effect—but you'll have to find your own version of Pilaf the dog.

Getty Images

Moore is a Gucci gal, so we weren't surprised to see her sitting front row at the show. Last year, she even starred in a short film for the brand, playing a character named Barbara Gucci; Barbara Gucci didn't have a bob, but she did have curtain bangs! While we highly doubt that Moore has permanently ditched her long hair, it's so fun to see her change things up in such a major way. Wait… Do I want a bob now?

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Perri is a 34-year-old New Yorker who started a GLP-1 in 2023 to reclaim her life. This is her story in her own words.

“The battery must be dead.” That’s what I thought the first time my Amazon scale couldn’t register my weight.

At five feet three inches tall, I weighed more than 400 pounds, which I confirmed after purchasing a medical-grade scale. I didn’t recognize myself in the mirror. Even worse I didn’t recognize my life. Seeing the number was one thing, but the lived experience—being unable to tie my shoes or walk a block without becoming winded—was something entirely different.

I was 31 years old and beyond the point of no return, I thought. My flag wasn’t just planted at rock bottom; it was cemented. Then, in April 2023, I decided to make a change. I started a GLP-1, a type of medication that aids weight loss, in part by causing food to move through the body more slowly and increasing fullness. Within days of my first injection, the screeching food noise that had always plagued me became a faint whisper. I hadn’t even worked my way up to a therapeutic dose yet, but I could feel the tides shifting. After treading water my entire life, I was finally learning how to swim.

I first became aware of my weight as a child, standing on the scale at the pediatrician’s office. I was eight years old—maybe younger. In that moment I realized I wasn’t just a girl who loved tennis and softball. My identity and personhood could also be tethered to a body and a number, one that would fluctuate but somehow remain an enemy throughout my life. When I look at photos from that time, I see a perfectly normal kid, yet I was treated differently. I’ll never forget how, at family events, I was handed salads while my cousins were served burgers.

This experience, and others like it, planted seeds of shame about my weight that, as I grew up, blossomed into a thorny and distorted relationship with food. I tried every diet and weight-loss program out there: the Master Cleanse (you know, the lemon juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper concoction endorsed by Beyoncé), Jenny Craig, and the like. In fact, it was Weight Watchers that (inadvertently) taught me to binge eat as a pre-teen; I would starve myself the two days before weigh-ins. After that my cravings would explode, and I’d overeat. The cycle would continue week after week. Similarly, after losing 80 pounds on a paleo diet, the weight all came back once I could no longer avoid the lure of grains and sugar. I had traded reckless excess for reckless restriction, and it was completely unsustainable. The pervasive stereotype that plagues folks in larger bodies is that fast food and ultra-processed foods are to blame. But it became clear that I had an issue with bingeing. No matter what diet I tried, I wound up overeating—even “clean” foods like grilled chicken and sweet potatoes.

Reaching my breaking point

During the pandemic my life took a turn for the worse. As the world began social distancing, I fell into isolation. My apartment folded in on itself—my bed was my home. The food noise in my head grew louder, and my binging worsened. I found myself at my unhealthiest and most miserable. I ordered nearly everything I ate. After all, I could barely clean my apartment without becoming breathless; I couldn’t even imagine going to the grocery store. I either stayed home or at my parents’ house. Those were the only places I felt safe. My personal life atrophied because the shame I felt about my health weighed so heavily on my shoulders. I completely withdrew from the world. I lost friendships because I didn’t have the capacity to show up beyond a phone call or text.

Looking back I realize I lived a double life. Personally, I was crumbling, but professionally, I was unstoppable. I led a large team at a media agency, and I never dropped the ball; I vowed never to let my weight affect my career. But as my mobility became more limited, I struggled to attend work events. My career is social—filled with lunches and happy hours for clients—but going to a restaurant or bar triggered my fight-or-flight response, with the voice in my head wondering, Will I fit in a seat? However, before I could spiral about that too much, I’d remember it was almost impossible for me to walk without becoming winded. If the night continued to a different location, I knew I couldn’t keep up. So I stayed home.

I knew I didn’t have much life left if I stayed on this path. My decision to start a GLP-1 wasn’t just about getting my life back; it was about saving it. I knew I wanted to lose 200 pounds, but processing that number felt insurmountable—a reminder of how much weight I had gained. But I told myself, Even if I lose 10 pounds, I will feel better.

I was prescribed Wegovy through a telehealth provider, who I worked in lockstep with to increase my dosage at monthly intervals, auditing my body’s response to the treatment along the way. There’s this misconception that GLP-1s are a magic shot that allows you to bypass the “hard work” of losing weight. Trust me, I put a lot of effort into my weight-loss journey, supporting the medication's effects with a nutritious diet and, as I regained mobility, consistent workouts. But I’ll be honest, there is a sense of magic for me—specifically, how the medication tempered food noise. Soon after my first injection, I stopped constantly thinking about my next meal. My relationship with food became healthy. For the first time in my life, I could eat in moderation. Instead of finishing an entire bag of M&M’s, I would eat a handful. I finally felt in control.

My chest tightened when I saw the loose skin that enveloped my new body.

In April 2024, a year after starting my GLP-1 journey, I was down 133 pounds. But once I lost 150 pounds, my progress stalled. My provider switched me to Zepbound, and my weight continued to drop.

The main downside was the nausea, which was consistent while taking both drugs. It was brutal, especially on the day after my weekly injection. Even commuting from my home on Long Island to Manhattan was a struggle some days when I was feeling particularly queasy. I relied on Zofran (a prescription medicine for nausea and vomiting), lean protein, and hydration to help keep the symptoms at bay. It was exhausting, but I was committed to doing whatever it took to reclaim my life. I knew I had momentum, and I refused to lose it.

