Xeomin vs. Botox, and What To Know About Both

A hot topic in the skin community is a little thing called botulinum toxin. But you may know it by its stage name: Botox®.

While this drug has been in use for the last 20 years, there’s a newer brand on the market that’s become a popular alternative for some: Xeomin®, otherwise known as botulinum toxin type A, or incobotulinumtoxinA.

What is Xeomin?

Dermatologist Chey Ranasinghe, MD, explains what Xeomin is, how it’s different from Botox and what to know about it.

Officially approved by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010, Xeomin is the newest neuromuscular blocker on the market for various cosmetic and medical procedures.

First, here’s a quick refresher on neuromuscular blockers, in general. These are injectable drugs that are used to temporarily relax muscles in your face and sometimes, other parts of your body. In addition to cosmetic uses such as getting rid of fine lines and wrinkles, it can help with medical issues like migraines, overactive bladder and eye conditions.

“Xeomin is similar to Botox and Dysport® in terms of its use,” says Dr. Ranasinghe.” It aims to temporarily relax the muscles that cause wrinkles, giving the skin a smoother and more youthful appearance.”

Xeomin vs. Botox

While they both have the same goal and are both applied through injection by needle, Xeomin isn’t a complete copy of Botox either. Here are some factors to compare when considering Botox or Xeomin:

How they’re made

The main distinction between Xeomin and Botox is how they’re manufactured. As Dr. Ranasinghe explains, Xeomin is a purified form of botulinum toxin type A, while Botox is composed of a complex mixture of proteins. Essentially, this means that Xeomin doesn’t have any additives, while Botox does. This is often why Xeomin is nicknamed the “naked injectable.”

What they treat

From aesthetic tweaks to the treatment of medical conditions, both Xeomin and Botox have a lot of overlap in what they can treat.

And both Xeomin and Botox have the same goal, and essentially can help with the same kind of needs, whether medical or cosmetic.

“There are no specific conditions that Xeomin treats that Botox cannot,” notes Dr. Ranasinghe.

Xeomin and Botox have both been approved for cosmetic and medical use, including:

• Wrinkles between your eyebrows.
• Fine lines on your cheeks.
• Cervical dystonia.
• Neck spasms.
• Eye twitching.
• Arm spasms.

Benefits of Xeomin

So, why choose Xeomin versus Botox? It turns out there are a few reasons why you may opt for Xeomin over Botox — depending on your preference and needs.

Here are some benefits of using Xeomin over Botox:

Length of effects

When using neurotoxins for aesthetic purposes, the big plus for a lot of people is how long the effects last. If you’re getting certain areas of your face done, you may want to minimize the needed upkeep.

“The most notable benefit of using Xeomin over Botox is that the results last longer with Xeomin,” states Dr. Ranasinghe. “Results can last up to six months with Xeomin, compared to Botox results, which last for three to four months.”

Faster results

Next is the speed factor, which Xeomin seems to be known for as well.

Dr. Ranasinghe points out that while the desired results after Botox usually take around two weeks to show up, the results of Xeomin can be seen within three to five days. Depending on what you want and how quickly you want it, this could be a pro for you as well.

May cause fewer allergic reactions

With any kind of injection, you may be curious about possible side effects. While it’s rare, some people may also experience allergic reactions to Botox, like hives, itching or wheezing. Some have claimed that Xeomin can reduce that risk.

“With this purified form, the belief is that the risk for allergic reactions is also less with Xeomin compared to traditional Botox,” Dr. Ranasinghe adds.

At the moment, there aren’t any comparative studies between the two showing that Xeomin can have fewer side effects like swelling or headaches.

Possible side effects

Though Xeomin may lead to fewer allergic reactions than Botox, post-treatment side effects can still happen for both.

Both injectables can cause:

• Bruising, redness and swelling at the injection site.
• Bleeding.
• Pain.
• Itching.
• Headache.

Is one better?

Whether or not one is better than the other is entirely up to your personal preferences. Another important consideration is that you shouldn’t use Botox and Xeomin interchangeably. The main reason many people still stick with Botox is that it’s been around for longer, it’s a more well-known brand and you may already have a history of using it and know how you’ll respond. It’s generally recommended to commit to one — which you can decide with help from your dermatologist.

“Both products are safe and effective options for improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face,” reassures Dr. Ranasinghe. “The best choice for you will depend on your needs and concerns, along with consulting your physician.”