Is there a basic difference between Botox brands?
All contain botulinum toxin type A and act by temporarily reducing the signal to the muscle. Differences can appear in manufacturing method, accompanying proteins, unit value and some clinical features. What those differences mean for you is assessed at consultation.
Products on the market include Allergan Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA), Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) and Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA). Other products are also licensed in some countries and at some times. Which product is licensed varies by country, so asking about the current licence status is sensible. For details see the Allergan Botox and Dysport pages.
Published comparisons of the products exist, but their results vary with study design and cannot always be applied directly to an individual. For that reason, a general ranking of superiority would not be accurate.
Do onset and duration change by brand?
Some products have been reported to start working within a few days, but the difference varies with person, area and dose; in practice, most people see an effect starting within 2–5 days and settling at about two weeks. Duration is typically a few months and varies by person.
Onset and duration depend as much on muscle strength, dose, area and personal response as on the product. So comparing two brands by numbers may not hold for every person. A person who does well with one product may have a different experience with another.
You can find the detailed factors for duration on the page on how long Botox lasts. Changing brand does not by itself extend duration; dose, points and expectations should be reviewed first.
What does the unit difference mean between brands?
Each product’s unit is defined by its own measuring system and cannot be converted one to one. So a unit number quoted for one product cannot be compared directly with another. When comparing, look at the number together with the product name.
Conversion ratios circulating on social media or the internet are general approaches; the individual dose is set by the doctor. For someone switching products, the dose plan is redone and the review visit matters even more. For more see the page on how many units of Botox are used.
When comparing prices, make sure the product and unit expression are the same. Details are covered on the page on why Botox prices differ.
Which brand suits me and who decides?
The brand is chosen from expectations, the area, past experience and the doctor’s experience. The doctor knows the characteristics of the product used and can plan for the person. Rather than choosing a brand yourself, ask why it is recommended and decide with that in mind.
The doctor’s experience, observations built up over years with a given product and knowledge of that product matter for the plan. Equally, that the product is licensed and original is a more important safety criterion than the brand itself.
It is ordinary to discuss the product name, the areas and the goal at the first consultation. If you were satisfied with a product before, you can share that too. For a first experience see the first-time Botox page.
How can I tell if the Botox is original?
Seeing the box, label, lot number and expiry date, asking whether the product comes through a licensed channel and ensuring an authorised doctor performs the treatment are basic steps. If in doubt, ask openly before treatment.
Counterfeit or unclear-source products can cause lack of effect and safety problems. Having the product prepared in front of you and an intact package are further details you can observe. You can find the general framework on the product authenticity page.
Checking the doctor’s authorisation is just as important; the authorised doctor page offers guidance. You can ask all of these questions by booking a consultation before treatment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Botox and Dysport?
Both contain botulinum toxin type A. Their unit values, manufacture and some clinical features may differ. The doctor decides which suits you; neither is generally superior to the other.
Is Xeomin different from the others?
Xeomin belongs to the same group of active substance and is described with some structural differences. What those differences mean in practice for a person is assessed at consultation.
Will the result be different if I change brand?
Some people report a different experience, but it is not the same in everyone. The dose plan is redone and judged at the review.
Is cheap Botox fake?
Price alone does not show whether a product is original. Asking about the box, the lot number and licence status and having treatment from an authorised doctor is the right approach.
Do units vary by brand?
Yes. Unit values are not equal between products, so numbers only make sense within the same product.
Sources (5)
- U.S. CDC: How to Stay Safe When Getting Botulinum Toxin Injections (2026)
- U.S. FDA (DailyMed, NLM): BOTOX COSMETIC- onabotulinumtoxina injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution (Prescribing Information and Medication Guide) (2026)
- U.S. FDA (DailyMed, NLM): DYSPORT- botulinum toxin type a injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution (Prescribing Information and Medication Guide) (2024)
- U.S. FDA (DailyMed, NLM): XEOMIN- incobotulinumtoxina injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution (Prescribing Information and Medication Guide) (2026)
- MHRA-approved SmPC via emc (Merz): BOCOUTURE 50 units powder for solution for injection - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)
This content is for general information and does not replace a personal medical assessment.