The Ordinary Volufiline 92% + Pal-Isoleucine 1% Serum is the brand’s newest plumping launch and it’s already going viral for promising fuller-looking cheeks, smoother smile lines and a naturally lifted look. It’s designed to add gentle fullness around the cheeks, lips and smile lines, giving a smoother, firmer look to the skin. After testing it every day for a couple of weeks, I noticed my complexion looked softer, more even and naturally more lifted, without any heavy or greasy feel.

You know, when you see a product all over TikTok and wonder if it’s actually worth the hype? That was me with this serum. It’s being called “filler without filler,” and I couldn’t resist finding out if it lives up to the claims. I bought the 15 ml tube from TikTok Shop for £19.50, which at the time was the only place you could get your hands on it, and I wanted to put it to the test as soon as possible.  So now, after a few weeks of consistent use, here’s my honest review of what it does, how to use it, and whether it really works.

Quick Take

A silky, clear, oil-like serum that absorbs fast and gives the skin that subtle, soft-focus plumpness TikTok keeps shouting about. With consistent use, it adds gentle fullness to cheeks and smile lines while making the whole face look fresher, smoother and more hydrated, like a good night’s sleep in serum form.

If you’re looking for a topical plumping serum that actually gives visible fullness to cheeks, smile lines and areas that look a little sunken, The Ordinary Volufiline 92 Serum is one of the strongest new launches on the market. It’s trending for a reason, high-strength Volufiline™, a silky formula, and real results within a few weeks. Here’s exactly how it performed on my combination skin after daily use.

What Is Volufiline and How Does It Work?

Volufiline is a plant-derived cosmetic ingredient made from Anemarrhena Asphodeloides root. Developed by Sederma, the same company behind the famous Matrixyl, it works by encouraging lipid storage in fat cells to increase visible volume in targeted areas like cheeks and temples, and you know I'm here for that.. It’s completely topical and gives the skin a naturally fuller look over time. According to clinical data from Sederma, Volufiline increased skin volume by up to eight per cent in 56 days of daily use. I mean, that is a big claim, isn't it?  And honestly, anything that promises a little extra bounce without needles has my full attention.

Key Benefits

• Subtle, natural-looking plumpness

• Softens smile lines and marionette lines

• Makes cheeks look fuller and more lifted

• Improves bounce and suppleness

• Smooths texture for better makeup application

• Helps skin look rested and refreshed

Inside the Formula

So here’s where The Ordinary gets a bit sciencey, but stick with me because this is the good stuff. The serum is powered by 92% Volufiline™, which is basically their fancy, trademarked ingredient that helps give the skin a naturally plumper, fuller look. Think gentle bounce rather than dramatic filler vibes.

They’ve paired it with 1% Palmitoyl Isoleucine, a clever little lipo-amino acid that helps support your skin’s structure and elasticity. In normal words: it helps your skin look firmer, smoother, and a bit more “held together”, especially around areas where volume tends to dip, cheeks, smile lines, all the usual suspects.

The formula itself is water-free and oil-free, so it has this silky, lightweight slip that layers beautifully under the rest of your routine. No pilling, no stickiness, no “oh no, this is going to ruin my makeup” moments. It’s also fragrance-free, alcohol-free, silicone-free, vegan and gentle, which is ideal if your skin throws a tantrum at anything too strong.

Basically, The Ordinary have created a targeted little volume booster that gives your skin that soft, cushioned feel, perfect for days when you want to look more glowy-human and less tired-gremlin.

How to Apply and When to Use

1. Cleanse first
Always start with clean, dry skin so the serum can absorb properly.

2. Warm a small amount
Use about a pea-sized drop and warm it between your fingers for smoother application.

3. Target key areas
Gently press into cheeks, jawline and smile lines — anywhere you want more lift or volume.

4. Expect a silky finish
It feels slightly oily at first but sinks in fast, leaving skin soft and smooth.

5. Use twice a day
Morning and evening give the best results.

Morning routine:
Cleanse → Niacinamide or Hyaluronic Acid → Volufiline 92 Serum → Moisturiser → SPF.