As the number on the scale continued falling, I became more active. I could finally go to the gym, gaining even more momentum. I started working in cardio like swimming (easier on my joints at first), biking, and pickleball.

Seeing a plastic surgeon

Almost two full years later, I’ve lost over 230 pounds, going from a size 5X in shirts to a size medium and from a size 30 in pants to a size 6 or 8. Fifteen of those lost pounds were not from my GLP-1, exercise, or dietary changes but from something else entirely: skin-removal surgery. After years of hiding myself, I wanted to wear dresses and bathing suits but was confronted by the crepey, loose skin that enveloped my new body. My chest tightened when I thought about the progress I’d made, only to see that in the mirror.

My plastic surgeon, who specializes in skin removal on patients who’ve experienced extreme weight loss, performed a 360-degree lower-body lift in October 2025, contouring and removing skin from my hips, stomach, and butt. My abdominal wall had also separated because of my weight gain and had to be stitched back together. The surgery was eight hours long, and when I regained consciousness, I couldn’t even lift my foot without feeling pain. But the discomfort was well worth it. Now when I see my flat stomach—flat stomach!—I’m reminded that nothing is impossible.

As I write this I’m still recovering and waiting for the swelling to fully subside. I won’t see my final results for roughly nine months. And there’s more work to be done. Before the summer and after swelling subsides from my past surgery, I hope to have the excess skin removed from my upper body too. For now, though, I’m taking in my new 180-pound body at 34 years old, appreciating it and caring for it every day.

When I was still in the early stages of my journey, before I started dating again, booking last-minute flights to see the world I had cut myself off from, or skydiving (which I once considered impossible), I recognized something so mundane but so magical: I could walk up stairs without losing my breath. A nondescript everyday moment signaled that I wasn’t at rock bottom anymore. I had pulled myself out—step by step.

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The best Korean hair masks are in a league of their own because it comes down to philosophy as much as ingredients. According to Cherin Choi, a hairstylist and colorist based in Los Angeles, the biggest shift she’s seen is the “skinification” of hair care. “Korean masks treat the scalp like an extension of your face,” she says, which means formulas are designed to support a healthy foundation first—not just gloss over damage with heavy oils and silicones.

That’s why many K-beauty hair masks, from editor favorites like Unove to viral hits like Elizavecca, lean lighter in texture but deeper in treatment. Instead of relying solely on thick oils for instant slip, these formulas focus on what Choi calls an “inner repair” approach, using skin care-adjacent ingredients like fermented extracts, ceramides, and collagen to strengthen hair from the inside out. The result is often rich, sensorial textures that rinse clean, boost elasticity and shine, and leave hair bouncy (not flat or coated). Think facial-grade care for your scalp and strands, delivering that coveted glass-hair finish without buildup.

Our Top Korean Hair Masks

• Best Overall: Unove Deep Damage Repair Hair Mask, $26
• Best for Thick Hair: Mise en Scène Argan Oil Repair Mask, $24
• Best for Fine Hair: Elizavecca Cer-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment, $9
• Best for Damaged Hair: CosRx Peptide 132 Hair Bonding Repair Treatment, $20
• Best for Hair Growth: Ryo Damage Care & Nourishing Treatment, $19
• Best for Curly Hair: British M Hydrate Hair Butter, $34
• Best Leave-in Treatment: Anillo Rosy Night Repair Hair Essence, $18

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What makes Korean hair masks different from Western hair masks?
• Are Korean hair masks good for fine hair?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Unove Deep Damage Repair Hair Mask

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Unove

Deep Damage Repair Hair Mask

$26

Amazon

$26

Sephora

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Unove Deep Damage Repair Hair Mask

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: Like its parent company, Dr.ForHair, Unove approaches hair care the way K-beauty treats skin by prioritizing gentle, restorative care. The Deep Damage Repair Hair Mask is a rinse-out mask designed to fix the damage heat tools, bleach, and color treatments leave behind. The formula packs 31 bond-building proteins and amino acids sourced from milk, wheat, corn, and soy, which work to smooth frizz, reduce breakage, and restore silky slip after just a few uses. “If your hair feels like straw from heat or bleach, this is the holy grail,” says Choi. She notes that unlike heavier Western masks that simply coat the hair, this one “melts into the strand to help restore the actual protein structure,” delivering Dr.ForHair’s signature glass-hair smoothness. The result is “weightless movement and insane shine,” she adds—silky, reflective hair that still keeps its natural bounce and volume.

Han before applying the Unove Deep Damage Repair Hair Mask

Han after applying the Unove Deep Damage Repair Hair Mask

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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"Korean skin care and makeup have been staples in my beauty routine for years, but hair care is a category I'm eager to familiarize myself more with. Therefore, buying Unove's uber-popular Deep Treatment EX during a recent vacation to Seoul was necessary and justified. The moment it touched my extra-dry, tangled hair in the shower (seriously, I was struggling to rake my fingers through my hair after shampooing), I literally felt my strands glossing over and instantly softening…like magic. I really appreciate that this mask only needs one to three minutes to do its thing—I'm far too impatient to be standing in the shower for a full 10 minutes. My hair always feels reborn after I use this Unove treatment…especially when I've waited a week to wash my hair, and I'm convinced my blow-dryer brush glides through my freshly-washed hair more effortlessly. (Also, for context, I refreshed my pink with a toning shampoo. The mask didn't do that on its own!)” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hydrolyzed keratin, proteins, amino acids, plant-based oils (olive, macadamia, argan, sunflower seed, and camellia)
• How to use: after shampooing, gently squeeze out excess water, leave in for 1 to 2 minutes, then rinse thoroughly
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Thick Hair: Mise en Scène Argan Oil Repair Mask

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Mise en Scene

Argan Oil Repair Mask

$24 $20 (17% off)

Amazon

$18

Olive Young

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Mise en Scène Argan Oil Repair Mask

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: If you swear by Mise En Scène’s editor-favorite Perfect Serum, consider the Argan Oil Repair Hair Mask its equally hardworking, frizz-fighting partner in crime. It delivers the same shine-boosting, smoothing payoff, but in a richer, rinse-out formula designed to rehab dry, damaged, or overprocessed hair. What sets this mask apart is the brand’s capsule technology, which delivers argan oil, amino acids, and keratin-like proteins to improve porosity from within, smooth split ends, and reinforce the cuticle.

