Gen Z and Millennial Editors Try Typology’s A43 Targeted Skin Tightening Concentrate. Here Are Our Before And After Photos

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: 10% inhibiting peptide complex, hyaluronic acid, magnesium salts
• Size: 0.5oz

How We Tested the Concentrate 

We used the A43 concentrate since February, applying it at least once per day. Davison and I both focused on our foreheads, though the cream targets all expression lines. It positions itself as “notox,” saying that it’s an “alternative that helps reduce the appearance of expression lines without freezing natural facial movements.” Forehead, eleven lines, crow’s feet, nasolabial folds—you can really dab it anywhere.

It is important to note that the A43 concentrate is made to target expression lines and not age-related wrinkles, which form as the skin loses collagen and elastin. The key ingredients are an inhibiting peptide complex, hyaluronic acid and magnesium salts. Acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) and entapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl) are biomimetic peptides that, per Typology, “modulate communication between neurons and muscle fibers. They reduce the release of neurotransmitters responsible for micro-contractions, thereby decreasing the intensity of repeated creases on the skin's surface. These peptides soften expression lines by mimicking the action of Botox, which paralyzes muscles, but they are gentler and provide a solution that does not freeze facial expressions.”

The brand promised results in five minutes, which had this beauty writer incredibly skeptical. However, both Davison and I saw the results fairly instantly. Davison tells me, “It offered a nice smoothness that wasn't super dramatic, but that also made it really natural. I just seemed more refreshed, like I'm getting enough water and not over-caffeinating and sleeping a full eight hours...even if that's far from the truth.” 

Indeed, the concentrate acts like a supercharged moisturizer, and my perpetually dry skin looked better after the hydration boost. Transparently, though, my skin looks improved whenever I slather extra cream on it. 

Davison described the dry-down as tacky, which aligns with the magnesium salts in the formula. According to Typology, magnesium salts create a tightening film on the surface of the skin, which delivers that  “Botox-like” feel. Personally, I didn’t find the formula to be sticky. 

While we both saw fairly instant results, we agree the effects are temporary. I apply it at night (mornings sometimes, if I’m wearing makeup and need extra hydration), and by the morning, my skin is back to its normal-dry state, and I have to reapply more cream to make my forehead lines disappear. That said, the tube lasts.  We both still have an ample amount (I’d estimate about half or 60 percent for me) in the tiny, half-ounce tube, even with daily application. Keep in mind, we only apply it to our foreheads. If you plan to use it across multiple areas, it may not last as long.

Davison and I like a pared-down skincare routine, and we were both initially worried about adding another step. The directions counseled layering it on after our moisturizer, and it was an easy, 2-second step that didn't disrupt our routine. 

Sensitive Skin? Patch Test First 

I run every beauty product I test through my favorite esthetician’s database of pore-clogging ingredients. If it fails, I skip it. Typology’s concentrate passed, and I didn’t notice any serious reaction. However, I did have a couple milia form under my eyes where I tend to spread the residual cream, as well as a few tiny pimples where I don’t usually break out. PureWow Executive Managing Editor Catrina Yohay told me that it made her skin itchy. If you’re someone with extremely sensitive skin, I’d patch-test this first. 

Dermatologists and plastic surgeons consistently say that if you really want the results of a procedure (in this case, Botox), you need to get the procedure. “Botox in a bottle” isn’t going to perform in the same way and does not have the same longevity. For our intents and purposes, Typology’s A43 Skin-Tightening Concentrate delivered on its claims. Davison says, “It is very effective and easy to use and much better at skin tightening than most other creams I've tried.” 

The results are temporary, but if, like me, you avoid needles and elective procedures, this offers a solid alternative.