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dr brandt needles no more review

Hello, I’m Gio, and I’m a needle-phobic.

To say I’m terrified of needles is an understatement. I can’t even watch a medical TV show (or any show where someone is having an injection, for that matter) without feeling like I’m going to faint. Blood tests cause a full on anxiety attack.

That rules out Botox for me. Plus, I’m not to keep on the downtime. Or the risk of having my face frozen in an awkward position for months should something go wrong.

No, thanks. I’ll keep my wrinkles.

But… Wouldn’t it be wonderful if a cream or serum gave you the same results as Botox – without the needle & co?

Dr Brandt swears the new Needles No More Wrinkle Smoothing Cream can do just that. But does it deliver? Let’s find out:

What’s In Dr Brandt Needles No More Wrinkle Smoothing Cream?

PERFLUOROHEXANE, PERFLUOROPERHYDROPHENANTHRENE, & PERFLUORODECALIN

Dr Brandt Needles No More Wrinkle Smoothing Ceam contains an “exclusive tri-blend wrinkle relaxer” made up of perfluorohexane, perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene, and perfluorodecalin.

Ermm… what the heck does that mean, Gio?

In plain English, this trio can deliver oxygen to your skin. But, can that relax wrinkles?

I only found one study testing the efficacy of a cream with an oxygen carrier. The scientists wanted to know if the cream improved moisture levels and reduced fine lines and wrinkles. The verdict? The results were so subtle, they couldn’t tell how well it worked.

What we do know is that too much oxygen can generate free radicals, the nasty molecules that cause premature aging. I’m not saying this cream will generate free radicals but…

With all the antioxidants, retinoids, & co you can put in a cream, why would you go with oxygen?!

Related: Do Oxygen Facials Really Work?

FILM FORMERS

Dr Brandt Needles No More Wrinkle Smoothing Cream also claims to encourage “a superficial tightening action, preventing contraction and providing quick relaxation”. How does it deliver that?

This tightening action is due to film-formers polymethyl methacrylate, sodium acrylates copolymer and methyl methacrylate crosspolymer.

When they dry, they contract, providing a tightening effect. This results in a “blurred look” that makes fine lines and wrinkles look smaller.

But it’s only a temporary solution. Once you remove them, your wrinkles become noticeable once again.

Related: Treatment VS Prevention: What Really Works Against Wrinkles?

SHEA BUTTER

Another trick to reduce the appearance of fine line and wrinkles is to keep skin hydrated. The more hydrated your skin is, the plumper it looks. In Dr Brandt Needles No More Wrinkle Smoothing Cream, this job falls to shea butter.

Shea butter forms a protective barrier on the skin that reduces transpidermal water loss. It does this a lot better than even mineral oil, one of the most moisturizing ingredients used in skincare. And its effects last for at least 8 hours.

But that’s not all. There is also some evidence that the unsaponifiables contained in shea butter may boost collagen production, helping skin stay younger for longer.

But that takes time. The immediate improvement you see right after you apply the cream is due to the moisturizing properties of shea butter (and the film formers mentioned above).

Related: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Shea Butter In Skincare

X50 MYOCEPT POWDER

You won’t find X50 Myocept Powder in the ingredient list of Dr Brandt Needles No More. Not with this name anyway. It’s a complex formed by:

  • Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-52
  • Polyvinyl Alcohol
  • Lactic Acid
  • Glycolic Acid
  • Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-18

According to the manufacturer, this complex “targets skin neurons for an improved Botox like ingredient. It minimizes neuronal exocytosis by inhibiting calcium entry at receptor level and Inhibits the formation of the SNARE protein complex,” two functions that can relax muscles.

All that to say that it has a Botox-life effect that supposedly freezes wrinkles. Why does science has to be so complicated?!

Anyway, does it work? Difficult to tell. Manufacturer claims aside, I couldn’t find any independent research on this at all.

Need help creating an anti-aging routine that really works? Sign up to the newsletter below to receive the “Anti-Aging Skincare Routine Cheatsheet” (it includes product recommendations, too!).

Texture

It’s a lightweight cream.

Fragrance

It’s fragrance-free.

How To Use It

In the AM, in between serum and sunscreen. In the evening, it’s the last step of your skincare routine.

Performance & Personal Opinion

Dr Brandt Needles No More Wrinkle Smoothing Cream is one of those products you’ll either love or hate – it really depends on what you’re looking for.

If you expect it to work like Botox, you’ll definitely be disappointed. Truth bomb: nothing works like Botox. That’s why Botox is still a thing.

But it does smooth out wrinkles. As soon as you put it on, the lines on my forehead look smaller. Like I’ve just put an Instagram filter on top, but dialled down the intensity to the minimum.

You’ve guessed it, you need to squint a little to see a difference. But it’s there. For the time being. Because as soon as you start sweating, touching your face, removing your makeup, or doing anything that can rub the cream off, your wrinkles will look as noticeable as before.

If you need a quick fix for an important date, like a wedding or a first date with a special someone, this’ll do the trick. Just don’t expect any longlasting results, no matter how consistent you are.

P.S. If you’re looking for Facetune in a bottle for your special events, I recommend Niod Photography Fluid instead. It’s the bomb (and why cheaper too).

Related: My Full Review Of Niod Photography Fluid

Dr brand needles no more wrinkle smoothing cream

Who Is This For?

Anyone who’s looking for a quick fix for wrinkles.

Who Is This Not For?

Anyone who’s looking for something who can reduce wrinkles long-term.

Packaging

Bottle with a pump applicator. Practical. Hygienic. Sleek.

Does Dr Brandt Needles No More Wrinkle Smoothing Cream Live Up To Its Claims?

CLAIM TRUE?
Formulated with a revolutionary tri-blend wrinkle-smoothing complex, this cream visibly smooths expression lines instantly* and over time for skin that’s naturally fabulous, never frozen. It can smooths out wrinkles instantly, but the results are subtle and temporary.
Help defend against the look of future lines and wrinkles. True if it means it can smooth out future wrinkles. Not true if it means it can prevent wrinkles.

Price & Availability

$89.00/£71.20 at Dermstore, Feel Unique, Revolve, Sephora and Ulta

Do You Need It?

It’s definitely NOT a must. But if you’re desperate for a quick fix, this’ll do.

[penci_review]

Dupes & Alternatives

Ingredients

Water, Perfluorohexane, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene, Perfluorodecalin, Butylene Glycol, Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Magnesium Gluconate, C12-16 Alcohols, Palmitic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Prolinamidoethyl Imidazole, Cetearyl Alcohol, Menthone Glycerin Acetal, Glutamylamidoethyl Imidazole, Tocopherol, Lecithin, Stearic Acid, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Phytate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Silanediol Salicylate, Adenosine, Tromethamine, Linalool, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-52, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-18, Methylpropanediol, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract.

Have you tried Dr Brandt Needles No More? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

About Gio

Hi, I'm Gio. I'm a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever - every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what's worth the splurge and what's best left on the shelf - using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.