The rise of GLP-1 weight loss skincare: new hope for 'Ozempic Face'?

Over the past 14 months, I’ve lost more than 100 pounds using Mounjaro, a GLP-1 medication that’s currently the most effective approved weight loss injectable available. Like Ozempic, it mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which regulates blood sugar and slows gastric emptying. But unlike Ozempic it also mimics another hormone called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide.

The upshot? You feel full sooner, eat less, and over time, if you follow a healthy eating plan devised for weight loss, you’ll drop a dress size or two. I’ve been astounded by the results, not just the amount I’ve lost, but the fact I was able to drop the excess weight after years of hormonal issues that rendered my diets ineffective—despite them working just fine previously.
 
However, the weight loss is somewhat bittersweet, I’ve worked hard at it but even though I lost roughly 2 lbs a week, which is considered steady, it was seemingly too fast for my skin. My body has been most affected, but there’s no denying that when it comes to my face, my nasolabial folds are more pronounced, I have mild jowling that wasn’t there before, and the apples of my cheeks have deflated.
 

The skinny on GLP-1 skincare 

As a beauty journalist with 20 years of experience, I’ve seen enough overblown marketing claims to approach any trend-led beauty buy with healthy scepticism. Topical products can do a lot—think hydrate, strengthen, refine, smooth and even tighten to some extent—but when you’ve lost structural fat and your skin is very lax, it’s unlikely that a moisturiser alone will get the job done.
 
Which is why rather unsurprisingly I wasn’t overly convinced by the claims of the Vol.U.Lift GLP-1 4D Skin Rebound Complex. Many serums, creams and prescription actives claim to treat the facial changes associated with weight loss including deflation, dehydration, and deep wrinkles. So, why invest in this cream in particular, and if you are losing or have lost a lot of weight at a rapid pace with a GLP-1, can this cream really save you from the sag and 'Ozempic Face' or 'Mounjaro Face'?

Well, the proof is in the plumping. So, like any good beauty journalist worth their salt, I knew before I shared my opinion that I should give this cream a go.

Inside the formula

Developed by plastic surgeon and co-owner of professional skincare brand Image Skincare, Marc Ronert, the twice daily use face cream has been positioned as a targeted treatment for the specific facial changes associated with GLP-1-induced weight loss: deflation, dehydration, deep wrinkles, and density loss.

Packed with an array of actives, there’s also the gold standard hydrator hyaluronic acid, and the popular retinol alternative bakuchiol, known to help improve firmness and soften lines without the irritation typical of retinoids. There’s also the lesser known, kangaroo paw flower, that’s rich in ferulic acid and linoleic acid, which supports elasticity and has antioxidant benefits.

The formula also contains plant collagen fragments, intended to mimic and support the skin’s own collagen matrix, and their patent-pending XOSM technology, which encapsulates antioxidants like vitamin C and astaxanthin-rich micro-algae to enhance delivery and protect the skin barrier.

How it performed 

For context, I already use an active-heavy skincare routine, which includes tretinoin, azelaic acid, niacinamide, peptides, tranexamic acid, antioxidants, and humectants like glycerine and hyaluronic acid (and more). Plus, in the last year alone, I’ve had two high-intensity focused ultrasound treatments, two radio frequency microneedling sessions, five combination treatments with The Stellar M22, and two Moxi non-ablative fractional laser sessions. So, I’ve banked a good deal of collagen, meaning I wasn’t sure my skin could get any better without the use of injectables.

But I was pleasantly surprised. Despite having sensitive, combination-oily skin, this cream didn’t cause any irritation or make me break out. And after using it day and night—while still using tretinoin and my treatment serums (which the brand says is OK to do)—I noticed that my skin looked and felt far more hydrated and thus appeared plumper almost immediately. The few fine lines I have were softened, and the overall texture looked smoother and fresher. While still more pronounced than pre weight loss, my nasolabial folds were definitely not as deep, while my jawline looked in better nick too. So far so good.

However, I saw no difference in my deflation where my nasojugal groove (tear trough) lies—under my eyes, just above my cheeks and on either side of my nose. This can become more prominent after weight loss due to a decrease in subcutaneous fat, making the underlying structures more visible.
 

What it can’t replace

This proved to me that while it is in fact a rather impressive cream, it has its limitations. There’s only so much skincare can do when it comes to loss of fat due to GLP-1 assisted weight loss, non-assisted weight loss or plain old ageing (where you’ll also encounter the loss of structural fat pads, and bone to boot).

And that’s where dermal fillers and injectable biostimulators can pick up the slack. CaHA fillers like Radiesse, offer instant volume and stimulate collagen production over time for lasting results. Sculptra can gradually rebuild structural support and improve density longer term, while Profhilo Structura focuses specifically on stimulating the body’s own fat pads to restore facial structure and volume, offering a more targeted approach to deflation. And of course, there are effective surgical options like fat transfers and facelifts too.

The verdict

If, like me, you already use a routine packed with proven actives, particularly prescription tretinoin or over-the-counter retinal, you probably won’t see dramatic improvements beyond what you can achieve with a diligent hydrating skincare routine. But if you don’t already have a cream containing this combination of hydrating, plumping and barrier supporting ingredients, it’s well worth adding the Vol.U.Lift GLP-1 4D Skin Rebound Complex, to your regimen.

Personally, I’m going to carry on using this for its hydrating properties alone, as I’ve found it far superior to my current HA serum, and I’m going to book in with an Etre Vous Expert for a touch of dermal filler and a dose of Profhilo Structura. Yes, a face cream can be a supportive tool, but it won’t do the heavy lifting on its own.