Botox vs. Xeomin: Key Differences, Results & Which Treatment Is Right for You.
by Melanie Kuznetsov
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More than 8.87 million botulinum toxin procedures were done last year alone, making wrinkle-relaxing injectables the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic treatment in the world.
As patients become more informed, many are now comparing newer options like Xeomin to long-established injectables like Botox to determine which offers faster results, longer-lasting smoothing, and a more natural finish.
For most people, the decision between Botox and Xeomin comes down to the formulation, how your body reacts, treatment goals, and the areas you want to treat, like frown lines, crow's feet, or forehead lines.
This guide explains how Botox and Xeomin work, how long each lasts, and the difference in units. It also helps you understand which injectable is better for achieving smoother, younger-looking skin.
Key Insights
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Botox and Xeomin are both FDA-approved neuromodulators.
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Botox contains accessory proteins, while Xeomin is a purified.
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Xeomin may show faster results for some patients (2–5 days) compared to Botox (3–7 days).
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Longevity is similar for most patients, averaging 3–4 months.
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Both treatments work well for forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines, but the best option depends on individual goals.
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Neuromodulators treat movement-based wrinkles, while fillers are better for volume loss, making Botox vs Dermal Fillers an important decision point for age-related concerns.
What is Botox?
Botox is an FDA-approved injectable neuromodulator made from onabotulinumtoxinA, a form of botulinum toxin type A. It works by temporarily blocking nerve signals that cause repeated muscle contractions, which in turn softens dynamic wrinkles such as forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet.
Botox has been used in cosmetics for decades and is known for having consistent results, a large body of clinical studies, and a wide range of uses, such as for migraines, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), muscle spasms, and TMJ-related jaw tension.
What is Xeomin?
Xeomin is also an FDA-approved injectable neuromodulator for reducing facial wrinkles, but it contains incobotulinumtoxinA, a “naked” or purified form of botulinum toxin type A. Unlike Botox, Xeomin does not include accessory proteins, meaning the active molecule is delivered in its pure form.
This mixture makes it less likely that the body will produce antibodies that could weaken the product over time. Xeomin is used in the same clinical settings to treat wrinkles like frown lines, crow's feet, and brow lines. It may appeal to people who want a cleaner formulation or who feel they are becoming less sensitive to other neurotoxins.
Benefits of Botox
Here are some of the benefits of Botox:
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A lot of clinical data from decades ago that supports safety and efficiency has been studied and used a lot.
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Results that you can count on to get rid of dynamic wrinkles like frown lines, crow's feet, and forehead lines.
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Multiple uses, such as for beauty and health reasons (for example, headaches, excessive sweating, muscle spasms, and TMJ).
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Strong brand recognition, which makes it a safe choice for first-time users.
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Precise control over dose, useful for making small improvements.
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It relaxes muscles, and it is a great choice for deeper, more established lines.
Benefits of Xeomin
Here are some of the benefits of Xeomin:
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Pure form with no extra proteins. It is solely the poison that causes the damage.
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It has a lower chance of antibody tolerance, which is beneficial for people who think Botox is losing its power over time.
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A natural-looking finish is achieved because the effects may spread less in some cases, depending on the dose and the technique used for the Botox injection in Vancouver.
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Some people notice it right away; it's usually clear in 2–5 days.
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Results that last a long time; some patients say the benefits last up to 5–6 months.
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The product may require fewer additives or preservatives, which will appeal to patients who prefer a cleaner recipe.
Difference Between Botox and Xeomin
Let us take a look at Xeomin vs. Botox and its features:
|
Factor |
Botox |
Xeomin |
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Active Ingredient |
OnabotulinumtoxinA |
IncobotulinumtoxinA |
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Formulation |
Contains accessory proteins |
Pure toxin with no added proteins |
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How It Works |
Blocks nerve signals to relax muscles and smooth wrinkles |
Works similarly but uses a purified form to deliver the toxin directly |
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Onset of Results |
Typically 3–7 days |
May appear slightly faster for some (2–5 days) |
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Longevity |
Usually lasts 3–4 months |
May last 3–6 months, depending on individual response |
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Spread |
Can diffuse slightly more depending on the area and dose |
May offer a more precise, targeted effect due to the lack of complexing proteins |
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Best For |
Established lines, patients preferring traditional, tried-and-tested treatment |
Those wanting a cleaner formulation or experiencing reduced response to Botox |
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Risk of Antibody Formation |
Slightly higher due to protein complexes (still uncommon) |
Lower, because it contains only the active neurotoxin |
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Unit Measurement |
Measured in Botox units |
Measured in Xeomin units; often similar but not directly interchangeable |
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Brand Recognition |
Highly recognized, widely used globally |
Newer but rapidly growing in popularity |
Each meets different aesthetic needs, and for patients comparing Dysport vs. Botox, the choice often depends on how broad an area needs treatment and how the product diffuses across facial muscles.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Botox vs. Xeomin: Which One Gives Faster Results?
Both injectables relax facial muscles to smooth dynamic wrinkles, although Xeomin may work faster for some people, usually within 2–5 days, whereas Botox takes 3–7 days. The difference is modest and depends on metabolism, dosage, treatment region, and injector technique. Xeomin can act faster, but not always.
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Why is Xeomin Different than Botox?
The main difference is in formulation. Botox has protein structures around the active molecule, while Xeomin contains simply botulinum toxin type A. This refined formulation may lower the risk of generating antibodies that limit therapeutic efficacy. Both medicines smooth wrinkles, but Xeomin's "cleaner" composition appeals to people who prefer minimal chemicals or have a lower neurotoxic response.
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Which is Better: Xeomin, Botox, or Dysport?
There is no “best” option. Each meets different aesthetic needs:
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Most researched and trusted, Botox provides reliable wrinkle-relaxing benefits and brand recognition.
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Xeomin's refined formula may lessen resistance and produce natural, exact results.
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Dysport is distributed more in some locations, making it useful for treating broader facial areas like the forehead, but the dose may vary.
Final Thought
Your skin goals, facial morphology, treatment history, and neuromodulator response determine whether Botox or Xeomin is best. For deeper or more obvious expression lines, Botox is the long-established, extensively researched wrinkle-relaxing choice.
However, Xeomin's refined formulation without accessory proteins makes it a beneficial choice for those seeking a cleaner injectable or who suspect neurotoxic resistance. If you are looking for Botox or Xenim treatments, the best place to look is AE.R SkinLab.
Both can reduce forehead, crow’s feet, and frown lines, improve face symmetry, and keep skin younger. However, for patients dealing with volume loss rather than muscle-based wrinkles, comparing Botox vs Dermal Fillers can help determine whether they need neuromodulators, fillers, or a combination of both.