CapCut’s “Retouch” tool removed for U.S. users: What happened, what’s affected, and the best alternatives

If you opened CapCut this week looking for “Retouch” or “Smooth” and came up empty, you’re not imagining it. CapCut’s own product page now says the Retouch feature is “not available…in the United States.” The same notice appears on its Makeup tool page. That’s the clearest official signal yet that face-editing features are currently geo-restricted for U.S. users.

Below, a quick explainer of what changed, why it likely happened, and easy-to-use alternatives if you relied on CapCut’s Retouch/Smooth for videos.

TL;DR

• Confirmed: CapCut labels Retouch (and Makeup) “not available…in the United States.”
  
• Why this matters: Creators, brands, and social teams who used Retouch/Smooth to polish on-camera clips now need a replacement workflow.
  
• What’s next: Business Insider reported ByteDance plans a U.S.-specific “CapCut US” app, suggesting ongoing changes in how features roll out domestically.
  
• Your move: See the “Alternatives to CapCut ‘Retouch’” section for apps that deliver similar results (from one-tap smoothing to pro-level tools), plus quick tips to keep edits natural.
  

Capcut Retouch tool removed in the US: Here’s what we know

CapCut’s web tool pages now include a region disclaimer: “‘Retouch’ is not available now in the United States.” There’s a nearly identical message on the Makeup tool page. CapCut doesn’t add an official explanation there, but the notice is unambiguous for U.S. users.

Is this permanent? CapCut’s copy says “not available now…stay tuned,” which implies the status could change. As of today, there’s no detailed public post explaining timelines or scope.

Why would CapCut pull face-retouch tools in the U.S.?

Two ongoing threads help explain the timing:

1. A likely U.S.-specific app shift. Business Insider reported ByteDance plans to move U.S. users to a separate ‘CapCut US’ version of the app, a move aligned with broader U.S. compliance steps we’re seeing around ByteDance products. TechCrunch also summarized that plan based on the BI report.
   
2. Active privacy/biometrics litigation. In March 2025, a federal judge allowed portions of a data-privacy case against CapCut to proceed (while trimming other claims). Although that ruling doesn’t order feature removals, it underscores the legal sensitivity around biometric/face data in the U.S. right now.
   

Bottom line: CapCut hasn’t stated a reason on the Retouch page, but geo-restricting face tools while a U.S.-specific app is reportedly in the works — and while biometric suits advance — tracks with a cautious compliance posture.

What’s affected?

• Web tools: The restriction notice is explicit on CapCut’s Face Retouching and Makeup web pages.
  
• Mobile/desktop apps: CapCut hasn’t published a comprehensive matrix for in-app availability by region. Practically, U.S. users should expect reduced or missing face-retouch features, and changes may vary by platform/version as geo-rules are applied.

Have other video face-editing tools restricted features in the U.S.?

• ByteDance’s broader U.S. pullback:
  CapCut isn’t the only app facing changes. In early 2025, several other ByteDance-owned services, including Lemon8, Gauth, and Hypic, were removed from U.S. app stores entirely. That shows this isn’t just about face-editing features, but part of a larger corporate shift to comply with U.S. regulations.
  
• CapCut US as a stand-in, not a copy:
  ByteDance is reportedly preparing a U.S.-specific version of CapCut. Still, there’s no indication that other apps in its portfolio will get equivalent “U.S.” editions. For now, they remain unavailable.
  
• No reports of global face-edit feature drops:
  Outside of ByteDance’s ecosystem, other apps like YouCam Video, Facetune, and AirBrush have not restricted their beauty tools in the U.S. These remain available and fully functional, with smoothing, blemish removal, and makeup features intact.
  
• Meta stepping in:
  At the same time, Meta has introduced Instagram Edits – a video editor aimed directly at creators who might be losing CapCut features. It includes advanced editing, creative analytics, and a toolkit that looks a lot like CapCut’s original offering.
  

Best alternatives to CapCut Retouch/Smooth (features, platforms, pricing, and how they compare)

If you’re a creator who relied on CapCut’s Retouch or Smooth tools for quick, polished videos, the sudden disappearance probably threw a wrench in your workflow. But you’re not stuck without a solution forever — the good news is that there are plenty of other apps that can deliver the same — or in some cases, better — skin-smoothing, blemish-removal, and beauty-tuning features without slowing you down. Whether you need a simple one-tap fix for TikTok reels, a full set of virtual makeup tools, or pro-level precision for brand content, these alternatives cover every style, budget, and platform.

Below are the top replacement video editing tools to CapCut’s Retouch feature that handle skin smoothing/beauty edits.

1) YouCam Video (Perfect Corp): Quickest “beauty video” swap

Platforms: iOS/Android.

