Same family, different products

Every toxin used for wrinkles and contouring in Seoul is botulinum toxin type A. Each manufacturer purifies and formulates it differently, which affects how the product is stored, prepared and dosed, but not the basic way it works: it blocks the nerve signal that tells a muscle to contract, so the muscle relaxes for a few months. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, your doctor tells you which brand is used, and why, before injecting.

The Korean toxins

Botulax (Hugel)

One of the most widely used toxins in Korean clinics. Hugel's toxin is approved by the FDA in the United States under the name Letybo for frown lines.

Nabota (Daewoong)

Daewoong's toxin, sold in the United States as Jeuveau and FDA-approved for frown lines. It is popular in Korea for wrinkles and jaw slimming.

Coretox (Medytox)

Formulated without complexing proteins, the extra proteins that surround the toxin molecule in some products. Some doctors choose it for people who receive frequent or high doses.

Innotox (Medytox)

A ready-to-use liquid toxin, so it does not need to be mixed at the clinic before injection.

The imported toxins

Botox (Allergan)

The original brand, from Allergan in the United States, now part of AbbVie. It has the longest track record and the largest body of research, and it usually costs the most in Korea.

Xeomin (Merz)

A German toxin that is free of complexing proteins. Like Coretox, it is sometimes chosen for patients who have treatment often or at high doses.

Dysport (Ipsen)

Made by Ipsen, a French company, with production in the UK. Dysport is measured on its own unit scale, so a Dysport dose is a larger number than a comparable Botox dose.

At a glance

Brand	Maker	Origin	Notable point
Botulax	Hugel	Korea	FDA-approved in the US as Letybo
Nabota	Daewoong	Korea	FDA-approved in the US as Jeuveau
Coretox	Medytox	Korea	No complexing proteins
Innotox	Medytox	Korea	Ready-to-use liquid
Botox	Allergan	USA	Longest track record
Xeomin	Merz	Germany	No complexing proteins
Dysport	Ipsen	UK and France	Different unit scale

Understanding units

Toxin is dosed in units, but units are brand-specific. Dysport in particular uses a larger number of units for a similar effect, so unit counts only mean something when you know the brand. In Korea, wrinkle treatments are usually priced per area rather than per unit, which makes comparing clinics easier if you ask which brand is included. Read shots, lines and cc explained for how Korean clinics price treatments, and how many units of jaw Botox you need.

How doctors choose a brand

Area and dose: small areas such as crow's feet need little product; jaw and shoulder treatments use much more.
Treatment history: if toxin seems to work less well over time, a doctor may switch to a complexing-protein-free option.
How often you treat: people who treat frequently or at high doses may be offered Xeomin or Coretox.
Continuity: some visitors prefer the brand they use at home.
Budget: Korean toxins offer good value for routine maintenance.

Does the brand change how long it lasts?

Duration depends more on dose, muscle strength, area and your metabolism than on brand. Wrinkle Botox typically lasts about 3–4 months and jaw Botox about 4–6 months with any approved product used at a suitable dose. Onset is usually within a few days, with the full effect at about two weeks. See wrinkle Botox results and jaw Botox results.

Prices in Seoul

Treatment	From price
Wrinkle Botox, one area	₩39,000 (Korean toxin)
Jaw Botox, both sides	₩59,000 (Korean toxin)
Skin Botox, full face	₩129,000
Trapezius Botox, both sides	₩129,000

Imported toxins cost more than Korean ones. Prices are in Korean won (KRW), exclude 10% VAT, and are confirmed at your consultation. See wrinkle Botox prices and jaw Botox prices.

Common myths about Korean toxins

Cheaper means weaker: price reflects local manufacturing and competition, not strength. Dose and placement decide the result.
Imported always lasts longer: longevity depends mainly on dose, muscle strength and metabolism, not country of origin.
More units are always better: overdosing can cause a heavy or frozen look. The right dose is the one that suits your muscles.

What to ask at your appointment

Which brand will you use, and why for me?
How many units or how much product is included?
Can I see the product box or lot number?
When should I come back, and when will I see the full effect?

Safety is about more than the brand

A genuine product, correct dosing and a skilled injector matter more than the name on the box. Read is Korean Botox safe? for regulation, side effects and red flags, then book a consultation to choose the right toxin with your doctor, or browse all treatments.

Is Botulax the same as Botox?

Both are botulinum toxin type A, but they are made by different companies with different formulations. Botulax is made by Hugel in Korea, and Hugel's toxin is FDA-approved in the US as Letybo. Botox is Allergan's brand.

Can I ask for a specific brand?

Yes. Mention it when you book, and your doctor will confirm availability and price. Imported brands cost more than Korean toxins.

Can I switch brands between treatments?

Generally, yes. Tell your doctor which brand and dose you had last time, so the new dose can be planned sensibly.

What does complexing-protein-free mean?

Some toxins contain extra proteins around the active molecule; Xeomin and Coretox do not. Some doctors prefer them for people who need frequent or high doses, to reduce the theoretical chance of the body becoming less responsive over time.

Why are Dysport doses a bigger number?

Dysport uses its own unit scale, so its units cannot be compared one-to-one with Botox units. Your doctor converts doses when switching between brands.

Which toxin brand lasts longest?

No brand consistently outlasts the others when each is dosed properly. Dose, muscle strength, the area treated and individual metabolism have a bigger effect on how long results last.

Toxin treatments

Wrinkle Botox — forehead, frown lines and crow's feet
Jaw (masseter) Botox — slimming and clenching
Skin Botox — pores and oil
Trapezius Botox — neck and shoulder line

Prices and results

Wrinkle Botox price in Seoul — from ₩39,000 per area
Jaw Botox price in Seoul — from ₩59,000
Jaw Botox results — week-by-week slimming

Guides and FAQs

Is Korean Botox safe? — regulation and red flags
Shots, lines and cc explained — how pricing works
How much is Botox in Korea? — price ranges

Compare

Jaw Botox vs fat-dissolving injection — muscle or fat
Skin Botox vs HA skin booster — pores or hydration

Dernia Clinic Myeongdong

Korean Botox Brands vs Allergan, Xeomin and Dysport