Skin Boosters 2026: Profhilo vs SKINVIVE vs Volite Compared
SKINVIVE is the FDA-approved skin booster in the US and is sold as Volite abroad; Profhilo isn't. Study results, side effects, how long they last and cost.
Skin boosters are injectable hyaluronic acid treatments placed in or just under the skin to improve hydration, smoothness and fine lines rather than add volume. The short answer: SKINVIVE is the FDA-approved option in the US, for cheek smoothness and neck lines; Profhilo has strong safety data from post-marketing surveillance abroad; and according to the FDA's summary, SKINVIVE is the same product that's marketed as Juvéderm Volite outside the US (FDA SSED). Results are subtle and need maintenance.
How they compare
| SKINVIVE / Juvéderm Volite | Profhilo | |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Allergan Aesthetics | IBSA |
| Names | SKINVIVE in the US; marketed as Juvéderm Volite outside the US (FDA SSED) | Profhilo |
| US status | FDA-approved (FDA) | Ask your provider about current US availability |
| Approved US use | Improve cheek skin smoothness in adults over 21; reduce neck lines (SKINVIVE directions for use) | Not applicable |
| Outside the US | CE-marked in Europe in 2015 and 2016 and marketed in over 90 countries (FDA SSED) | Widely used outside the US (Salti et al., J Cosmet Dermatol, 2025) |
| Lidocaine | 0.3% (FDA) | Check product labeling |
What the evidence shows
- SKINVIVE (VYC-12L): In a randomized, evaluator-blind study of 202 adults, 57.9% of treated participants improved at least one grade in cheek smoothness one month after treatment, compared with 4.5% of untreated controls; fine-line responder rates were 58.3% vs 5.4%. Results held through 6 months, and six participants had treatment-related side effects (Alexiades et al., Dermatol Surg, 2023). The FDA summary says the effect lasted at least six months in a 209-person study (FDA).
- Profhilo: A post-marketing safety analysis estimated more than one million patients had been treated in the face from 2018 to 2023. Adverse events were reported for 0.034% of patients, most commonly swelling, redness and discomfort (Salti et al., J Cosmet Dermatol, 2025). Post-marketing reports likely undercount side effects.
Who shouldn't have SKINVIVE
According to the FDA, people with severe allergies with a history of anaphylaxis, multiple severe allergies, allergy to gram-positive bacterial proteins, or allergy to lidocaine (FDA).
Side effects to expect
Like other hyaluronic acid injectables, expect possible bruising, redness, swelling, tenderness and small bumps at injection points. The FDA warns that the most serious risk with any filler is accidental injection into a blood vessel (FDA: dermal fillers).
Skin boosters vs other options
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Skin boosters | Hydration, smoothness, fine crepey lines |
| Traditional fillers | Volume loss, folds |
| Microneedling | Texture and fine lines; 83% satisfaction in a systematic review (Foppiani et al., Aesthetic Plast Surg, 2025) |
| Retinoids and sunscreen | Long-term prevention and improvement at home |
Questions to ask
- Is this product FDA-approved in the US, and for which area?
- How many sessions, and how far apart?
- How long do results usually last, and what does maintenance look like?
- Do you keep hyaluronidase on hand?
Frequently asked questions
Do skin boosters add volume? Not much; they focus on skin quality.
How long do they last? SKINVIVE's effect lasted at least six months in its approval study (FDA).
Can I combine them with Botox or lasers? Ask your provider; the FDA notes that combinations of fillers with other treatments haven't been evaluated in controlled studies (FDA: dermal fillers).
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Talk to a board-certified dermatologist about your situation.
Sources
- Alexiades M et al. A randomized, multicenter, evaluator-blind study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of VYC-12L treatment for skin quality improvements. Dermatol Surg. 2023. PubMed
- Salti G et al. Hyaluronic acid hybrid cooperative complexes nearing 10 years of use: update on safety assessment based on post-marketing surveillance data. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025. PubMed
- Foppiani JA et al. Microneedling for facial rejuvenation: a systematic review. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2025. PubMed
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. SKINVIVE by Juvéderm approval; Dermal fillers
- Allergan. SKINVIVE directions for use
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. SKINVIVE summary of safety and effectiveness data