What it offers: Purpose-built video beautification: skin smoothing, blemish removal, face reshaping, virtual makeup. Tunable intensity for natural looks.

Pricing: Free with in-app purchases/subscription (see store region for current prices).

How it compares to CapCut: Closest “one-tap to polished” feel. If CapCut’s Retouch was your go-to for subtle smoothing without heavy editing, YouCam Video is a near-like-for-like replacement — often with more makeup controls.

2) Facetune (Facetune Video): Fast, natural smoothing for faces

Platforms: iOS/Android.

What it offers: Video retouch with skin smoothing, under-eye/shine fixes, and cosmetic tweaks built for realism.

Pricing: Free download; premium VIP via monthly/annual or lifetime plans (pricing shown in-app).

How it compares to CapCut: If you used Smooth at low strength for that “slept-well” finish, Facetune’s sliders deliver similar restraint with a friendlier UI for portrait content.

3) AirBrush Video: More control (reshape + makeup) without going “pro NLE”

Platforms: iOS/Android.

What it offers: Retouch + reshape + makeup tools packaged for quick mobile workflows; more granular controls than simple smoothing.

Pricing: Free base; Pro subscription available (plans vary by store).

How it compares to CapCut: Think CapCut Retouch on “advanced” mode — you can nudge shape and makeup, not just texture. Great if your brand aesthetic leans “camera-ready,” not just softened.

4) Picsart: Light retouch + brand kit in one editor

Platforms: iOS/Android/Web.

What it offers: A full creative suite (video + photo) with retouch tools, templates, text/stickers, and brand kits. Pro/Plus tiers expand AI and content libraries.

Pricing: Free plan; Plus and Pro subscriptions (pricing varies by region).

How it compares to CapCut: If you need mild smoothing plus on-brand graphics in one place, Picsart is a practical swap. The smoothing isn’t as specialized as YouCam/Facetune, but the design stack is a win for social teams.

5) InShot: Flattering filters and speed for short-form

Platforms: iOS/Android.

What it offers: Mobile editor with skin-friendly filters, quick crop/resize, and social exports — great when you mainly want softening + color tweak rather than detailed face work.

Pricing: Free with in-app purchases; Pro subscription available.

How it compares to CapCut: Not a 1:1 Retouch clone; think “good lighting” vibes via filters. Use when you prefer speed and aesthetics over fine facial editing.

6) Adobe Premiere Pro + Boris FX Beauty Studio: Agency-grade cleanup

Platforms: Windows/macOS (Premiere Pro desktop); plug-in Beauty Studio via Boris FX Continuum.

What it offers: Tracked skin isolation and detail-preserving smoothing with pro controls — best for brand spots and client work needing repeatable looks.

Pricing: Premiere Pro is subscription-based, while Boris FX Continuum (which includes Beauty Studio) is a separate paid plug-in with annual options.

How it compares to CapCut: Overkill for casual posts, unbeatable for precision. If CapCut Retouch was your sprint, this is the marathoner with perfect form.

Quick buyer’s notes (pricing & availability)

Mobile pricing varies by region and store. Publishers list “free with in-app purchases”; exact subscription amounts appear inside the App Store/Google Play. Desktop plug-ins (Boris FX) are separate from your editor subscription and priced annually or perpetually.

Quick editing tips to keep “beauty” edits natural

• Favor subtlety: Keep strength low; aim for “well-rested,” not waxy.
  
• Mask, don’t blanket: If your editor allows, limit smoothing to skin areas. Leave eyes, brows, lips, and hair crisp.
  
• Color first, then retouch: Fix exposure/white balance before any skin work to reduce how much smoothing you need.
  
• Check on a phone: If it looks too smooth on a small screen, dial it back.
  

Is there a workaround to bring back CapCut Retouch in the U.S.?

We don’t recommend geo-workarounds. Apart from potential terms-of-service issues, features can change without notice and may break mid-project. The options above give you stable, supported paths to similar results — no hacks required.

What to watch next

• CapCut US (reported): If ByteDance proceeds with a U.S.-specific version, expect feature differences and a different update cadence compared with the global app.
  
• Policy & privacy: Courts are still parsing which privacy/biometric claims can proceed; that landscape shapes how face-related features roll out.
  

Related articles

Bottom line

For now, U.S. users shouldn’t expect CapCut’s Retouch/Smooth to be available — CapCut’s own pages say so. If you depend on those tools for creator content or social ads, park a reliable backup: YouCam Video or Facetune for speed, AirBrush/Picsart for beauty-plus-branding, InShot for quick polish, or Premiere + Beauty Studio when you need studio-grade control. That way your pipeline stays stable, even as CapCut’s U.S. feature set evolves.