“It’s surprisingly rich for a K-beauty product,” yet delivers deep moisture without leaving hair feeling coated or greasy, says Marie Jhin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in San Carlos, California. True to its K-beauty roots, the formula also includes panax ginseng root extract to support stronger-looking hair and laminaria japonica (kelp) extract, rich in minerals that help boost hydration and elasticity. The result is hair that feels softer and silkier, with a high-gloss shine that stands up to heat and humidity—pure glass-hair goals.

Lee before applying the Mise en Scène Argan Oil Repair Mask

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Mise en Scène Argan Oil Repair Mask

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“I’ve just had my once-a-year haircut, so my ends were actually in pretty good shape—but the cold, dry weather where I live has completely zapped my hair of moisture and shine. The Mise en Scène Argan Oil Repair Mask is very thick and rich when you scoop it out, so I was genuinely surprised by how quickly it absorbed without weighing my hair down. It instantly detangles, and the scent is so good. My only qualm is standing around in a robe in the cold while it does its thing—but, that’s true of any leave-in—and it works so well at nourishing my dry hair that I’m still excited to use this in the shower all season long.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: argan oil, amino acids, proteins, panax ginseng root extract, laminaria japonica (kelp) extract
• How to use: after shampooing, gently towel-dry your hair, leave in for 3 to 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Fine Hair: Elizavecca Cer-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment

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Elizavecca

Cer-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment

$9 $8 (11% off)

Amazon

$11

Olive Young

Allure contributor Devon Abelman applying the Elizavecca Cer-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment

Devon AbelmanSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Elizavecca

Cer-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment

$9 $8 (11% off)

Amazon

$11

Olive Young

Why it's worth it: K-beauty doesn’t believe in limiting good ingredients to just one category. Collagen and ceramides, staples in Korean skin care, show up here to support hair that’s feeling weak, dry, or overworked. “This little tube is a powerhouse for a quick five-minute fix,” says Choi, who explains that these ingredients act “like cement to help hold the hair cuticle together,” improving elasticity and making strands easier to detangle. She especially recommends it for anyone needing an instant “snap-back” in strength and softness, noting that its lightweight texture is a big reason it’s gone viral. “It reduces frizz, adds shine, and gives a soft texture,” adds Dr. Jhin. The protein-rich formula reinforces compromised strands from the inside out, making it especially beneficial for hair that’s fine, dry, or color-damaged.

Tester feedback from contributor Devon Abelman

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“One of the first K-beauty hair products on my radar back in 2016 was the CER-100 Collagen Ceramide Coating Protein Treatment, but I only tried it recently. I have no idea why I waited so long, but now I get what all the hype is about. My hair, which I dye ruby wine once a month, was a dry, tangled mess when I hopped in the shower. After shampooing, I saturated my hair in this protein treatment, and it effortlessly unraveled every knot in about a minute flat. I rinsed it out after about three minutes, and my hair felt like cashmere.” —Devon Abelman, contributor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: keratin, ceramides, and hydrolyzed wheat, corn, soy proteins
• How to use: after shampooing, gently towel-dry your hair, leave in for 5 to 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Damaged Hair: CosRx Peptide 132 Hair Bonding Repair Treatment

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Cosrx

Peptide 132 Hair Bonding Repair Treatment

$20

Amazon

$24

Yesstyle

Why it's worth it: First things first, hair bond treatments aren’t really glue for split ends (those still need a trim, sorry). But it can help prevent new damage, which is where CosRx’s Peptide 132 Hair Bonding Repair Treatment comes in. This lightweight, rinse-out treatment focuses on reinforcing the hair’s internal structure, making strands stronger, smoother, and less prone to snapping over time. The star is proprietary Peptide-132, which supports keratin bonding and helps recharge weakened hair proteins. It’s paired with hydrolyzed vegetable protein, low-molecular-weight collagen, and 18 types of amino acids. As hair is made from keratin (which is built from many different amino acids), this broad amino-acid blend helps patch porous areas, improve elasticity, and support moisture balance without stiffness. True to K-beauty’s skin-care-for-hair approach, the formula also includes camellia seed oil, rice bran oil, and kelp extract, plus biotin, panthenol, and niacinamide to condition both hair and scalp.

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“I absolutely love the CosRx Peptide 132 hair system. The shampoo is a gentle but effective cleanser—almost like a detox shampoo that really lifts product buildup, dandruff, and oil from your scalp. I would only use it every other shower because of how effective it is! The CosRx Peptide 132 Hair Bond Repair Treatment has an interesting, thick, almost coagulated texture, and a little bit goes a long way. The oil serum has also been great with extra dry ends and doesn't leave your hands feeling super greasy.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Peptide-132, low-molecular-weight collagen, amino acids, camellia seed oil, rice brain oil, kep, biotin, panthenol, niacinamide
• How to use: after shampooing, gently squeeze excess water from hair and apply treatment mid-length to ends; then rinse
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Hair Growth: Ryo Damage Care & Nourishing Treatment

