As injectable cosmetic techniques advance, an increasing variety of materials emerge with expanding applications and effects. However, this progress is accompanied by a rise in medical aesthetic safety incidents. Ultimately, this stems from the market being flooded with counterfeit and substandard products. Simultaneously, consumers often fall victim to deception due to insufficient knowledge about injectable materials.
Therefore, educating the public about injectable materials is crucial. Most beauty seekers are only familiar with the effects and duration of these products, but know little about other aspects. For instance, they often lack awareness of where these materials can be injected or whether they are approved by national authorities.
The four most popular injectable materials today are: hyaluronic acid, botulinum toxin, Ivory (Ivyline), and Aibei Fu. How much do you know about the composition, qualifications, uses, and pros and cons of these four materials? Below, we'll break down these four wrinkle-reducing materials to help you avoid being deceived without realizing it.
I. Hyaluronic Acid
Originally used solely for moisturizing, hyaluronic acid has now entered the realm of wrinkle-reducing cosmetic materials. Currently, only two brands of hyaluronic acid have been approved by China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA): Yimei and Restylane. Each product comes with an approval number and anti-counterfeiting code, which can be verified on the NMPA website or the brand's official website.
Visual and tactile inspection can also help distinguish quality. High-grade hyaluronic acid exhibits a crystal-clear, luminous appearance. Additionally, its low molecular weight and water-based nature yield a smooth texture when rubbed—it dissipates gradually upon friction. In contrast, the substitute injectable Omedin, though also water-based, features noticeably larger particles and a gel-like consistency that resists rapid dissolution after solidification.
Hyaluronic acid products are used in facial aesthetic treatments due to their safety, high stability, similarity to human tissue, biodegradability, low risk of allergic reactions or migration, and water-insoluble properties. In injectable cosmetics, they are suitable for temple augmentation, rhinoplasty, lip enhancement, chin augmentation, wrinkle reduction, and nasolabial fold filling.However, hyaluronic acid also has certain drawbacks: its effects last for a relatively short period, and it demands high injection technique proficiency. Injecting too shallowly can cause localized lumps, while injecting too deeply may fail to produce the desired effect.
Editor's Note: The raw materials for producing hyaluronic acid are not scarce. However, many unregulated medical institutions, such as beauty salons, often use unlicensed injectables for profit. Any hyaluronic acid products not manufactured by brands like Yimei or Restylane are illegal and counterfeit.It's important to note that legitimate pharmaceutical distributors would never supply injectables to beauty salons. Therefore, hyaluronic acid injections should only be administered by licensed physicians in accredited medical facilities.
II. Botulinum Toxin
Botulinum toxin has become a favorite among beauty enthusiasts. Currently, only two brands have been approved by China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA): the imported Botox and the domestically produced Lanzhou Hengli. Verification can be done on the NMPA website or the brand's official site. All other brands are either illegally produced or counterfeit.
When receiving Botox injections, ensure the vial is intact and verify the production date and expiration date on the packaging. Domestic Botox vials may contain visible white powder, while imported vials may have minimal white residue at the bottom (similar to dried milk residue in a cup). If the solution appears clear liquid, it indicates prior use. This biological agent must be prepared immediately before use.
Botox offers benefits including wrinkle reduction, facial slimming, leg contouring, and hyperhidrosis treatment. It can be injected into areas such as the face, legs, and underarms. Its advantage lies in simultaneously reducing wrinkles and slowing their progression. However, Botox is a potent neurotoxin, and its safety and efficacy depend entirely on the product quality, dosage, and injection technique.
Editor's Note: Doctors administering Botox must possess plastic surgery credentials, extensive experience, deep understanding of facial anatomy, and specialized training in Botox injection techniques. In China, plastic surgeons require manufacturer-issued injection certification to administer imported Botox (Botox®).
III. Ivorylane (Ivane)
Ivorylane is composed of cationic polyacrylamide N,N-dimethyldiallylamine salt copolymer, phosphate buffer solution, sodium chloride, and injectable water. It is biodegradable and obtained EU CE certification in 2000, becoming a product recommended by the British Royal Society of Aesthetic Medicine.In 2005, Evlan was approved for entry into China by the State Food and Drug Administration.
In fact, since its approval expired in September 2009, Evlan has never been re-approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). The NMPA issued a notice revoking Evlan's approval as early as January 31, 2012. This means that any Evlan products entering the domestic market after January 31 are illegal.>Ivyline is categorized into four formulations based on duration of effect: Fine, Original, Ultra, and Evolution. It is indicated for filling deep wrinkles, glabellar lines, nasolabial folds, nasolabial lines, forehead wrinkles, crow's feet, nasolabial folds, cheek lines, lip augmentation, lip wrinkles, crow's feet, earlobe augmentation, glabellar lines, facial scars/Depressions.
Editor's Note: In August 2012, China's State Food and Drug Administration announced that inspections and sampling revealed French-produced Evlan injectable synthetic gel failed to meet standards for sodium chloride content, acrylamide monomer residue, and ultraviolet absorption spectrum. This indicates Evlan's biodegradability requires further research.
IV. Aibei Fu
Aibei Fu is an injectable medical aesthetic product for skin rejuvenation. It obtained EU CE certification in 1996 and has been administered to over 300,000 individuals internationally with excellent results. It received SFDA certification in China in 2002 and was recertified on March 12, 2012, with a four-year validity period.
Abeve is imported directly from the Netherlands. The outer packaging box bears the mark "Please verify manufacturer: HAFOD BIOSCIENCE B.V." on the back. The inner packaging (excluding the syringe) displays the mark "Please verify manufacturer: HAFOD (white text on blue background)."
Abeve contains 80% polymethyl methacrylate, 80% collagen solution, and 0.3% lidocaine. It is used for permanent removal of facial wrinkles, nasolabial folds, lip augmentation, scar repair, nipple enhancement, and other skin imperfections.
Editor's Note: Not all institutions are certified to administer Aibei Fu. On the official Aibei Fu website, you can verify certified institutions and physicians authorized to perform injections. Before undergoing treatment, consult the official site to ensure authenticity and avoid scams.