THE VIRAL SERUM EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT: THE ORDINARY’S VOLUFILINE 92% + PAL-ISOLEUCINE 1%
Stripping back all the fuss and frills of beauty since 2016, The Ordinary’s unparalleled skin wisdom serves up smart, empowering solutions anchored in a philosophy of science, clarity and trust. As our debut Brand of the Month for 2026, we’re thrilled to launch The Ordinary’s latest headline-hitting innovation — Volufiline 92% + Pal-Isoleucine 1%.
Exclusive to Cult Beauty for a limited time, this viral beauty breakthrough is dominating feeds and drawing praise from the in-the-know press. A plumping, targeted serum, it’s expertly formulated to address areas of the face where volume is often the first to diminish, such as the under eyes, temples, cheeks and expression lines.
The science behind the serum? This formula is powered by sarsasapogenin, known in skincare as Volufiline, a molecule studied for its capacity to support the skin structures that contribute to a naturally plump, youthful appearance. It’s paired with 1% Pal-Isoleucine, a lipoamino acid that helps smooth fine lines while supporting the skin’s natural production of collagen and elastin, the scaffold-like proteins that underpin firmness and resilience for a lifted, sculpted effect. Together, these actives go beyond surface-level benefits to visibly restore volume where it is needed most.
£19.50
While Volufiline itself is not new to skincare, it has historically involved dilution or blending into other formulas before use. This water-free serum changes that — Volufiline can be delivered directly to the skin at a very high concentration, without compromise. The result is a ready-to-use, potent blend that offers precision, reliability, and performance — backed by one of the most trusted names in the game.
We sit down with Rita Silva, Senior Manager of Science Communications & Brand Engagement at The Ordinary, to explore the science behind Volufiline 92% + Pal-Isoleucine 1%.
On The Inspiration Behind Volufiline 92% + Pal-Isoleucine 1%...
The Ordinary is committed to democratising known (and lesser-known) active ingredients. As Volufiline gained widespread attention on social media, we took notice of the visible and amazing results shared by users. We developed Volufiline 92% + Pal-Isoleucine 1% to offer a reliable, potent and accessible solution without the need for dilution or compromise. By pairing Volufiline with Pal-Isoleucine, an ingredient studied for similar plumping benefits, we visibly address the loss of facial volume, which is often overlooked as one of the first signs of ageing.
On The Science that Informed This Industry-first Formula...
Facial ageing is influenced by multiple factors, including the gradual loss of facial fat pads. The face is composed of both superficial and deep fat compartments that support a youthful appearance. Over time, changes in these compartments lead to a loss of volume and structural support, resulting in wrinkles and sagging – often beginning in the periorbital and malar areas before progressing to the cheeks and temples.
Skin volume is also supported by key structural molecules beneath the skin’s surface, including collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Over time, these molecules decline or become damaged due to intrinsic ageing and external stressors such as UV exposure and pollution, contributing further to visible volume loss.
On Where Volufiline Works to Restore Volume...
Curiously, Volufiline was originally developed in the early 2000s to support visible volume in the bust area. However, since then, it has been added to facial formulas to address the appearance of volume loss. Pal-Isoleucine has also been studied for targeting signs of facial ageing, including loss of fullness. Together, they work in harmony to visibly plump areas prone to a decrease in skin volume, such as under the eyes, cheeks, and smile lines.
On Layering Volufiline with Other Active Ingredients...
Volufiline 92% + Pal-Isoleucine 1% can be cocktailed and combined with a wide spectrum of The Ordinary formulas. For best results, pair it with products that support skin structure and hydration, such as a peptide-based serum like Multi-Peptide + HA Serum during the day, and a retinoid such as Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion in the evening. Always apply Volufiline after a moisturiser to nourish, such as Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides, and of course, always finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen like UV Filters SPF 45 Serum to protect volume-supporting structures.
On How to Incorporate Volufiline Into Your Daily Skincare Routine...
Shake well before use. Apply twice daily as needed to targeted areas (such as under eyes, cheeks, smile lines) after moisturiser. Avoid direct eye contact. A mild tingling sensation may occur and should subside within minutes. Discontinue use if irritation, burning, or redness persists.
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