Evening routine:
Cleanse → Treatments (if using) → Volufiline 92 Serum → Night cream or facial oil.

6. Separate from strong actives
If you use retinol or exfoliating acids, apply them at a different time to avoid irritation.

Remember to just avoid broken skin or active breakouts,  stick to healthy areas only

Who Will Love The Ordinary Volufiline 92 Serum

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all serum, but certain skin types and concerns will get much better results than others. Here’s who it’s best for:

Mature skin
If you’ve noticed thinning, loss of volume, or areas that look a little sunken (cheeks, jawline, temples), this serum shines. It gives that soft, cushioned fullness that mature skin often loses over time.

Dry or dehydrated skin
The silky texture feels instantly comforting, and over time it helps skin look bouncier and more hydrated. It layers beautifully under richer moisturisers.

Combination skin
This is me! It feels oily at first, but it sinks in quickly and doesn’t clog pores when used on targeted areas. Great if you get dryness in certain zones (like smile lines or cheeks).

Sensitive skin
It’s fragrance-free, alcohol-free and silicone-free, so it plays nicely with easily irritated skin. Start once a day if you’re nervous, then build up.

People who want subtle, natural plumping
If you want smoother smile lines, softer cheeks, or that “I slept well” look without anything drastic, this is for you.

Who Might Not Love It

Very oily or acne-prone skin
Not a hard no,  but the oil-like texture might feel heavy if you’re already shiny. Once-a-day PM use is enough.

Anyone wanting instant, dramatic results
This is a slow and steady product. Think weeks, not days.

If your main concern is pigmentation, acne or texture
Volufiline won’t fix uneven tone or breakouts, tretinoin or exfoliating acids do that.
This serum is specifically for volume, bounce, and softness.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Gives subtle, natural-looking fullness

• High concentration of Volufiline at an affordable price

• Fragrance-free, alcohol-free and gentle on sensitive skin

• Layers well with most skincare routines

• Great for mature, dry or dehydrated areas

• Visible results in 3–4 weeks with consistent use

Cons

• Not an instant-plumping product,  it’s a slow-burner

• Texture feels oily for the first few minutes

• Not ideal for very oily skin unless used sparingly

• Won’t replace filler-level volume

• Works best as a targeted treatment, not a full-face serum

My Results After Four Weeks: Before and After

After two weeks, my skin felt softer and more hydrated. By week four, I could see the difference. My cheeks appeared fuller, my smile lines less defined, and the overall texture smoother. It’s not a dramatic change but a real one. The serum delivers gradual improvement that makes skin look firm, even and well-rested. It’s the kind of change you notice most when you stop using it,  that’s when you realise how much it was doing. Makeup applies more smoothly, and I’ve had compliments on looking “refreshed”.

Is It Worth the Hype?

Yes. For under £20, this serum performs like a high-end plumping product. It’s one of the highest concentrations of Volufiline available and gives results that feel both natural and noticeable. If you already love The Ordinary's Matrixyl or Buffet, I mean, who doesn't? This adds a new layer of volume and softness to your skin. But with every kind of skin care this is a long game not a quick fix. 

Volufiline vs Matrixyl – Which Works Better?

These two aren’t rivals like you might think, they’re more like a great skincare duo. Matrixyl works by supporting collagen, which helps smooth fine lines and keep the skin feeling firm. Volufiline, on the other hand, is all about volume. It supports the skin’s natural fat storage to create that soft, bouncy fullness. I have talked all about this in my Botox in a bottle review. 

So which is “better”? It depends what you want.

• If you’re chasing fewer lines → Matrixyl is your girl.

• If you want plumper cheeks and cushioned skin → Volufiline delivers.

Personally, I love using Matrixyl in the morning for that lifted, firmer look, and Volufiline at night so it can get to work on the plumpness while I sleep. Together, they keep my skin looking smooth, hydrated and naturally fuller.

