The New Era of Wrinkle Reduction: Botox vs Xeomin in 2026
May 07, 2026
/assets/images/provider/photos/2844650.jpeg)
More than 10 million people used cosmetic injectables, like Botox® and Xeomin®, in 2024, and that number continues to increase annually, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
While Botox and Xeomin both minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, they differ in several ways. If you’re planning to undergo this type of treatment in the future, it’s important to know how each works so you can choose the right one for your situation.
At Ample Health in Carmichael and Sacramento, California, our board-certified internists regularly administer Botox, Xeomin, and other cosmetic injectables. This article explains the similarities and differences, and how to choose the right cosmetic product for your goals and situation.
Botox and Xeomin are both injectable neuromodulators. That means they work by temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for age-related wrinkles, such as forehead lines, crow’s feet, and chin dimples.
Both products are made using a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When injected into strategic areas, such as the forehead or sides of the eyes, they smooth the surrounding skin, making wrinkles less noticeable.
The results of Botox and Xeomin typically appear three or four days after injections, and become fully apparent within a week or two. The wrinkle reduction isn’t permanent, but it lasts three to four months on average.
Each treatment is administered during a quick, outpatient appointment, and neither requires significant downtime. Most people return to work and other activities within 24 hours of treatment.
Even though Botox and Xeomin are similar, they don’t have the same formulation. For example, Xeomin is considered a naked version of Clostridium botulinum, meaning it doesn’t have any additional proteins, while Botox does.
This difference won’t necessarily affect your results, but because Botox contains accessory proteins, it’s FDA-approved for a broader range of treatments beyond cosmetics.
This distinction is also important for people with allergies. Since Xeomin doesn’t contain accessory proteins, it can reduce the risk of antibody resistance, which can make treatments less effective over time.
Another difference is how both products are stored. Botox requires refrigeration, while Xeomin is more stable at room temperature.
Botox is still the most popular cosmetic option for reducing wrinkles and fine lines, but a growing number of people are exploring Xeomin as an alternative.
Some patients have allergies to the proteins in Botox, while others worry that if they continue using the same formulation, their results won’t be as noticeable or last as long.
Regardless of which injectable you choose, we always develop personalized treatment plans based on your:
After reviewing your health records, asking about your goals, and completing an in-office evaluation, we can make recommendations that align with your needs.
Botox and Xeomin are so similar that it can be challenging to know which one is right for your situation. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind to make your decision easier:
Botox received FDA approval for cosmetic use in 2002, nearly 10 years before Xeomin, which received FDA approval for cosmetic use in 2011.
It’s also versatile and can treat multiple skin imperfections, including forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, chin dimples, bunny lines, smoker's lines, and marionette lines (noticeable creases along the sides of the mouth).
Xeomin is unique in that it’s a clean formula, so it doesn’t contain any additional proteins. This makes it a good option for people with sensitive skin or allergies. The formulation also reduces the risk of antibody resistance, so if you plan on getting treatments regularly, there’s less risk involved.
But Xeomin is FDA-approved to treat only three types of wrinkles: forehead lines, frown lines (glabellar lines), and crow’s feet. Some providers use it for other purposes, but it’s important to be aware of this distinction.
If you’re still unsure which option is right for you, we can help guide your decision.
Contact us at Ample Health in Carmichael or Sacramento, California, to schedule a Botox and fillers evaluation. Call our office or book your appointment online. Telehealth appointments are also available.