With so many options in the market for injectables that treat wrinkles, it can get a little confusing. Currently, Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeauveau are the four botulinum neurotoxins that are FDA approved to treat dynamic facial lines. All of these brand offerings work by temporarily weakening or paralyzing the muscles in the treatment area, yet each of them has slightly different formulations and areas in which they are approved to treat. Below we will break down the differences specifically between Botox and Jeuveau.

What Is Botox?

Botox is manufactured by Allergan and its generic name is onabotulinum toxin Type A. Botox is FDA approved for both medical and cosmetic use and has proven to be safe in numerous clinical studies. Botox is specifically used to treat dynamic facial lines in the forehead, crow’s feet, glabellar lines (the 11 lines), and neck wrinkles.

The results from Botox typically last four to six months and according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost is $466 per session. Depending on the treatment area, the recommended dosage will vary. To sustain achieved results, follow-up treatments will be required accordingly. Botox is considered safe however there can be side effects. The most common side effects are swelling, bruising, redness, headaches, numbness, and slight pain, which the American Academy of Dermatology says will resolve on their own about a week after the procedure. In rare cases, Botox can cause paralysis and carries a slight risk of botulinum toxicity.

What Is Jeuveau?

Like Botox, Jeuveau utilizes purified botulinum toxin to temporarily relax the small accessory muscle group that causes dynamic wrinkles. All neurotoxins work by blocking the nerve signal to the brain so it temporarily doesn’t instruct the brain to make the muscles move in and around the injection site.

Produced in South Korea and made by Evolus, Jeaveau differs from Botox slightly due to the fact that it uses a slightly different form of botulinum toxin than Botox. Botox contains onabotulinumtoxinA, while Jeuveau contains prabotulinumtoxinA. Clinical trials have shown both compounds are equally safe and effective for treating dynamic wrinkles.

Jeuveau is the newest neuromodulator to be granted FDA approval for cosmetic use. In addition to using a slightly different form of botulinum toxin, treatments with Jeuveau may cost less than Botox and the other neurotoxins available. The reason for the potential price difference is that to keep their costs low, Evolus decided not to pay to have their product go through the approval process for medical usage. Another difference between Botox and Jeuveau is that Jeuveau may have a faster onset of action and may last longer than Botox. As of 2019, the average cost of botulinum toxin injections was $408, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. But, pricing will vary depending on a variety of factors like where you live, who is injecting the compound, and how many injections you get.

Another distinguishing difference between the two injectables is where they can be used on the face. While Botox can be used in several places on the face and neck, Jeuveau is best known for treating frown lines, technically known as glabellar lines. Like Botox, Jeuveau is considered safe. However, the treatment still comes with possible side effects like bruising and pain near the injection site, redness, headaches, droopy eyelids, upper respiratory infections, and in rare cases, botulism.

Bottom Line

As we mentioned above, both Botox and Jeuveau are neurotoxins used to temporarily block muscle contractions and give the skin an overall smoother, more youthful appearance. Jeuveau is the newest neuromodulator to get FDA approval and uses a slightly different botulinum toxin than Botox. Jeuveau may offer a slightly less expensive alternative to Botox, but the injectable does not have the same flexibility with treatment areas since currently, it is only FDA-approved for glabellar lines. Regardless of the slight difference, both Botox and Jeuveau offer an effective, non-invasive treatment option to temporarily reduce fine lines and wrinkles.