Xeomin vs Botox: What Is the Difference and Which One Is Right for You?

The main difference in Xeomin vs Botox is the formulation. Both relax the facial muscles that cause expression lines, and both are FDA approved for frown lines, forehead lines and crow's feet. Xeomin contains only the active ingredient, without the extra proteins found in Botox. For most patients, the results look similar, so the choice often comes down to your history with neuromodulators, your injector's recommendation and personal preference.

At ImageLab Med Spa, we offer Botox, Xeomin, Dysport and Jeuveau through our Botox and wrinkle relaxer treatments in Chicago, Alexandria and Rockford. This guide explains how Xeomin and Botox compare so you can walk into your consultation with the right questions.

What Are Botox and Xeomin?

Botox and Xeomin are both neuromodulators, also called wrinkle relaxers. They temporarily block the nerve signals that tell certain facial muscles to contract. When those muscles relax, the lines they create soften.

• Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) is made by Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company.
• Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) is made by Merz Aesthetics.

Both are prescription treatments that should be given by a licensed medical injector.

Xeomin vs Botox: Side-by-Side Comparison

Botox vs. Xeomin Comparison

• Active ingredient:
  
  • Botox: OnabotulinumtoxinA
    
  • Xeomin: IncobotulinumtoxinA
    
• Manufacturer:
  
  • Botox: Allergan Aesthetics
    
  • Xeomin: Merz Aesthetics
    
• Accessory proteins:
  
  • Botox: Contains complexing proteins
    
  • Xeomin: No complexing proteins
    
• FDA-approved cosmetic areas:
  
  • Botox: Frown lines, forehead lines, crow's feet, platysma bands
    
  • Xeomin: Frown lines, forehead lines, crow's feet
    
• When results appear:
  
  • Botox: Within days, full effect around 2 weeks
    
  • Xeomin: Within days, full effect around 2 weeks
    
• How long results last:
  
  • Botox: About 3 to 4 months
    
  • Xeomin: About 3 to 4 months

The Key Difference: Accessory Proteins

Botox contains the active neurotoxin surrounded by complexing proteins. Xeomin goes through an extra purification step that removes these proteins, leaving only the active ingredient.

Why does that matter? In rare cases, the body can develop antibodies to a neuromodulator, which may make future treatments less effective. The absence of accessory proteins in Xeomin may reduce that immune response. For most people, this is not a concern. It may be worth discussing if you have received neuromodulators for years and feel your results have become weaker or shorter.

Which Areas Are They Approved to Treat?

Both products are FDA approved for the three most common upper-face areas:

• Frown lines: The vertical "11s" between the brows
• Forehead lines: Horizontal lines across the forehead
• Crow's feet: Lines at the outer corners of the eyes

In July 2024, the FDA approved Xeomin for the simultaneous treatment of all three upper facial lines. BOTOX Cosmetic is also approved for these areas and, since October 2024, for platysma bands, the vertical bands that connect the jaw and neck.

Neuromodulators are also used for other concerns, such as a gummy smile, jaw clenching and a lip flip. Your injector will explain which product fits each area.

Do Xeomin and Botox Work the Same Way?

Yes. Both block the same nerve signals and relax the treated muscles in the same way. You can expect a similar experience with either one:

• Treatment usually takes less than 30 minutes
• Most people feel a small pinch with each injection
• There is no real downtime
• Results appear within 3 to 7 days, with full effect at about 2 weeks
• Results last about 3 to 4 months before muscle movement gradually returns

Xeomin vs Botox Units: Are the Doses the Same?

Each product is measured in its own units, and your injector decides the dose based on your muscle strength, the area treated and your goals. For reference, the FDA-labeled dose of BOTOX Cosmetic is 20 units for frown lines and 24 units for crow's feet. Your actual dose may be higher or lower.

Because unit counts vary from person to person, the best way to compare cost is to ask for a treatment estimate at your consultation.

Xeomin vs Botox Cost

At ImageLab, new-patient Botox starts at $9.99 per unit (regular price $14 per unit), and forehead treatment typically costs $100 to $200. Members of our Beauty Bank program ($49 per month) pay from $10 per unit and get 15% off other services. Ask your injector about pricing for Xeomin and other brands during your complimentary consultation.

Is Xeomin Better Than Botox?

Neither product is better for everyone. Here is how to think about the choice:

Botox May Be a Good Fit If:

• You have had good, consistent results with it before
• You want the most widely known neuromodulator
• You are interested in treating platysma bands in the neck

Xeomin May Be a Good Fit If:

• You prefer a formulation without accessory proteins
• You feel your results have become weaker over years of treatment
• You want to try a different option under your injector's guidance

If you are also comparing other brands, read our guides to Dysport vs Botox and Jeuveau vs Botox. New to neuromodulators? Our Botox FAQ answers the most common questions.

What Are the Side Effects?

Side effects are usually mild and temporary for both products. They can include redness, swelling or bruising at the injection site and headache. Less commonly, the eyelid or brow can droop temporarily. Both products carry an FDA warning that the effect can spread beyond the injection area in rare cases, which is one reason treatment should always be given by a trained medical injector.

Get Xeomin or Botox at ImageLab Med Spa

Our licensed RN, NP and PA-C injectors assess your face, muscle movement and treatment history before recommending a product. Every treatment includes a complimentary 2-week follow-up.

Visit us at any of our locations:

• Chicago, IL: 2033 W Roscoe St | (872) 285-6769
• Alexandria, VA: 123 N Pitt St, Suite 150 | (703) 884-8314
• Rockford, IL: 1998 McFarland Road | (815) 205-1122

Book your complimentary consultation to find out whether Xeomin or Botox is right for you.