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Ryo

Damage Care & Nourishing Treatment

$19

Amazon

$23

Yesstyle

Why it's worth it: If you’ve ever wondered what makes Korean hair care feel so different, Ryo is a perfect example grounded in hanbang. This traditional Korean herbal medicine philosophy uses time-honored botanicals (like ginseng and camellia) to support long-term strength and balance, rather than just quick cosmetic shine. Here, panax ginseng root extract takes center stage, paired with camellia japonica and green tea seed oils to nourish without weighing hair down. You’ll also find licorice extract, pomegranate, and caffeine, ingredients often used in Korean scalp care to create a healthier foundation for growth. Multiple forms of hyaluronic acid and barrier-supporting lipids help smooth and soften strands while reinforcing resilience. “I was first introduced to Ryo in Korea and was impressed by the level of hair-loss research and traditional ingredients infused into each product,” says Charlotte Cho, esthetician and co-founder of Soko Glam based in New York City. “If you struggle with flat, weak hair, this gives you that necessary root lift while keeping the scalp balanced and healthy,” adds Choi.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: panax ginseng root extract, hyaluronic acid, camellia japonica, green tea seed oils, licorice extract, pomegranate, caffeine
• How to use: after shampooing, gently squeeze out excess water, leave in for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Curly Hair: British M Hydrate Hair Butter

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British M

Hydrate Hair Butter

$34

Soko Glam

$33

Olive Young

Why it's worth it: Just because it’s called a hair butter doesn’t mean you’re signing up for grease. British M’s Hair Butter is all about how it melts—rich in the jar, but seamless once it hits your strands. The formula pairs shea butter and argan oil for deep moisture with a blend of hydrolyzed collagen, oat protein, and sweet almond protein to help reinforce dry, weakened hair. You’ll also find ceramides and hydrogenated lecithin, a skin-identical lipid commonly found in K-beauty that helps smooth the hair cuticle and seal in moisture, so strands feel softer and more resilient rather than coated. “This is a professional favorite in top salons in Korea for a reason,” says Choi, who particularly loves it for thirsty, coarse, or curly hair that needs serious moisture control. She notes that while the texture feels indulgent, it’s “rich but breathable,” delivering frizz control and definition without leaving hair greasy or flat.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: argan oil, shea butter, hydrolyzed collagen, oat protein, sweet almond protein, ceramides, lecithin
• How to use: after shampooing, gently towel-dry your hair, leave in for 5 to 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Leave-in Treatment: Anillo Rosy Night Repair Hair Essence

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Anillo

Rosy Night Repair Hair Essence

$18

Amazon

$18

Soko Glam

Why it's worth it: Anillo’s Rosy Night Repair Hair Essence does double duty—wear it as a nourishing pre-shower treatment, or use just a drop or two as a leave-in oil on no-wash days to calm frizzy hair and add shine. The formula pairs lightweight silicones with skin-care ingredients that gently treat hair and scalp over time. One standout is lithospermum erythrorhizon root (known as jichi in Korean), a traditional hanbang ingredient known for its calming, restorative properties—here, it helps soothe stressed strands and support a healthier hair environment.

You’ll also find camellia japonica seed oil, ceramides, peptides, and panthenol to smooth the cuticle and reinforce softness without heaviness. Choi explains that the oil “nourishes the strand rather than suffocating it.” Cho calls it “one of my favorite finishing products for instant shine,” adding that it makes hair look “smoother and more polished without feeling greasy.” She also loves the “musky floral fragrance that feels elevated and lingers in the best way,” which means it doubles as a subtle hair perfume so that you can skip your typical spritz.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: lithospermum erythrorhizon root, camellia japonica seed oil, ceramides, peptides, and panthenol
• How to use: apply a generous amount to dry hair and shampoo as normal, or use a few drops as a hair oil
• Fragrance-free: no

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Korean hair masks different from Western hair masks?

Korean hair-care products generally stand apart because they’re designed to treat the scalp—not just smooth the strands. “The main difference is that Korean hair treatments treat the scalp while Western hair treatments focus on the hair shaft,” says Dr. Jhin. Many Western formulas rely on heavy proteins, keratin treatments, and silicone-rich conditioners to repair damage and deliver instant shine, while Korean hair care looks at “long-term follicle support,” she explains. “The scalp is treated with the same level of care and attention as the face,” to create a healthy foundation for strong, beautiful hair.

That philosophy carries through to the ingredients. Korean hair treatments commonly use botanical extracts like ginseng, camellia oil, rice water, and green tea, along with fermented ingredients that enhance absorption and nourishment. You’ll also see gentle exfoliating acids such as salicylic or lactic acid to support scalp renewal, plus soothing ingredients like Centella asiatica and panthenol to strengthen the scalp barrier. Proteins and ceramides are still part of the mix, but they’re “thoughtfully balanced with hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients rather than being the sole focus,” Dr. Jhin says—making the overall approach gentler, more preventative, and more holistic.

Are Korean hair masks good for fine hair?

Korean hair masks are a great fit for all hair types, especially fine hair, thanks to their formulation. Dr. Jhin explains that Korean hair care treats the scalp “with the same care and intention as facial skin care,” viewing it as the “soil” from which healthy hair grows. When that foundation is clean, balanced, and nourished, fine hair is less likely to struggle with excess oil, irritation, or breakage.

Meet the experts

• Charlotte Cho, esthetician and co-founder of Soko Glam based in New York City
• Cherin Choi, a hairstylist and colorist based in Los Angeles
• Marie Jhin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of Premier Dermatology, adjunct clinical instructor at Stanford University, and author of Asian Beauty Secrets and K-Beauty Secrets based in San Carlos, California

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best Korean hair masks, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from makeup artists and dermatologists. To learn more about our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

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One of the best compliments I’ve ever received was being told that I looked “’90s fine.” My then-boyfriend said it as we were heading out for date night, and I knew exactly what he meant: that effortless, low-key sultry energy embodied by icons such as Halle Berry, Naomi Campbell, and Nia Long during that era. You might think the praise was referring to my outfit, but it had nothing to do with what I was wearing—it was for my hair. I had a freshly pressed, softly curled, fluffy bob that moved like silk, and conveyed just the right amount of drama.

