Xeomin vs INNOTOX: What’s the Difference in Choosing a Natural and Delicate Botox?

Have you ever felt confused by the names of Botox products when considering a treatment? During pre-treatment consultations, it’s not uncommon to hear, “Should we go with Xeomin or INNOTOX?”—and many patients feel unsure about the difference. Although they’re both types of botulinum toxin, the distinctions between them are important for anyone seeking natural facial expression, smooth skin, and a subtle, low-pressure aesthetic treatment. Let’s take a closer look at how these two products compare.

Why are these two products frequently discussed?Today, Botox isn’t just used to erase wrinkles. It’s widely employed for fine-tuning skin texture, reducing pore size, and enhancing facial contours. Among patients who want to avoid a stiff expression and prefer a more natural-looking outcome, Xeomin and INNOTOX are frequently compared.Both are suitable for achieving a soft, natural Botox effect, but their mechanisms of action and molecular structures differ, resulting in slightly different post-treatment experiences.

Who tends to choose Xeomin or INNOTOX?

• Those who want to maintain natural facial expressions while smiling or frowning

• First-time Botox patients or those who felt unnatural after previous treatments

• Individuals seeking improvement in pore size, skin texture, and sebum control

• People with thin skin who are concerned about bruising or side effects

• Those targeting sensitive areas like the neck, eye area, or around the lips

How are Xeomin and INNOTOX different?

Feature	Xeomin	INNOTOX
Manufacturer	Merz (Germany)	Hugel (South Korea)
Form	Powder (requires dilution)	Liquid (ready-to-use)
Nickname	“Naked toxin” (purified of complexing proteins)	“Liquid toxin” (world’s first)
Spread	Acts narrowly and precisely	Spreads broadly and evenly
Application	Suitable for fine motor muscle control	Covers larger areas easily
Post-treatment Feel	Smooth and natural	Radiance appears quickly

Xeomin contains almost no complexing proteins and includes only the active neurotoxin, which allows for precise control and a lower risk of antibody resistance.INNOTOX comes in a pre-diluted liquid form, making it easy to use directly, and its broader diffusion makes it well-suited for improving skin texture, minimizing pores, and treating fine lines.

What kind of results can you expect?Both products reduce muscle movement to smooth wrinkles, but they also help regulate skin texture, suppress sebum, and reduce pores overall. INNOTOX, in particular, tends to provide a more noticeable glow and firmness when used for mesobotox techniques (multiple microinjections in the superficial dermis).

How much is used for each area?The appropriate dosage of Botox varies by area. A skilled injector tailors the dose based on muscle activity and skin thickness to ensure the most natural result.

• Forehead: 5–10 units

• Crow’s feet / under eyes: 2–6 units

• Glabella (frown lines): 6–12 units

• Bunny lines (sides of nose): 2–4 units

• Corners of the mouth: 2–3 units

• Chin / jawline: 5–8 units

• Neck lines: 10–20 units

• Skin texture / pore mesobotox: 30–50 units (very diluted across a wide area)

How are the syringes and dilutions different?

Xeomin is in powder form and must be diluted with saline before use. It’s typically administered with a 1 ml syringe and a fine 31G needle using a slow injection into superficial skin layers.INNOTOX, already diluted in liquid form, is simply loaded into a syringe and injected directly. It spreads well, making it convenient for quicker procedures with less preparation time.

What kind of preparation is needed before treatment?

• Xeomin requires a 10–15 minute stabilization period after dilution and must be stored in a refrigerator.

• INNOTOX should be kept refrigerated and used within 24 hours after opening.

  
  

  Prior to treatment, patients should avoid caffeine, alcohol, and intense exercise. After the procedure, it’s best to avoid saunas, strenuous workouts, or massages to reduce the risk of diffusion, bruising, or swelling.

Helpful tips to keep in mind:

• If you’re concerned about having a stiff or frozen expression, Xeomin might be the better choice.

• If your goal is skin texture refinement, fine line reduction, or pore tightening, INNOTOX is recommended.

• While pricing can vary by clinic or technique, INNOTOX is often slightly more affordable.

• It’s also common to combine both products based on treatment areas—for example, using Xeomin on the forehead and INNOTOX along the jawline.

In summary

The success of a Botox treatment depends not just on the product but heavily on the injector’s expertise and aesthetic sense. Both Xeomin and INNOTOX are excellent choices for individuals seeking a naturally enhanced appearance without the “frozen look.”Ultimately, the best results come from personalized treatment tailored to your facial dynamics, skin condition, and daily lifestyle. Make sure to consult with an experienced provider who understands these nuances well.