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Allergan, Xeomin or Coretox? Choosing a Botox Brand in Korea (2026)
By Dr. IM JUNHYUNG · Updated
- Allergan’s Botox is the original product with the longest track record.
- Xeomin and Coretox are made without accessory (complexing) proteins.
- Units are set per product; we record the brand and units so treatment can continue elsewhere.
- Price differs by brand for the same area — the treatment pages list each one.
- Allergan
- The original — Botox®
- Xeomin
- No accessory — proteins
- Coretox
- Korean-made — Medytox
- Record
- Brand + units — on your card
Same action, different formulation
Botulinum toxin type A blocks the signal from nerve to muscle for a few months, softening expression lines or reducing muscle bulk. In Allergan’s Botox the active toxin comes with accessory proteins; Xeomin removes them, and Coretox is also made without them. Once injected, all three act on the muscle in the same way.
Does the formulation matter?
For a first or occasional treatment, usually not much. The question comes up for people who have frequent or high-dose treatment — jaw, shoulders, calves — over many years. A small number of people develop antibodies that make toxin less effective. Products without accessory proteins are thought to carry a lower chance of this, although the evidence is still limited. If results have faded faster over the years, tell us.
Units are not one size fits all
Dosing is set per product and per area, by the doctor who examines the muscle. That is why “how many units” only makes sense together with “of which product”. At Taut the brand and units for each area go on your record card, so another doctor can start from real numbers.
How we help you choose
| If this sounds like you | We often suggest |
|---|---|
| First time, forehead or frown lines | Any of the three — price can decide |
| Regular jaw, shoulder or calf treatment | Xeomin or Coretox, to limit accessory proteins |
| You know a brand works well for you | Stay with it — consistency helps |
| You want the original product | Allergan |
These are starting points. The label is shown to you before opening, whichever you choose.
Side effects are similar
Small bruises, a mild headache or a heavy feeling for a few days can occur with any brand. Rarely, a brow or eyelid can droop temporarily if toxin spreads. Avoid rubbing the area and lying flat for four hours after forehead treatment, and skip saunas, alcohol and heavy exercise for the rest of the day.
FAQ
Is Xeomin as strong as Botox?
Both are effective. Dosing is set per product and area, so strength is a matter of planning rather than brand.
What is Coretox?
A botulinum toxin type A made in Korea by Medytox, produced without accessory proteins.
Can I switch brands?
Yes. Tell us what you had before and how long it lasted; we record the new brand and units.
Why does the price differ by brand?
Product costs differ. Our treatment pages list the price for each brand and area, the same for every nationality.
General information, not medical advice. Your plan is set at an in-person consultation; results vary by individual.
Representative Director of Taut Clinic, Gangnam. Full member of the Korean Aesthetic Surgery & Laser Society (ASLS), the Korean Association for Laser Dermatology and Trichology (KALDAT) and the Korean Society of Filler Medicine. Commendation from the Minister of Health and Welfare.
Treatments in this article
See how each treatment mentioned here is done at Taut Clinic, with options and prices.
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