Everyone does beauty sleep differently. Most of us will climb into bed after washing our face and applying a night cream or overnight oil. Maybe you sleep with a silk pillowcase or have recently gotten into mouth-taping. If so, you might be intrigued by the latest buzzy skincare product that falls squarely in that overnight skincare category: forehead-wrinkle patches.
“Forehead wrinkle patches are basically stickers that you can apply to your forehead at night before you sleep,” explains board-certified dermatologist Courtney Rubin. “They help to keep the skin smooth overnight by reducing movement of the underlying facial muscles.”
Shop The Best Forehead-Wrinkle Patches
- Best Overall111 Skin Wrinkle Erasing Retinol PatchesRead more
- Best At SephoraPeace Out Microneedling Anti-Wrinkle Retinol PatchesRead more
- Best Resusable PatchDermaclara SiliconeFusion™ Forehead PatchRead more
While you certainly don’t need a forehead-wrinkle patch (and there’s limited science backing their efficacy), some people report they help with tension headaches or that using them sporadically, like before a special occasion, softens their forehead lines and makes them feel more confident. Ahead, we consult dermatologists to learn more about the forehead-wrinkle patch category and bring you the best, highly-rated patches out there.
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Best Overall
111 Skin Wrinkle Erasing Retinol Patches
Pros
- Award-winning technology
- Infused with active skincare
- Developed by a plastic surgeon
Cons
- Nearly $200
If you’re looking for results, these patches created by plastic surgeon Yannis Alexandrides are totally worth the investment. The innovation is in the patented microcone technology: The teeny needle-line structures dissolve on contact with the skin to deliver retinol, vitamin C, and peptides. According to clinical trials and rave reviews from BAZAAR’s beauty editors—these work.
One reviewer says: “These patches are amazing. I was dubious upon purchase but after wearing them on my forehead overnight, I have noticed a huge reduction in fine lines! 10/10 recommend.” –Jess
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Best At Sephora
Peace Out Microneedling Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Patches
$28 at Sephora$25 at Walmart$28 at Ulta Beauty
Pros
- Infused with retinol and peptides
- BPA-free
Cons
- Single-use
A similar design at a lower price point, these micro-dart patches also contain dissolvable retinol, peptides, and vitamin C, delivering targeted, potent, anti-wrinkle skincare benefits wherever you stick them.
One reviewer says: “These work pretty well! When I wake up and [peel] them off, the wrinkles (my 11 lines) are much less noticeable! There are only six in a pack so I only use them for more special occasions and weekends. I think I would have longer lasting results if I could afford to use them more often.” -Emily
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Best Resusable Patch
Dermaclara SiliconeFusion™ Forehead Patch
$27 at dermaclara.com$27 at Amazon
Pros
- Reusable design
- Petrolatum-free
Cons
- Must be gently rinsed and dried before storing
This forehead-shaped silicone patch locks moisture into the skin by creating an occlusive environment that softens fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, the silicone is reusable—wash gently and air dry— so it can be reused up to 30 times.
One reviewer says: “I tried the forehead patch with a healthy dose of skepticism, but I have been searching for anything to help with my terrible wrinkles. Botox isn’t an option for me. I’ve used the patch every day for 30-60 minutes for a week now and I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. My deep wrinkles are noticeably softer, they even feel less deep. I’m a believer!” –Jamie E.
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Best For Acne-Prone Skin
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Forehead Pimple Patches
$18 at Ulta Beauty$18 at Dermstore$18 at herocosmetics.us
Pros
- Made of medical-grade hydrocolloid
- Provides a barrier to prevent picking
Cons
- Single-use
Those with oily or acne-prone skin may prefer a hydrocolloid patch that helps treat forehead breakouts by absorbing excess oil and sebum in the skin. It’s specifically contoured to the forehead, limiting muscle mobility and functioning like a forehead wrinkle patch.
One reviewer says: “Nice to have something that fits the shape of more of the forehead rather than doing a ton of individual dots. The ingredients in this really do the trick for pulling out all the gunk that clogs one’s pores. ” -Carly M.
