Americans are reading labels and researching ingredients more than ever before — except when it comes to aesthetic treatments.
A new survey of 2,000 U.S. adults ages 30 to 54 found that while 91% said they are now more ingredient-aware than in the past, fewer than half could name a single ingredient in the injectable frown line treatments they use or plan to use.
The survey, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Revance, suggests that ingredient curiosity — which has surged across categories like skincare, supplements, hair care, groceries, and even pet food — has not yet fully extended to the field of injectable aesthetics.
Respondents said they research ingredients to ensure a product works well (61%), while others cited allergy management (41%) and understanding product differences (36%) as motivating factors. Over half (51%) said their ingredient research has significantly increased over the past year.
“Its encouraging to see consumers becoming more thoughtful about the products they use,” said a spokesperson for Revance. “Theyre doing their homework, asking better questions and expecting more information from brands. But this research shows theres still a gap when it comes to aesthetic treatments.”
The survey also revealed misconceptions among those receiving or considering injectable treatments, with 53% believing all frown line injectables are “more or less the same,” despite differences in formulations. More than a third (36%) admitted they chose their current treatment simply because it was “the most obvious option,” and 32% were unaware that alternatives exist.
Artificial intelligence is also beginning to play a role in consumer decisions, with 31% of respondents saying AI has already helped them make better product choices with less effort. Still, when it comes to injectables, brand familiarity often outweighs product knowledge.
That loyalty may not be set in stone, however; 31% of those surveyed said they would be willing to switch treatments if offered an innovative formula.
“Americans have become increasingly focused on what goes into the products they use, especially in categories like beauty and wellness,” the Revance spokesperson said. “Wed like to see that same curiosity extend to frown line treatments so that people feel informed and confident about the different formulations available to them.”