“Bounce, volume, and playfulness are the hallmarks of the fluffy bob,” says Brenton Diallo, a hairstylist at Benjamin Salon in New York City, who’s been working behind the chair since the early ’90s. He recalls clients routinely bringing in photos of the great Whitney Houston and Tisha Campbell as reference points.

Getty Images

“Soft, strategic layers are what give this cut its movement and fullness while keeping it light and bouncy,” says Alex Vann, a hairstylist and salon owner in Duluth, Georgia. “What makes it special is the lift at the root and those soft bends throughout the hair. It’s polished, touchable, and frames the face beautifully while still feeling effortless,” she adds.

Lead stylist at Twelve12 Salon, @hair.journies styling a fluffy bob.

Instagram / @twelve12salon

According to Diallo, the look was partly shaped by the tools of the era; heat-styling technology wasn’t as advanced at achieving pin-straight results on textured hair, so a silk press in the ’90s often yielded airy volume and soft fullness rather than the glassy, ultra-sleek finish that’s common today.

As trends tend to do, the fluffy bob has circled back around into the spotlight, though you could argue it never really left. Recently, Beyoncé debuted a bouncy, jaw-skimming blonde bob that promptly sent the internet into a tizzy. And if history tells us anything, her co-sign alone is enough to propel a hairstyle straight into trend territory. Says Vann, “That’s the energy we’re channeling with today’s fluffy bob, nostalgic but modernized.”

Ahead, pro hairstylists share their techniques for achieving this timeless look, plus the best tips for making your fluffy bob last as long as possible.

How to get a fluffy bob

“The cut itself is the foundation of the style,” Vann says. “To achieve the fluffy bob properly, soft layers must be added to create body, volume, and natural movement.” The stylist recommends booking an appointment for a layered bob haircut and bringing in reference images to communicate the exact look you want. After your cut (which usually happens after the hair has been washed and blown out), a classic silk press and pin-curl set (the large curls created with a barrel wand and held in place by clips) is the styling method that brings the fluffy bob to life.

According to both Vann and Diallo, the key to getting a great silk press actually begins at the shampoo bowl. “I always start with a clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup,” says Diallo. As for me, I typically reach for the Olaplex No. 4C because it strips away product without leaving my hair feeling parched.

Then, Diallo suggests, reach for a moisturizing shampoo. He “sometimes shampoos with this formula twice,” he explains, “to make sure the hair is thoroughly cleansed.” Residual buildup can completely sabotage your entire style, as it leads to a stiff, crunchy press instead of the soft, fluid movement a fluffy bob requires.

Diallo prefers the Davines OI Hair Softening Shampoo as his moisturizing formula. He used it on me recently, and I understood why: It leaves hair incredibly silky, and smells just as luxurious. At Vann’s salon, she relies on Pureology to achieve a clean and healthy base before styling: “We love Pureology shampoos and conditioners because they keep the hair strong and soft without weighing it down,” she says.

Youtube / @deeperthanhairtv

After the hair has been washed and conditioned, detangle and divide it into sections—six to eight is ideal, especially for thicker textures. Spritz on a heat protectant (Diallo stays in the Davines family, using the OI All-in-One Milk, which hydrates the hair, controls frizz, and preps the strands for heat). Next, blow-dry your hair in sections using either a comb attachment (I swear by the wide-tooth attachment on the Dyson Supersonic blow-dryer) or a Denman brush with a traditional dryer to stretch the hair. Both techniques create a soft, voluminous blowout; it simply comes down to personal preference and control. Vann prefers to use a round-brush blow-dryer, “lifting at the root and slightly over-directing sections for bounce,” she explains.

Diallo recommends using a hot comb or a pencil-thin flatiron at the roots and hairline only, leaving the lengths largely untouched. “Once I’ve straightened the roots, I’ll use a curling iron to create a full pin-curl set,” he says. Both Diallo and Vann prefer the added lift a 1-1⁄2-inch barrel curling iron provides. For a fluffy bob, the goal isn’t pin-straight sleekness but buoyant movement, so skipping an allover flatiron helps preserve airy volume while still smoothing frizz and texture. Vann says this is “the key is to create soft bends, not tight curls, and alternate directions for that effortless feel.”

Instagram / @thealexvannexperience

After the pin curls cool and set, take them down, and coat your hands with a lightweight oil. Diallo reaches for the Matrix Food for Soft Oil to seal in moisture. “I gently shake out the curls with my hands before shaping with a wide-tooth comb,” he says.

The result is playful and touchable—a style meant to be flipped, tousled, and lived in. In fact, the more you move it around, the better it looks.

How to style and maintain a fluffy bob at home

One of the best things about a fluffy bob is that it requires minimal styling after the initial appointment—but proper maintenance is essential. “Every night, pin curl your hair and wear a bonnet with a silk band or a silk scarf to protect your edges,” says Diallo. When you remove the pins each morning, the curls should fall effortlessly, framing your face with soft, fluid waves that settle naturally as you shake your head.

If you stick to this routine, Diallo says, your fluffy bob should hold for about a week. Vann says you can even go two weeks, depending on your hair texture. Coarser hair types will likely revert faster. As the hair returns to its natural texture, the bob takes on an even fluffier, more lived-in look—think blowout rather than a polished silk press—which has its own charm. Stylists are already predicting that this airy, touchable style will be one of the defining hair trends of 2026.

