While facelifts and dermal fillers help to tighten and tone the skin for a more youthful and attractive appearance, some scientists believe that you can get similar results of a procedure straight from a bottle.   

Tricutan, a patented formula released in the U.S. in late 2007, is now found in skin care products such as Dermyn that help to stimulate facial muscles to imitate the results of a facelift – all without a single incision. By targeting the delicate fibers of the dermis, Tricutan-based products may help improve the skin’s texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  

Is Tricutan really the answer to nonsurgical facelifts and antiaging treatments? Here’s a closer look at Tricutan and products containing this powerful wrinkle-plumping ingredient:  

Key Ingredients in Tricutan  

Tricutan is a blend of herbal extracts, spices and natural ingredients that help to stimulate the skin and increase skin elasticity. Tricutan contains just four ingredients, but these can be combined with several other ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and lecithin for more skin-plumping benefits. Dermyn, a popular wrinkle removal treatment available in Canada is made with Tricutan, DMDM Hydantoin, and Centella asiatica extract to increase skin firmness and slow down the aging process.  

Tricutan itself contains:

Macadamia nut oil – used in many beauty products because of its emollient properties, macadamia nut oil can replenish lost moisture and encourage healthy skin cell growth

Rosemary – a soothing and clarifying agent, rosemary can help clear up age spots, improve skin tone and leave you with a glowing appearance

Gotu Kola extract – a popular ingredient used in dietary supplements and skinceuticals, gotu kola can enhance the texture and tone of the skin and stimulate healthy skin cell production Turmeric – a natural skin disinfectant, this spice is an anti-inflammatory agent that can help with cell detoxification and turnover

DMAE – perhaps the most important ingredient in Tricutan, this is the ingredient that encourages muscle contraction and may boost skin elasticity. DMAE is often taken as an oral supplement, but skincare products containing DMAE may offer several benefits.  

The Promises of Tricutan Based Products

Tricutan based products such as Dermyn claim to strengthen and rejuvenate the skin from inside out.  Instead of simply plumping up skin tissue temporarily or clearing up a breakout, Tricutan is designed to be absorbed deep within the skin’s layers to rebuild collagen and increase facial muscle contractions. Scientists in Sweden have conducted several in-depth trials and research studies on Tricutan, and have confirmed that the formula can plump up the skin and increase skin firmness over time (Source:  CosmeticsDesign.com).

Tricutan is touted as a facelift in a bottle, and may be a valuable product for anyone who wants to skip the surgery and add a new cosmetic treatment to their daily skin regiment.  

Bottom Line: While thousands of people turn to photo facials, laser skin resurfacing and other anti-aging treatments in an effort to stop the aging process, cosmetic companies and scientists continue to roll out innovative formulas that promise to stop the hands of time. Products that contain Tricutan do offer several benefits for the skin and may help make skin firmer, stronger and more resilient. Still, over the counter products aren’t a substitute for conventional wrinkle removal treatments and most people can enjoy a dramatic change with a combination of cosmetic enhancements and topical treatment.  

Learn more about wrinkle removal treatments in our information guide, or consult with a dermatologist in your area to find out what options are available for your skin type and skin condition.