Brands of Botulinum Toxin Vary in Potency and Cost But Work the Same Way | 2025 Fall Clinical Derm

Type A botulinum, commonly reffered to as botox, was approved by FDA in 2002 for cosmetic use to reduce fine lines and wrinkles in the face.

Type A botulinum toxins all work the same way but differ in their potency, according to Mark S.Nestor, M.D., Ph.D., a dermatologic surgeon and dermatolagist practicing in Aventura, Florida.

These toxins work by inducing muscle weakness and paralysis by preventing acetylcholine release into the synaptic cleft at nerve endings within muscle tissue muscle and autonomic exocrine glands.

“All of type A toxins, all of them — Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Letybo, which is the new one, and Jeuveau —— all are Type A toxins. They all work exactly the same,” Nestor said in a recent video interview with Managed Healthcare Executive.

However, the toxins differ in terms of molecular potency and the amounts are administered by personal preference.

"Some people want natural. They want movement. Some people want frozen. All of the toxins can do all of this," Nestor said.