Top Skincare Products That Target Nasolabial Folds

Top Skincare Products That Target Nasolabial Folds

Nasolabial folds—commonly known as "smile lines" or "laugh lines"—are the deep lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. While they are a completely natural part of facial anatomy and become more pronounced with age.

Many people seek ways to soften their appearance for a more youthful look. Fortunately, the skincare industry offers a range of effective products specifically designed to target these folds, supporting skin firmness, hydration, and elasticity.

The top skincare products that help reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds through advanced ingredients and proven formulations.

What Causes Nasolabial Folds?

Before diving into product recommendations, it's important to understand the underlying causes of nasolabial folds:

·       Loss of collagen and elastin with age

·       Volume loss in the cheeks leading to sagging skin

·       Sun damage that accelerates skin aging

·       Repetitive facial expressions that deepen lines over time

·       Dehydration and poor skincare habits

By choosing products with the right active ingredients, you can target these root causes and improve the look of nasolabial folds.

1. SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, proxylane, licorice root extract

Why it works: This hydrating serum is clinically proven to boost skin’s hyaluronic acid levels by up to 30%, helping to plump and firm the skin. Hyaluronic acid attracts water, making the skin appear smoother and reducing the depth of folds.

Best for: Dehydrated, aging skin that needs visible plumping.

How to use: Apply twice daily after cleansing and before moisturizer.

2. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), hyaluronic acid, amino-peptides

Why it works: This drugstore favorite boosts skin cell turnover and hydration, improving elasticity and firmness around the mouth and cheeks. Niacinamide helps improve skin texture, tone, and the appearance of fine lines.

Best for: Early signs of aging and budget-conscious consumers.

How to use: Use morning and night on clean skin, focusing on the lower face.

3. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex

Key Ingredients: Tripeptide-32, hyaluronic acid, fermented ingredients

Why it works: This iconic serum boosts skin repair overnight. It supports collagen synthesis and helps with skin renewal, making it especially effective for deep wrinkles and folds.

Best for: Mature skin types and nighttime routines.

How to use: Apply at night before moisturizer. Can be layered with retinol or other actives.

4. RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

Key Ingredients: Retinol, glycerin, antioxidants

Why it works: Retinol is the gold standard for reducing the appearance of deep wrinkles, including nasolabial folds. This formula delivers retinol in a slow-release mechanism, minimizing irritation while maximizing benefits.

Best for: Skin with moderate to deep folds.

How to use: Start with every other night and gradually increase usage. Always follow with sunscreen during the day.

5. The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%

Key Ingredients: Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-8)

Why it works: Known as "Botox in a bottle," Argireline targets dynamic wrinkles caused by facial movements. It can help relax the muscles around the mouth, softening the appearance of nasolabial folds.

Best for: Mild expression lines and preventative use.

How to use: Apply a few drops to clean skin before moisturizing. Use morning and night for best results.

6. Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum

Key Ingredients: Signal peptides, growth factors, lactic acid

Why it works: This peptide-rich serum supports collagen production and cell turnover. It improves skin firmness and texture, making the nasolabial lines appear less pronounced.

Best for: Dull, sagging skin with uneven tone.

How to use: Use once daily, preferably in the evening, followed by moisturizer.

7. Murad Rapid Collagen Infusion

Key Ingredients: Collagen amino acids, winged kelp extract

Why it works: This fast-acting treatment claims to visibly plump skin in just a few hours. The collagen-building ingredients help support the skin’s structure and minimize wrinkles and folds.

Best for: Quick results before events or photo sessions.

How to use: Apply to clean skin under moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning.

8. Alastin Restorative Skin Complex

Key Ingredients: TriHex technology, peptides, antioxidants

Why it works: Alastin’s proprietary technology promotes the removal of old collagen and elastin while stimulating new production. This leads to firmer, more resilient skin, especially around the cheeks and mouth.

Best for: Post-procedure recovery and advanced anti-aging care.

How to use: Apply morning and night for optimal skin restoration.

Tatcha The Silk Cream

Key Ingredients: Silk proteins, green tea, rice, algae

Why it works: While not specifically marketed for folds, the rich texture and firming botanicals in this luxurious cream help support skin elasticity and hydration. Consistent use leads to smoother, more youthful skin overall.

Best for: Dry to combination skin and fans of clean, luxury skincare.

How to use: Use morning and night after serums.

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ Serum

Key Ingredients: Retinol SA, hyaluronic acid, glucose complex

Why it works: This potent serum combines retinol with skin-hydrating and soothing agents to visibly reduce even deep wrinkles with continued use. It's a solid option for targeting laugh lines affordably.

Best for: Combination to oily skin types.

How to use: Begin with a few nights a week, and increase as tolerated.

Tips for Maximizing Results

In addition to choosing the right products, consider these tips for getting the best results when targeting folds:

Use sunscreen daily to prevent further breakdown of collagen.

Layer products properly: serums before creams, and always allow each layer to absorb.

Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants.

Consider facial massage or gua sha to improve circulation and lymphatic drainage.

Be consistent: Skincare takes time, and visible results often appear after 6–12 weeks of use.

When to Consider Professional Treatments

If skincare products aren't giving you the results you want, you might consider:

Dermal fillers to restore lost volume in the cheeks

Microneedling or laser treatments to stimulate collagen

Radiofrequency or ultrasound therapy for skin tightening

Always consult a board-certified dermatologist or aesthetic specialist to explore these options.

Final Thoughts

Nasolabial folds are a natural part of facial aging, but with the right skincare products, you can significantly soften their appearance and improve your skin’s overall firmness and elasticity. From retinol to peptides, hyaluronic acid to botanical extracts, today’s products offer a wide range of solutions for all skin types and budgets.

Consistency, patience, and a tailored regimen are key. Whether you’re looking for preventive care in your 30s or targeted correction in your 50s and beyond, the products listed above can help you feel more confident in your skin—smile lines and all.