Does the viral filler volufiline work?

Beauty trends pop up as quickly as a viral TikTok video. But determining which fads are actually recommended and effective takes more time and attention.

This is the case with a supposed filler called volufiline, a cosmetic ingredient derived from the Anemarrhena asphodeloides plant, currently used in cosmetic products to achieve volumizing effects, according to Courtney Coons, a board-certified nurse practitioner at PERK Plastic Surgery.

“Volufiline claims to promote lipofilling, or volumizing, effects. Patients and consumers use the ingredient to create a plumping effect in applied areas,” she says. The product is typically marketed for consumers to use on the face (particularly the cheeks), buttocks and breasts, Coons shares.

The product was first developed by a French company Sederma, as a non-hormonal, bust-enhancing ingredient. Some products make claims that it creates a fuller, firmer look for breasts as well. But Coons says there is no validation or confirmation of any of these reports in major medical literature. Also, some consumers show a significant level of apprehension and distrust about the science behind the product on chat platforms like Reddit.

Here’s what to know about the hottest new (supposed) filler replacement.

Does volufiline work?

In short, that has not been proven.

“Unfortunately, evidence supporting volufiline's benefits is very limited. As a cosmetic ingredient rather than a drug, it has not undergone rigorous testing in randomized controlled trials reported in major medical literature. Currently, all claims supporting its volumizing effects originate from the manufacturer,” Coons says. “Due to a lack of current evidence on the ingredient, there is also a lack of known potential side effects or downsides.”

Will it replace traditional filler?

Coons says no, as it cannot fully replicate the volumizing effects of traditional injectable fillers. “However, if future research continues to support its current benefit claims, I could see it being used as an adjunctive treatment alongside traditional fillers.”