Michelle Obama’s makeup artist claims Kate Middleton suggested an organic botox allegedly to the former First Lady and The Duchess of Sussex. But, can it actually make you look younger in just 60 minutes?
Owing to some very high profile word-of-mouth ads, biotulin (known as the ‘organic botox gel’) has quite a fan base. On the suggestion of none other than the Duchess of Cambridge (according to her very own makeup artist), former First Lady Michelle Obama is known to be using it. According to rumors the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has also heeded the advice of sister-in-law Kate Middleton. In reality, the cosmetics company revealed in January 2019 that it was pinning its hopes on the princess and offering a total of $5 million to NBC Universal for a 5-second return appearance by Meghan Markle in Suits with product placement.
It’s doubtful that we’ll see Her Highness back in anything other than a royal capacity on our TV screens, but it just goes to show that the organic botox is kind of a big deal. It is claimed that everyone from Madonna to Leonardo DiCaprio is sold on its formula, and Kim Kardashian even has US licensing rights for it. So, why is this organic commodity in the youth-obsessed world of fame making such waves? Surely its arguments are seductive…
Biotulin in the form of Organic Botox
Biotulin promises results ‘like’ those of Botox,’ minimizing muscle contraction and calming the characteristics’ with no downtime, discomfort, or unnecessary cost. Apparently, advantages available over the counter include ‘skin that is visibly firmer after just one hour’ along with long-term skin benefits like:
“Both the depth and length of wrinkles shows a marked reduction after just 30 days of continuous use – the skin generally BECOMES smoother and firmer,” the website says.
Apparently, the above is done by means of the primary ingredient of the fragrance-free cream, three percent spilanthol, a herbal extract that has anesthetic properties to ‘numb’ facial muscles. It all sounds a little too good to be true, and Dr Maryam Zamani, an expert in facial esthetics, laments that it is, probably:
“I’ve heard about Biotulin, but I haven’t experienced it personally yet. It can’t really claim to be a ‘topical herbal Botox’ because for extended periods of time it doesn’t paralyze the muscles that cause facial movement. The operation and length mechanisms are not at all identical. It will potentially help to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for up to 24 hours in the short term.”
She further adds:
“Biotulin contains spilanthol, a local herbal anesthetic. Anesthetics can function by temporarily blocking the nerve that induces movement, while Botox is a neurotoxin that prevents neurotransmission to the muscle, rendering it ineffective for a prolonged period of 3-6 months. I’m doubtful that Biotulin can block muscle movement entirely, but I haven’t had any experience with it. Theoretically, it can help soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for up to 24 hours in the short term. However, there are some drawbacks to remember. Since it is cosmeceutical, it has not had any long-term trials on safety and effectiveness, and no clinical evidence has been peer-reviewed to substantiate its claims. It is not listed as an approved drug or FDA and therefore has not been approved.”
It seems to be bad news for Biotulin so far, but Dr Zamani highlights that the £37 treatment may have a positive side:
“It has a temporary effect, so there is no need to continue using it if you don’t like the results. Anything that helps hydrate the skin will also make the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles appear less severe.”
The benefits of Biotulin seem to be overblown without concrete evidence and further research, and we would all be wise to be wary of a product promoted by celebrity culture (specifically Kardashian-led). However, silver linings are to be acknowledged, and Dr Zamani tells us that a non-injectable Botox equivalent should not be too far away:
“No Botox alternative is available on the market yet, but it will be available soon and will be an FDA-approved product.”
Check out Biotulin Supreme Skin Gel in just £37 only on Amazon.
Looking for more product reviews? Check out review on top skincare capsules.