Volufiline vs Tretinoin – What’s the Difference?

We all know I am a Tretinoin gal. Volufiline and tretinoin do totally different jobs in skincare. Tretinoin boosts cell turnover to smooth fine lines, improve texture and target pigmentation. It’s incredible for long-term anti-ageing, but it doesn’t add volume. In fact, when you first start tret, your skin can look a little flatter or drier. Called the tret uglies and I know them well. 

Volufiline is all about fullness. It supports the skin’s natural fat storage to create a soft, cushioned look in areas like cheeks, smile lines and under the eyes. It won’t resurface the skin like tretinoin, but it can give that bouncy, plump finish.

Used together, they’re a brilliant duo:

• Tretinoin = smooth, firm, refined skin

• Volufiline = fuller, softer, more hydrated-looking skin

I like using tret at night, then adding Volufiline on top once the skin has settled, or alternating them depending on how my skin feels.

Volufiline vs Matrixyl vs Tretinoin – Comparison Table

Things to Keep in Mind

This serum is fragrance-free and low-risk, but as I always say, patch-test first. The oil-like texture may feel slightly rich at first, especially on oily skin, but it settles quickly. If your skin is dry or mature, twice-daily use gives the best results.

Where to Apply This Product

Volufiline isn’t a “full face” serum, it’s a targeted plumping treatment, so you want to use it on the areas where you naturally lose volume. Think of it like a little skin booster you tap into the places that need the most bounce.

Here’s exactly where to apply it:

Cheeks (upper cheek area)
This is the main spot. It helps bring back that soft, rounded look that disappears with age, weight changes, or long cycles in the Scottish wind (hi, it’s me).

Smile lines / nasolabial folds
If these have started to look deeper, Volufiline can soften the appearance and make the area look more cushioned.

Marionette lines (corners of the mouth)
Helps add a bit of support so the area doesn’t look flat or hollow.

Jawline area
If you’ve noticed things looking a bit less “held”, tapping a tiny bit along the jaw can give a subtle firmness.

Under the eyes (ONLY the upper cheek area, not right up to the lash line)
Apply it on the upper cheekbone, where hollowness starts. Avoid taking it too close to the eye itself.

Lips (outer lip area, not directly on the lip line)
It can make the lip border look smoother and slightly fuller. I tap it just above the cupid’s bow and around the corners.

Temples
This is optional, but if your temples look hollow, this can add a hint of softness.

How much do you use?

Just a pea-sized amount per area or a couple drops, a little goes a long way. It’s more about precision than slathering.

When to apply it

Use after lightweight serums but before any rich creams.
AM or PM both work, but I prefer PM so it can do its thing overnight.

Expert Insight

According to dermatologists quoted by Byrdie, Volufiline can enhance the appearance of firmness by promoting lipid storage in subcutaneous tissue, improving natural contours without invasive treatments. Results vary, but it’s a safe, supportive ingredient for long-term topical use.

My Verdict

You know I am nothing if I am not predictable, so I was scrolling TikTok, and I happened to be on at the same time this launched, and I was like, yes, please get in my basket. I was with all the products that have big claims and are new, sceptical about the real result this would give me. 

But I have to say this is one of those products that quietly earns its place in your routine. When I first tried it, I had to admit I was a bit taken aback by the texture; it is strange in a kind of heavy oil way. I have combination skin, so I was, of course, worried about a heavy oil. You only need a couple of drops for the areas I wanted to target. It hasn't clogged my pores or left me greasy-looking. Which was my main worry after I first applied it. 

I have to say my skin looks plumper, feels smoother and appears more hydrated. I am way more impressed than I thought that I would be.  It has become my go-to for days when I need my skin to recover from harsh weather or long bike rides. It doesn’t irritate, it delivers on its claims, and it gives you a fresher look without a drastic change. Yes, it's a long game product, but it is one that is actually worth investing your money in. My face looks fuller and more youthful. I have actually been using the excess on the back of my hands and they look nicer and more plump too. 

if you love that healthy, glossy skin look, my Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment review has a similar vibe,  it gives that same ‘fresh and hydrated’ finish

Rating: 4.8/5

Would I repurchase? Absolutely. Especially for cheek and jawline definition.