From red carpet classics to Instagram-ready crops, these are the fluffy bobs I’m saving for the next time I want that ‘wow’ factor.

Fluffy Bob Inspiration

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Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

A fountain of eternal youth doesn't exist, but the best peptide serums are pretty good fill-ins for targeting sagging skin. That’s because peptides are powerful agents for boosting collagen production—you know, the process that slows down as we age—and thereby minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Here's the science in a nutshell: Peptides are an umbrella term for tiny chains of amino acids. These chains act as molecular-level messengers between skin cells, directing them to address skin elasticity and hydration—two key factors in wrinkle severity. While they won't stop the clock, they do a darn good job at slowing down signs of aging. If that's what you're looking for, we tested hundreds of formulas (and tapped dermatologists) to find the absolute best peptide serums on the market.

Our Top Peptide Serums

• Best Overall: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox, $150
• Best for Expression Lines: Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum, $188
• Best Firming: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum, $295
• Best Budget: The Inkey List Collagen Peptide Serum, $17
• Best for Large Pores: Beplain Mung Bean Pore Tight-Up Serum, $34
• Best for Mature Skin: Laneige Bouncy and Firm Serum, $45
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex, $85
• Best Firming: Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Face Serum, $94

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What are peptides?
• ​​How do peptides benefit the skin?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox

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SkinCeuticals

P-Tiox

$150

Dermstore

$150

Bluemercury

$150

SkinCeuticals

Why it's worth it: We can go on about the science of the SkinCeuticals P-Tiox’s powerhouse peptide duo, but here are the basics: The neuropeptides in this formula, which signal skin cells to repair damage and boost collagen, target expression lines that are too risky to treat with neuromodulators like Botox, such as nasolabial folds (smile lines). That said, Justine Park, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Westlake Village, California, says this serum complements Botox treatments to help relax lines it can treat even further. On top of its sag-reducing properties, the 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning P-Tiox is infused with brightening niacinamide and laminaria extract, a seaweed-derived ingredient rich in tone-evening antioxidants. David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, notes that the formula includes sensitive-skin-friendly gluconolactone (also known as polyhydroxy acids or PHA), which provides gentler resurfacing than BHAs or AHAs as they can’t penetrate the skin as deeply. The results over time are glowy, glass-reflective skin.

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying SkinCeuticals P-Tiox serum to her face

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying SkinCeuticals P-Tiox serum to her face

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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"A plastic surgeon once told me that I have a very expressive face, which was a nice way of saying my face is a hotbed for expression lines. That's where this stuff comes in handy. The lightweight serum uses peptides to inhibit signals to the facial muscles, kind of like neuromodulators, but on a much weaker scale. Still, I've found that it works wonders for all the little expression lines where injectables just can't help, like around my mouth." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: peptides (dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate, acetyl hexapeptide-8), niacinamide, laminaria extract, polyhydroxy acids
• Who it’s for: all skin types
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Expression Lines: Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum

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Allies of Skin

Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum

$188

Amazon

$188

Nordstrom

$188

Revolve

Why it's worth it: Allies of Skin’s Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum takes a hi-tech approach to firming, especially in areas where sagging tends to show first: the face and neck. This concentrated formula features a 9% peptide complex and 3% SH-oligopeptide-1 (growth factor) complex to enhance elasticity and strengthen the skin’s structure. Add in growth factors, and you’ve got yourself a powerhouse formula that bolsters your barrier and targets loss of volume and firmness. The lightweight texture is nothing to overlook—it absorbs quickly, making it easy to layer under the rest of your skin-care routine. You’ll notice instant hydration and glow, which we always appreciate.

Han applying the Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“Ok, the serious and immediate glow I get from this ultra-silky Allies of Skin serum alone was enough to sell me on it. (My face is freshly rinsed with water in the video—no toners or essences applied beforehand.) But of course, the ingredients are what do the heavy lifting, and when I first read into this product, I knew it meant business. While I'm only 32, I don't plan on getting injectables or Botox to stave off any fine/expression lines, so this is one of the many preventative topical measures I plan on using consistently to keep my skin looking as firm, lifted, and smooth as possible. This serum sinks into my skin immediately and provides a slight gripping effect that's perfect for makeup—an unexpected bonus, but I'll absolutely take it.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 9% LiftingPeptide Complex, 3% sh-oligopeptide-1 growth factor complex, MSM, copper lysinate, phospholipids, glycolipid
• Who it’s for: anyone with signs of aging
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Firming: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum

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SkinMedica

TNS Advanced+ Serum

$295

Amazon

$295

Dermstore

$295

Bluemercury

Why it's worth it: Ask any derm about growth factor skin care, and they'll likely bring up SkinMedica's TNS Advanced+ Serum, the patented formula (since 2000) that started it all. "It's one of the most clinically supported growth-factor serums on the market, offering firmer-looking skin in as little as two weeks," Blair Murphy Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, explained.

You might be wondering, validly so: What are growth factors, anyway? "These naturally occurring proteins stimulate cellular repair and regeneration, boosting collagen and elastin production to improve skin firmness, texture, and overall vitality," Saami Khalifian, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Encinitas, California, explained. But that's not all for TNS Advanced+'s name. Though TNS (tissue nutrient solution) is, in fact, related to the main event, the innovative growth factors are paired with a peptide duo to boost elasticity and plumpness even more.

You thought we were done? In the other chamber of the serum's bottle is an antioxidant treatment stocked with marine extract, green microalgae, and more to support cellular turnover for that fresh-faced glow. One pump dispenses both chambers seamlessly into one silky, lightweight, and fragrance-free formula.

