Botox vs Xeomin: What’s the Difference?

Botox has been around since the 1970s, but there’s a new wrinkle-fighting neurotoxin on the scene: Xeomin. (The “x” is pronounced like a “z”.) You might have heard of it–Gwyneth Paltrow is a brand advocate. For those of us who aren’t super knowledgeable about pharmaceuticals, these different brand names can be confusing. But it turns out that Xeomin and Botox–while they’re very similar–aren’t totally the same. Here’s what you should know about Xeomin vs Botox.

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What is Botox?

Botox is an FDA approved neuromodulator derived from the botulinum type A toxin. It’s an injection temporarily, gently relaxes and weakens muscles, which helps reduce the appearance of mobile fine lines and wrinkles. It’s most commonly used on the forehead, glabellar lines (or “elevens” between your eyebrows), and the crow’s feet. 

Botox is most commonly used for treating fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Botox can also be used for so many other things. It’s often injected in the jaw to treat TMJ, and in the trapezius muscles between your neck and shoulders to create a longer, slimmer looking neck. There are also many health conditions that Botox can help treat, including excessive sweating and migraines. 

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What is Xeomin?

Xeomin is also derived from botulinum type A toxin. It’s FDA approved since 2010 specifically to treat glabellar or “elevens” lines between your eyebrows. But just like Botox, Xeomin can work to treat other wrinkles or health problems like migraines. It has a similar success rate to Botox.

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What makes Xeomin different than Botox?

While Xeomin and Botox work very similarly, Xeomin doesn’t have additional proteins in it like Botox does. Xeomin is sometimes called the “naked” injectable because it’s just pure botulinum type A. Xeomin is less likely to cause rare allergic reactions. Xeomin is most often used to treat wrinkles around the eyes and forehead, but it still may be used for other purposes. Xeomin may also last longer than Botox–Xeomin results last about six months, whereas Botox results last about four months.

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Xeomin vs Botox: the verdict

Unless you know you have an allergy to one of the components in Botox, there’s no clear “winner” here. They’re both safe and effective when administered by a licensed medical professional. Which one you use really depends on the treatment area, your personal preferences, and your provider’s recommendations.

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