We sent our Mirror Beauty Lead Zoe to put 2026’s trendiest injectable, Skinvive, to the test
11:30, 14 Jan 2026Updated 11:35, 14 Jan 2026
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“Into that first week, I started to notice plumpness and juiciness and general luminosity”(Image: Getty)
January is brutal on skin. The weather is unforgiving, sleep is patchy at best and no amount of moisturiser seems to fully disguise the fact we’re all running on empty after party season. By this point in winter, even the most diligent skincare routines can offer little to no results. So when Cat Deeley started talking about an injectable designed to hydrate and brighten without changing your face, it felt like a timely intervention. For me, anyway.
The TV presenter has recently revealed she’s been having Skinvive to help give her a ready-to-go glow when she wakes up for 5am This Morning starts. Though not brand new, this aesthetic treatment is gaining traction in 2026, and uses microdroplets of hyaluronic acid injected into the skin to boost moisture and radiance, and cheat a good night’s sleep, rather than adding volume.
Good Housekeeping reports that Cat admitted the results weren’t instant, but built steadily. “It definitely took a second [to see the result], but into that first week, I started to notice plumpness and juiciness and general luminosity,” she said. Four weeks in, she described it as really kicking in, especially first thing in the morning. Even with 5am starts, she said her skin felt hydrated, plump and radiant, with makeup applying more smoothly and her usual skincare working better.
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Left, Zoe before having Skinvive with Dr Parikh, right, three months after having it(Image: Zoe Cripps)
Skinvive, by Juvéderm, sits firmly in the skin booster camp rather than the filler one. The hyaluronic acid is injected as tiny droplets into the dermis, creating a reservoir of hydration that helps skin retain moisture over time. It’s designed to improve texture, elasticity and glow, particularly through the cheeks, without altering the shape of the face. Results typically last between six and nine months, making it a longer-term fix for dullness and early fine lines.
I had my treatment with Dr Apul Parikh at his London clinic back in November, and while I expected subtlety, I didn’t expect results so quickly. Within a week, my skin looked fresher and more cushioned, with a healthy sheen that didn’t rely on highlighter or a tinted base. Now, months on, that hydrated, plump look is still holding strong.
Like Cat, I’ve found make-up sits better and my skincare seems to perform more efficiently. As someone who has tried many skin boosters, ranging from Profhilo to polyneucletides, this is by far my favourite.
Now, three months on from my treatment, I’m still seeing the rewards. I’ve been telling my friends all about it this month, even inspiring my best friend to give it a go as her first treatment back post-maternity leave – and I would never recommend something to her that I didn’t think was worth her money. And, as with anything truly good, it is a bit of money.
Dr Parikh offers skin boosters from £350 at his clinic, but you’ll find Skinvive tends to be on the upper price point compared to other boosters. Considering how long it lasts, though, I think the price is definitely reasonable. So if Cat and I have inspired you, this could be just the January skin reboot you need.
Home hydration helpers
Looking for a needle-free way to boost hydration? These new launches will do just the trick
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Filler Glass Skin Liquid Cream Hybrid Serum-Moisturiser
Shop it for £17.99
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Filler Glass Skin Liquid Cream Hybrid Serum-Moisturiser(Image: L’Oreal Paris )
This hybrid serum-moisturiser delivers up to 100 hours of hydration while helping smooth lines and boost radiance. It feels light on the skin but locks in moisture deeply, making it ideal for anyone chasing a dewy, healthy-looking finish.
Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Rice+Alpha-Arbutin
Shop it for £15
Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Rice+Alpha-Arbutin(Image: Beauty of Joseon )
This lightweight serum absorbs quickly to target uneven tone and pigmentation while deeply hydrating. With a high concentration of rice bran water and alpha arbutin, it brightens and helps skin look healthier and more radiant
The INKEY List Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex
Shop it for £20
The INKEY List Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex(Image: The INKEY List )
This new serum is all about glow, smoothing and softening skin for a fresh, just-had-a-facial look. Plant-derived exosomes work alongside gentle exfoliators and calming actives to refine texture, boost radiance and leave skin looking plump, even and luminous.
