Botox, Xeomin and Dysport are three brands of botulinum toxin type A. All three relax the muscles that crease the skin, and all three are FDA-approved for frown lines between the eyebrows. They differ in what else they are approved for, in how they are formulated, and in how their doses are measured. Their units are not interchangeable.
This guide compares Botox, Xeomin and Dysport using their FDA labels, and explains what they have in common.
Botox, Xeomin and Dysport compared
| Botox Cosmetic | Xeomin | Dysport | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generic name | onabotulinumtoxinA | incobotulinumtoxinA | abobotulinumtoxinA |
| FDA-approved cosmetic uses | Frown lines, crow’s feet, forehead lines, neck (platysma) bands | Frown lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet | Frown lines, in adults under 65 |
| Formulation | Neurotoxin with accessory proteins | Neurotoxin without accessory proteins | Neurotoxin complex with accessory proteins |
Each product also has medical uses that are not covered here. The details above are from each product’s current FDA label.
How Botox, Xeomin and Dysport work
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) explains that a very small amount of purified botulinum toxin is injected into targeted muscles. This temporarily relaxes them, so the lines above them diminish.
Most people see results within three to seven days. The AAD says the effect lasts about three to four months, and sometimes longer.
Why the units are not interchangeable
Every label makes the same point. Botox Cosmetic’s states that its units “cannot be compared to nor converted into units of any other botulinum toxin products.” Xeomin’s and Dysport’s labels say the same of theirs.
In practice this means a dose of one brand tells you nothing about the dose of another. A quote for “20 units” is only meaningful once you know which product it refers to.
What makes Xeomin different
Xeomin’s label describes the active neurotoxin as purified “without accessory proteins.” Botox and Dysport are formulated as a complex that includes accessory proteins.
Xeomin is sometimes marketed as “purer” or as better for people who stop responding to other brands. The label describes the formulation. We did not find an authoritative source showing that this makes it work better or cause fewer problems, so we do not make that claim.
What makes Dysport different
Dysport’s cosmetic approval is narrower: frown lines only, in adults under 65. Its label notes that it may contain trace amounts of cow’s milk protein, and it lists an allergy to cow’s milk protein among its contraindications.
Side effects all three share
The AAD says side effects tend to be mild and temporary:
- swelling, redness and soreness at the injection site;
- occasional bruising, lasting about a week;
- mild headache, which is uncommon;
- a temporarily droopy brow or eyelid, which is rare.
The boxed warning
All botulinum toxin products carry the FDA’s most prominent warning. Their labels state that the effects “may spread from the area of injection,” causing symptoms such as muscle weakness, double vision, drooping eyelids and difficulty swallowing or breathing, hours to weeks after injection. Swallowing and breathing difficulties can be life threatening.
The AAD notes that when botulinum toxin is used by a dermatologist to treat signs of ageing, no serious side effects of this kind have been reported. Seek medical help straight away if you have trouble swallowing, speaking or breathing after treatment.
Which one is right for you?
No source we found ranks one brand above the others for cosmetic use. The choice usually depends on the area being treated, what each product is approved for, any allergies, and your provider’s experience with it.
The AAD’s safety advice applies whichever brand is used. Do not buy botulinum toxin online, and do not have injections at a party, a salon, a non-medical spa or someone’s home.
Frequently asked questions
Is Xeomin the same as Botox?
Both are botulinum toxin type A, but they are different products with different formulations and units. One cannot be substituted for the other dose for dose.
Which lasts longest?
The AAD gives about three to four months for botulinum toxin generally. We did not find a reliable source ranking the brands by duration.
Do they look “frozen”?
The AAD says the aim is to inject just enough to relax the targeted muscles without affecting others, so that natural expressions are kept.
Is botulinum toxin the same as filler?
No. Fillers add volume. See our guide to dermal fillers.
Next step
You can read about Botox and Xeomin at Beauté Medical Aesthetics, or book a consultation to discuss which product suits the area you want treated.
Sources
- BOTOX Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) prescribing information. DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- XEOMIN (incobotulinumtoxinA) prescribing information. DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- DYSPORT (abobotulinumtoxinA) prescribing information. DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Botulinum toxin therapy: Overview and FAQs.
Double Board Certified Nurse Practitioner
Beauté Medical Aesthetics
