Does It Work and Is It Legal in the UK?
If you’ve been browsing TikTok, Instagram, or aesthetic forums lately, chances are you’ve come across the term “Yellow Bottle” — the nickname for a fat-dissolving injectable that’s gone viral, particularly among those looking for quick fixes for stubborn fat areas like the chin, jowls, bra rolls or lower belly pooch.
But what exactly is Yellow Bottle, does it really work, and more importantly, is it legal and safe to use in the UK?
What Is “Yellow Bottle”?
“Yellow Bottle” typically refers to Cabellut Yellow, a formulation of deoxycholic acid, sometimes combined with other lipolytic agents, that is widely used in aesthetic clinics across parts of Europe, Latin America, and Asia.
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It gets its nickname from the distinctive bright yellow tint of the solution.
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It’s a non-surgical fat-dissolving injectable, designed to break down localised fat deposits.
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Not a brand officially licensed in the UK or FDA-approved, but often used off-label by some practitioners.
How Does It Work?
Yellow Bottle works similarly to other aqualysis/lipolysis injectables, such as Aqualyx or Kybella (FDA-approved in the US).
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The active ingredient, usually deoxycholic acid, disrupts the fat cell membrane, effectively “melting” the fat.
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The destroyed fat is then removed by the body’s lymphatic system over several weeks.
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Results can be noticeable after 1–3 sessions, depending on the area treated and the patient’s metabolism.
It’s typically used for:
- Double chin (submental fat)
- Jowls
- Upper arms
- Abdomen or waistline bulges
- Inner knees and bra fat
Why Has It Become So Popular?
A few reasons contribute to the recent hype:
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Social Media Virality: Videos showing dramatic before-and-after results in just weeks have made Yellow Bottle go viral on TikTok and Instagram.
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Non-Surgical Appeal: It’s marketed as a non-invasive alternative to liposuction, with minimal downtime.
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Accessibility Abroad: In countries where it’s widely available, it’s relatively low-cost compared to traditional fat reduction options.
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Small Area Targeting: Unlike surgical methods, Yellow Bottle is ideal for refining contour in areas where even diet and exercise may not help.
Is It Safe? And Is It Legal in the UK?
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Not MHRA-approved: Yellow Bottle is not officially licensed for use in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
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Not regulated like Aqualyx: Unlike Aqualyx, which has CE marking for use in Europe, many Yellow Bottle formulations are not traceable or consistent in ingredients, and their safety profile may not be adequately tested.
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Used off-label: Some practitioners may offer it off-label, but this raises serious questions about safety, sterility, training, and accountability.
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Risk of complications: Bruising, swelling, prolonged inflammation, or even fat necrosis are risks, especially if performed by untrained injectors or in non-clinical settings.
Are There Safer, Official Alternatives?
Yes. In the UK, patients looking for small fat removal have safer, medically regulated alternatives, such as:
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Aqualyx: CE-marked injectable fat-dissolving product widely used for body contouring by doctors and aesthetic nurses.
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DesoFace / DesoBody: Another lipolytic injection used for targeted areas with a regulated formulation.
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Vaser Lipo: For those looking for a one-off, more dramatic result, these are minimally invasive yet doctor-led procedures with excellent precision.
While Yellow Bottle has earned a reputation for being an easy fix for stubborn fat, the reality is more complex. Its popularity may stem from social media buzz and overseas availability, but in the UK, safety, regulation, and transparency matter more than ever.
