Australian beauty YouTuber and Contour Cube creator Sarah Forrai went viral last week after posting a skincare video to Instagram with the title, “POV: you remember you have Botox at home.” In the video, uploaded on April 11, Sarah showed viewers how she makes a flaxseed gel to apply as a cooling facial treatment.
To make the gel, Sarah combines flaxseeds with water, allows them to soak, and then grinds them into a gel-like mixture. She strains and cools the substance before freezing it into cubes. “I’ve been icing daily with this flaxseed ice facial, it’s honestly such a game-changing little secret,” she said. “The frozen cube tightens, tones, and de-puffs on contact. And flaxseed? It’s the miracle seed that helps soothe and smooth your skin. So simple, so effective.”
What Is Flaxseed Gel and How Does It Work?
The natural gel, as told to us by Sarah, not only softens and moisturizes the skin but also functions as a quick substitute for more aggressive treatments. But just how good is it really?
In an interview with HT Lifestyle in April 2025, Dr. Sai Lahari Rachumallu, Manipal Hospitals’ associate consultant of dermatology in Bhubaneswar, described how flaxseed gel could have several skin advantages, although it’s not a replacement for Botox.
“Flaxseeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and lignans,” explained Dr. Sai. “The gel is made by boiling flax seeds in water overnight. Its advantages are that it moisturises skin, minimises visible signs of ageing due to its antioxidant activity and enhances elasticity of skin.”
Flaxseed vs Botox: Can the Gel Replicate Injectable Effects?
Dr. Sai explained that though flaxseed gel benefits skin health, it is unable to mimic the action of Botox. “Botox, or botulinum toxin, temporarily paralyses facial muscles. It smooths out signs of ageing, the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and provides a more youthful look.”
She further added, “The regular consumption of flaxseeds or their application as part of the skincare regime can promote overall skin health, but for a noticeable decrease in wrinkles within a short span of time, Botox is better. Muscle relaxation achieved by Botox injections, which are targeted, cannot be achieved by flaxseed gel. Flaxseed gel can enhance the elasticity and look of the skin, but to say it provides Botox-like effects might not be accurate.”
Although Sarah’s natural regimen has captured the hearts of fans on the internet, experts caution about comprehending its limitations. Flaxseed ice facials can be helpful for calming and lightening the complexion, but they are not a magic bullet replacement for cosmetic injectables.