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Best For Treating 11s
SIO Mid-Brow Lift 11s
Pros
- Reusable up to 10 wears
- Made with medical-grade silicone
- Award-winning design
Cons
- Should be rinsed with water and placed back on the storage shield
Sometimes a targeted design is the most effective. This reusable silicone patch is custom-curved to treat the skin between the eyebrows, specifically hydrating and smoothing those frown lines (a.k.a. the 11s). It’s great to use in addition to Botox, or as a touch-up between injectable appointments.
One reviewer says: “After applying it for the overnight, I woke up looking like I’d gotten Botox!.” -Kate C.
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Best Deal
Skin Gym Reusable Forehead Mask
$15 at skingymco.com$15 at Amazon
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Reusable design
Cons
- Must be gently rinsed and dried before storing
Made of 100 percent silicone, this mask is fully reusable. Just apply a thin layer of nightly skincare, allowing it to dry, and then apply the mask for 30 minutes or overnight—or while you work from home.
One reviewer says: “These are by far the stickiest and longest-lasting patches. They do a great job of reducing wrinkles. I wear them when I work from home and not on calls. Would recommend.” -Inga C.
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Best Tape
Frownies Facial Patches
Pros
- One box contains 144 patches
- Tape is thin and easy to apply
Cons
- Some customers complain about the adhesive smell
Like mouth tape, these patches are super thin and elastic. One box contains 144 small patches that can be stuck to the forehead to limit mobility while you sleep or work.
One reviewer says: “I’ve had a deep forehead wrinkle since childhood and don’t have hundreds of dollars for Botox and fillers so I’ve let it go. I decided to try Frownies and I saw immediate improvement! After only a couple of weeks, my line is much shallower and not as defined. So easy to use and so effective!” –Nicole
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Best Gel Patch
Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Face Gels
Now 39% Off
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested design
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Single-use
Like the brand’s beloved under-eye masks, the forehead design works in just 10 minutes to occlude the skin and deliver peptides that smooth expression lines. The adhesive side is a gel, making the patch feel cool on the skin.
One reviewer says: “I keep them in my skincare fridge to make them extra cooling! Great for the day of an event, in between Botox appointments, or when you just need some self-care.” –Mary
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Most Comfortable
Wrinkles Schminkles Forehead Wrinkle Patches
Pros
- Reusable
- Made of 100% medical-grade silicone
Cons
- Best used on clean, dry skin
One of the OGs in the forehead-mask category, Wrinkles Schminkles specializes in stick-on skincare that smooths lines by limiting mobility. If the forehead patches work well for you, there are similar patches to treat the neck and chest, too.
One reviewer says: “I’ve tried everything and have to say these patches really do the job! [I’m] looking forward to trying other areas. Easy and comfortable.” -Julie M.
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Meet the Experts
• Courtney Rubin, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and chief medical officer of skincare brand Fig.1 Beauty.
• Melissa Doft, M.D., is a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in New York City.
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How do forehead wrinkle patches work?
Similar to other types of patches—under-eye patches or pimple patches—forehead patches cover the skin of the forehead, creating a barrier and, in some cases, delivering skincare ingredients while restricting facial movements. “The tape acts like a splint so that your skin does not crease from turning on your pillow and so that while dreaming, you’re unable to contract your forehead muscles,” explains Doft.
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Are forehead wrinkle patches as effective as Botox?
No, a forehead mask is not a Botox replacement. “Botox is a proven injectable that blocks the communication between the neuron and forehead muscle for three to five months, leading to a wrinkle-free forehead,” explains Doft. Wearing a forehead wrinkle patch overnight may work to smooth wrinkles temporarily. “But unlike Botox, they do not get at the root cause of forehead wrinkles, which is the frontalis muscle activity,” adds Rubin. “By reducing frontalis activity, Botox offers a much more durable solution for smoothing forehead wrinkles.” That said, they complement each other nicely.
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How do I use forehead wrinkle patches?
You want to find the patch that’s best for your skin needs (from the list, above), then follow the directions for proper application and adhesion. “These patches may not stick to the skin if they are applied over thick creams or facial oils, so nighttime skincare should be pared down or allowed to absorb fully before applying the wrinkle patches,” explains Rubin. One thing to note: A forehead patch is occlusive, blocking pores, so if you have acne-prone skin, consider a patch infused with skincare benefits or a smaller, more targeted design.
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