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced+ Serum

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced+ Serum

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“A dermatologist once told me that this stuff was the reason she was well into her 40s before she started using Botox, so I, being in my late 30s, see it as my alternative, too. And while, okay, I do get Botox, I supplement it with this every morning, which keeps my skin firm and smooth. I see it as more preventative than reparative at this point, but I really like the lightweight texture and nonexistent scent. My only gripe is with the dual applicator; sometimes, it only pumps product out from one side, which means I can be left using only one of the enclosed serums for weeks." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: peptides (trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2 and dimer tripeptide-43), human fibroblast conditioned media, Lactococcus ferment lysate, shea butter, glycerin
• Who it’s for: people with mature skin or those looking to prevent signs of aging
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Mature Skin: Laneige Bouncy and Firm Serum

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Laneige

Bouncy and Firm Serum

$45 $34 (24% off)

Amazon

$45

Sephora

$45

Kohl's

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Laneige Bouncy and Firm Serum

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: Laneige’s Bouncy and Firm Serum stands out with its cheerful pink formula—and an equally energizing approach to mature skin. A multitasking blend of peptides (acetyl heptapeptide-4, hexapeptide-8, tetrapeptide-2, and octapeptide-3) helps improve elasticity and soften the look of fine lines, while soluble collagen restores bounce and resilience. Peony root and flower extracts add soothing, antioxidant power to brighten and even tone. The formula also features the brand’s proprietary encapsulated formula of vitamin C, vitamin E, and algae oil—tiny, antioxidant-rich spheres that melt the second they touch your skin, nourishing and boosting glow with every application.

Lee before applying the Laneige Bouncy and Firm Serum

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Laneige Bouncy and Firm Serum

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“Laneige has always been a win for my sensitive, dry skin, and this serum just proves why. The cherry-pink, bouncy little capsules are super cute on my vanity, but more importantly, the formula is insanely hydrating, gentle, and never sticky. My favorite off-label trick is that I slather it on the backs of my hands to keep dryness at bay.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, niacinamide, peptides (including acetyl heptapeptide-4, hexapeptide-8, tetrapeptide-2, and octapeptide-3, peony, collagen, algae oil
• Who it’s for: people with mature or dry skin
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Budget: The Inkey List Collagen Peptide Serum

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The Inkey List

Collagen Peptide Serum

$17

Amazon

$17

Kohl's

Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying The Inkey List Collagen Peptide Serum

Jesa Marie Calaor

Why it's worth it: Instead of delivering collagen directly—which works well as a surface-level moisturizer but can’t easily penetrate the skin—The Inkey List’s Collagen Peptide Serum relies on peptides to mimic collagen’s plumping effects. “The peptides in the formula are small, which means they are better absorbed into deeper layers of the skin for maximum efficacy,” says Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Birmingham, Alabama. Translation: You’ll see plumper, more hydrated skin almost instantly—and with continued use, firmness and smoothness, proving that bouncy, healthy-looking skin doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Calaor before applying The Inkey List Collagen Peptide Serum

Jesa Marie Calaor

Calaor after applying The Inkey List Collagen Peptide Serum

Jesa Marie Calaor

Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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“Maybe I’m looking a little too closely at my face. (I definitely am.) But I’m starting to notice lines on the lower third. I’m using everything I can to smooth my skin, including this serum. It helps hydrate and plump the marionette lines forming around my mouth. The thin formula glides over my skin and dries down to look dewy. That finish is short-lived, though—I usually layer moisturizer, SPF, and a skin-like base on top. Thankfully, it doesn’t disrupt my complexion makeup.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Matrixyl 3000 peptide complex (palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminobutyroyl hydroxythreonine, palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminohydroxybutyrate, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1), hyaluronic acid, radish root
• Who it’s for: all skin types, especially people with dry skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Large Pores: Beplain Mung Bean Pore Tight-Up Serum

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BePlain

Mung Bean Pore Tight-Up Serum

$34 $20 (41% off)

Amazon

$24

Yesstyle

Why it’s worth it: Beplain might not be a household name in the U.S. (yet), but in the South Korean beauty scene, it’s been picking up Hwahae (a top K-beauty review app) and Olive Young Awards left and right. In fact, our tester picked up this Mung Bean Pore Tight-Up Serum while shopping in an Olive Young store in Seoul precisely because it’s a 2024 winner. Along with more popularized ingredients such as Centella asiastica and snail mucin, mung bean is a traditional Korean skin-care ingredient that excels in calming inflammation, curbing excess sebum, supporting collagen production, and drawing moisture to the skin. Mung bean peptides, in conjunction with a proprietary technology called POMEG-Pore, help tighten the look of pores for smooth, glass-skin-like results. While it feels like a lightweight gel upon contact, it melts into a watery essence that absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it feeling extra soft.

Han applying the Beplain Mung Bean Pore Tight Up Serum

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Beplain Mung Bean Pore Tight Up Serum

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Han

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“As a heavily-awarded brand (by both retailers like Olive Young and K-beauty review sites such as Hwahae), Beplain has been on my radar for a while. So, while in Seoul, I picked up three of its mung bean products: cleansing oil, cleansing foam, and serum. All were really great, but spoiler alert: The serum was the standout. I love a lightweight gel serum and this one is especially cooling, refreshing, and absorbs like snaps fingers. As someone who's increasingly concerned about pore care—especially around the center of my face—I love how seamless the Mung Bean Pore Tight-Up Serum fits into my daily routine, no matter day or night. It does tighten up the look of my pores when I use it multiple days in the row." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: mung bean peptide, POMEG-Pore, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, allantoin
• Who it’s for: those with acne and large pores
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex

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Estée Lauder

Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex

$85 $64 (25% off)

Amazon

$85

Nordstrom

$85

Ulta Beauty

Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex

Sarah Felbin

Why it's worth it: Despite the “night” in its name, Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair can be used morning and evening to boost radiance and hydration. The formula centers on a mix of fermented, sensitive-skin-friendly extracts—including Bifida ferment lysate, yeast extract, and Lactobacillus ferment—to help fortify the skin barrier following a day of exposure to environmental stressors. Unlike strong, often irritating ingredients that are more suited for nighttime application (hi, retinol and acids), this serum is chock-full of soothing ingredients: humectants like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate attract and retain water and emollients such as squalane, lecithin, and jojoba esters create a soft, outer layer to lock in said water, and antioxidants like chamomile to calm irritation. And, we can’t forget about the proprietary ingredient, Night Peptide (also known as tripeptide-32), which helps increase cellular turnover overnight.

