Ozempic Face
Counteracting the “Ozempic Face”: How Cosmetics with Volumizing Ingredients Can Help
The so-called “Ozempic Face” is a phenomenon affecting more and more people—especially those who lose weight rapidly due to medications like Ozempic (semaglutide). What is a medical success often presents itself as an aesthetic challenge on the face: sunken cheeks, sagging skin, a tired appearance. However, there are targeted cosmetic strategies to counteract this loss of volume. With innovative active ingredients like Volpura EP and Volpura EPO, skin structure and volume can be specifically improved.
What is the “Ozempic Face”?
Those who lose weight rapidly through medications like Ozempic do not just lose body fat—the subcutaneous fat in the face also decreases. The skin suddenly appears hollow, lines become more pronounced, and youthful freshness is lost. This condition is described in aesthetics as the Ozempic Face.
The cosmetic solution: volume restoration with Volpura®
Two active ingredients from the Volpura product line—Volpura EP and Volpura EPO—target this issue directly. They are based on a supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of Echinacea purpurea and aim to stimulate the skin’s natural adipocyte activity.
Mechanism of action
Both extracts promote the formation and enlargement of fat cells in the subcutaneous layer. They activate the adipogenesis master regulator PPAR-γ, leading to up to a fivefold increase in lipid production in treated cells—a key mechanism for revitalization in Ozempic Face.
Physicochemical Properties & Formulation
Volpura EP
INCI: Echinacea Purpurea Extract (and) Propanediol
Recommended usage concentration: 1–3%
Carrier system: water-soluble, suitable for emulsions
Volpura EPO
INCI: Echinacea Purpurea Extract (and) Squalane (and) Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Recommended usage concentration: 1–3%
Delivery system: oil-based, ideal for anhydrous formulations
Both variants demonstrate excellent stability—particularly Volpura EPO, which showed no significant changes in the active alkylamides in tests at 85°C over a period of six hours.
Proven efficacy: Results from studies
Clinical studies confirm the visible effects:
- Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles (forehead, crow’s feet, nasolabial folds)
- Improvement in skin elasticity and firmness by 14% and 44%, respectively
- Subjective improvement in skin volume in the face and hands after 12 weeks of use
A concentration as low as 0.3% was sufficient to increase lipid production in vitro fivefold.
Advantages and disadvantages of Volpura active ingredients
Pros
- Botanical origin, well-tolerated, and highly formulation-compatible
- Multifunctional: suitable for the face, neck, décolleté, and hands
- Effective against volume loss, particularly with Ozempic Face
- Stable in heat, even in hot-pour products such as lip care
Cons
- Long-term data is lacking for applications over several months/years
- Not suitable for minimalist INCI formulations, as it is a complex active ingredient
- Volume restoration takes patience – visible effects only after several weeks
Complementary active ingredients against “Ozempic Face”
Fulvic acid – the gentle antioxidant star
Fulvic acid is produced during the natural decomposition of plant material and is rich in electrolytes, silicic acid, and trace elements. It protects the skin from free radicals, improves cellular metabolism, and reduces pigmentation spots and inflammation – a true all-rounder for stressed and wrinkled skin following significant weight loss.
Particularly relevant for “Ozempic Face”:
- Promotes collagen synthesis (smooths the skin’s texture)
- Improves nutrient uptake in cells
- Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial
INCI: Fulvic Acid
Molecular formula: C14H12O8
Appearance: Yellowish to brownish
Solubility: Water-soluble
Usage concentration: 0.5–2%
Lactoferrin – the iron-binding protein with skin-protective properties
Lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It is known for its ability to inhibit bacteria and viruses, promote cell regeneration, and retain moisture in the skin.
Particularly relevant for “Ozempic Face”:
- Strengthening the skin barrier
- Moisture retention and protection against UV damage
- Supports skin structure through anti-inflammatory effects
INCI: Lactoferrin
Appearance: White to light yellow, powder
Solubility: Sparingly soluble in water
Recommended concentration: 0.1–1%
Ideas for innovative cosmetic products against “Ozempic Face”
Volume-Boosting Serum with Volpura® EP (2%) and fulvic acid (1%)
- For day & night
- Goal: Regeneration of adipose tissue and antioxidant protection
Rich Regenerating Cream with lactoferrin (0.5%) and Volpura® EP (3%)
- Ideal for dry, wrinkled skin after significant weight loss
Dual-active-ingredient ampoules: Anti-wrinkle booster with Volpura® EP + Vitamin C
- Intensive 4-week treatment for visible volume improvement
Face mask “Lift & Plump”
- With 2% Volpura® EP, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid
- For smooth, plump skin overnight
Care oil for hands and décolleté with fulvic acid and Volpura® EP
- For targeted treatment of skin areas with volume loss
Conclusion: The right answer to Ozempic Face
Those suffering from Ozempic Face do not have to resort to cosmetic surgery right away. With targeted skincare, lost volume can be restored naturally and sustainably. Thanks to their adipogenic effect, Volpura EP and Volpura EPO offer a scientifically sound, plant-based solution to this problem. Their stability, efficacy, and flexibility in various formulations make them ideal active ingredients for high-quality anti-aging and plumping products.
Cosmacon GmbH stands ready as an experienced development partner to create customized, innovative cosmetic products for your brand based on Volpura®—effective against Ozempic Face and perfectly tailored to your target audience.
If you’re interested in exclusive product concepts featuring Volpura, contact us—we’ll guide you from concept to market-ready product.
If you need a quick solution:
✨ Our partner Tojo Cosmetics offers innovative, active-ingredient-rich private label products—quickly available, high-quality, and perfect for brands that want to impress with passion and quality.