Where to Buy The Ordinary Volufiline 92 Serum in the UK

I bought my bottle from TikTok Shop for £19.50 (15 ml) when it first launched, but the official UK price has since dropped to around £15 on The Ordinary’s own website. This makes it one of the more affordable “plumping” serums on the market right now.

It’s also expected to roll out to the big beauty retailers soon, including LookFantastic and Cult Beauty, so keep an eye on their new-in sections. You can find it on Amazon UK too, but make sure the seller is The Ordinary or DECIEM to avoid any grey-market stock.

Here’s a quick UK price snapshot to help readers compare:

• The Ordinary (UK): ~£15 for 15 ml

• TikTok Shop: ~£19.50

• Other third-party stores: Prices vary a LOT — I’ve seen anything from £20 to £45 depending on the seller. Always double-check authenticity before buying.

If you like ingredient research, you can also find this product listed on external ingredient databases such as INCI Decoder, which is handy for checking the full formula.

FAQs About The Ordinary Volufiline 92 Serum

Does The Ordinary Volufiline 92 Serum actually work?

Yes, but the results are subtle and build gradually. With consistent use, it helps improve fullness in areas like the cheeks, smile lines and jawline, giving a softer, plumper, more refreshed look.

How long does Volufiline take to work?

Most people start noticing a difference within 2–4 weeks. I saw smoother texture by week two and more visible fullness by week four.

Can you use Volufiline under the eyes?

Yes, but apply it only to the upper cheek area, not directly on the thin under-eye skin. It can help soften hollowness where the cheek and eye meet.

Can I use The Ordinary Volufiline 92 with tretinoin?

Yes they work well together but don’t layer them at the same time if your skin is sensitive. Use tretinoin at night and Volufiline either in the morning or on alternating evenings.

Is Volufiline good for mature skin?

Definitely. It’s brilliant for targeting thinning skin, loss of volume, and deeper expression lines. It gives a soft, cushioned look without heaviness.

Can oily or acne-prone skin use Volufiline?

Yes, but the texture may feel a little oily at first. Once-a-day PM application is usually enough, and stick to targeted areas rather than the full face.

Will Volufiline replace filler treatments?

No, it won’t give instant or dramatic results. It gently boosts visible volume over time, making skin look naturally fuller without the commitment of injectables.

Can I use Volufiline with other serums?

Yes. Apply it after lightweight serums like Hyaluronic Acid or Niacinamide, and before moisturiser. Avoid layering with strong acids at the same time.

Can men use The Ordinary Volufiline 92 Serum?

Absolutely. It’s unisex, lightweight and great for anyone wanting firmer, smoother, more hydrated-looking skin.

Does Volufiline cause breakouts?

It’s not known to cause congestion and hasn’t broken me out. But as always, patch-test first if you’re sensitive or acne-prone.

How should I store Volufiline?

Keep it in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. No need to refrigerate.

Final Takeaway

If your skin is starting to look a little flat, tired or in need of extra bounce, The Ordinary Volufiline 92 Serum is absolutely worth trying. With consistent use, it delivers subtle, natural volume that makes your cheeks, smile lines, and complexion look fresher and more youthful all without filler-level commitment.

Have you tried The Ordinary Volufiline 92 serum yet? I’d love to hear your experience leave a comment below. I love hearing how this works on different skin types

About the Editor

Written by Laura Martin, award-winning UK beauty, wellness and lifestyle blogger at MissLJBeauty.com. Laura has been testing skincare, haircare and wellness products for over ten years and has been featured in LUXlife Magazine, Singletrack Magazine and the Scottish Influencer Awards.