Felbin before applying Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex

Sarah Felbin

Felbin after applying Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex

Sarah Felbin

Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

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“If I could only use one serum for the rest of my life, it would be this one. I use it every morning and every night, and I absolutely notice when I skip a day. It feels so lightweight and nourishing, sinking in quickly without leaving a sticky residue behind. In addition to the nice glow it gives me, it calms my super-sensitive skin, prevents pesky flakes in the chronically dry spots around my nose, and keeps breakouts at bay. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? You bet!” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: peptides, hyaluronic acid, Bifida ferment lysate, Lactobacillus ferment
• Who it’s for: all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Firming: Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Face Serum

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Medik8

Liquid Peptides Advanced Face Serum

$94

Amazon

$94

Dermstore

$94

Medik8

Why it's worth it: An alternative name for Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Face Serum could be "Liquid Magic." Of course, no skin-care product is capable of straight-up magic, but when there are 13 peptides involved—including copper peptides and Matrixyl 3000, two of the most well-studied versions—we know something's working. The special sauce is a proprietary technology called Dual MiniProteins, which pairs those peptides with proteins in micro molecules to ensure deep penetration into the skin and promote elasticity. It also features two other technologies, Growth Factor MiniProtein and Expression Line MiniProtein, which promote smoothing even further. “[Growth Factor MiniProtein] relaxes expression lines in just 10 minutes and visibly reduces deep wrinkles within eight weeks,” according to New York City-based dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, who adds that it delivers “filler-mimicking” results.

The serum is also super hydrating thanks to hyaluronic acid, so your skin is smooth and taut. As far as where this serum fits into your skin-care routine, you can use it day and/or night before your oil-based serums (like the brand's vitamin C or retinal serums) and moisturizers.

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“I was so excited to try this product (not least because of the “Botox in a bottle” conversation surrounding it) and let me tell you: This is something worth making room for in your routine. Especially if you're pregnant and can't use retinol, or are simply too sensitive for the likes of vitamin A! This formula impressed me right away since it includes peptides that are both fast-acting (as in, you can see an immediate skin-plumping effect) and those that work over time to smooth out deeper-set wrinkles. The texture is gel-like and lightweight. It can feel a smidge tacky on the fingers but once it dries down, you don't notice it. Part of my love for it comes from that bounce of light you get off the skin right after applying! I haven't experienced pilling with foundation or other moisturizers but i have to admit: I hesitate to add anything to my routine that'll make me wince come repurchasing time, and because of that, I'm tempted to hoard it like Gollum and only use it during the PM instead of both night and day. It's all worth it if it means warding off actual Botox for a bit longer!”—Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

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• Key ingredients: peptide complex (13 types, including Matrixyl 3000 and copper peptides), multi-weight hyaluronic acid, carnosine, growth factor miniprotein, expression line miniprotein
• Who it’s for: people with deep-set wrinkles or expression lines
• Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

What are peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, "like glycine, arginine, histidine, et cetera," says Dr. Kim. “They're designed to boost and replenish amino acids, which are the building blocks for collagen production.” You might recognize amino acids as the building blocks of protein, but peptides tend to be shorter chains than proteins. And compared to topical collagen, peptides have a small particle size that allows them to penetrate the surface level of your skin at a deeper level. They’re great at reducing the appearance of fine lines and leaving skin firmer, Dr. Kim says.

​​How do peptides benefit the skin?

The abundance and quality of our body's natural collagen production decrease over time, as Dr. Hartman previously explained. As a result, wrinkles start to form and skin begins to sag, but peptide chains mimic the structure of amino acids to diminish the look of these concerns. Mature skin, in particular, can benefit from peptides for their ability to improve skin firmness.

That said, not all peptides are created equal. The most common types of peptides consist of signal peptides, carrier peptides, enzyme-inhibitor peptides, and neurotransmitter-inhibitor peptides, which all have specific functions. (Also, keep in mind that labs and brands can and often do trademark their own peptide complexes.) For example, copper peptides are carrier peptides—they activate wound healing and deliver copper to the skin, which, in turn, stimulates collagen production. While you’ll often find "peptides" placed front and center on the actual product packaging, ingredient lists often categorize peptides by how many amino acids a peptide contains, such as dipeptide (two), tripeptide (three), and hexapeptide (six). It's also not uncommon to see multiple peptides strung together to maximize their collagen-boosting benefits.

Peptides seldom cause skin sensitivity or irritation, but you should still be discerning of your serum’s formulation. "If someone has a [negative] reaction, it's most likely from the preservatives, other chemicals, or essential oils in the formula, not the peptides," Dr. Kim says.

Meet the experts

• Mina Amin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles
• Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology based in Birmingham, Alabama
• Saami Khalifian, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist at SOM Aesthetics based in Encinitas, California
• Blair Murphy Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Radiant Dermatology Associates based in Fort Wayne, Indiana
• May Hall, DO, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Asheville, North Carolina
• David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing every product included in each review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best peptide serums, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers, editors, and contributors, determined that every product excelled in each category—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.