Why brand names come up so often in Korea
If you research Botox in Korea, you will quickly notice that clinics talk about toxin brands rather than just "Botox". Strictly speaking, Botox is one brand name for botulinum toxin type A. Korea has developed several of its own toxin products, and imported brands are also used. Visitors often ask whether the brand matters, and the honest answer is that it can matter for some people, but it is rarely the most important factor in a good result.
This guide gives a general overview of three names you are likely to hear: Nabota, Botulax and Xeomin. It is not a ranking. The right choice depends on your medical history, the area being treated, your previous experience with toxins and your doctor's judgement.
A general look at each brand
- Nabota.
A Korean-developed botulinum toxin type A made by Daewoong. It is widely used in Korean clinics for wrinkle and contouring treatments, and it is also sold in some other countries under different names.
- Botulax.
Another Korean-developed toxin, made by Hugel. It is commonly used in Korea for areas such as the forehead, frown lines and jaw, and is familiar to many repeat patients.
- Xeomin.
An imported toxin made by the German company Merz. It is often described as a "purified" or "naked" toxin because its formulation does not include the complexing proteins found in some other products.
All three contain botulinum toxin type A and work in the same basic way: they temporarily reduce the nerve signals that tell a muscle to contract. The differences lie in manufacturing, formulation, how the product is handled and, in some cases, how the market prices it.
What actually differs between toxin brands
When doctors discuss brands, they usually focus on a handful of practical points rather than marketing claims:
- Formulation.
Some toxins contain accessory proteins and some do not. One theory is that fewer accessory proteins may reduce the chance of the body forming antibodies over many years of repeated treatment, although this is still discussed and the evidence is not settled.
- Units are not always interchangeable.
A "unit" is defined by each manufacturer, so the number of units used with one brand does not automatically translate to another. This is one reason a doctor decides dosing rather than the patient.
- Onset and feel.
Some patients report that one brand seems to start working sooner or feels different, but individual responses vary a great deal and are hard to predict.
- Cost and availability.
Domestic Korean toxins are produced locally, while imported brands involve import and distribution costs. This often affects price, though we do not quote prices for other clinics.
Who might ask for a specific brand
For most first-time patients, the brand matters less than the doctor's assessment of muscle strength, symmetry and the look you want. Still, there are situations where people reasonably ask about a particular product:
- Frequent, long-term users.
People who have had toxin treatments regularly for years, especially at higher doses, sometimes ask about formulations with fewer accessory proteins.
- People who felt little effect before.
If a previous treatment seemed weak, a doctor will first consider dose, placement and timing before assuming the brand is the cause.
- Patients continuing treatment from home.
Some visitors want to stay with a product they already know. Bringing the name of your previous product helps the doctor plan.
What Daybeau Clinic Seomyeon lists
Our published prices use a Korean toxin for wrinkle and body treatments. These are first-visit prices in KRW, VAT excluded (10% VAT is added at payment), checked October 2026:
- Wrinkle Botox, Korean toxin, 1 area.
3,000 KRW for the forehead, glabella, nose bridge or eye area.
- Jaw Botox 50 units.
9,900 KRW.
- Body Botox 100 units, Korean toxin, 1 area.
29,000 KRW for the calves, thighs, trapezius or arms.
The price list does not name a specific brand such as Nabota, Botulax or Xeomin. If you would like a particular product, ask during your consultation which options are available and what the price would be. Anything not on the list is quoted after an in-person consultation. See the full price list
and our Botox overview
for more detail.
Safety matters more than the label
Whatever brand is used, the same general precautions apply. Common, usually temporary effects include small bruises, mild swelling, tenderness and occasionally headache. Less commonly, a nearby muscle can be affected, such as a brow or eyelid feeling heavier for a while. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a neuromuscular condition, or take medication that affects bleeding or nerves. Suitability and results vary, and the doctor decides at consultation.
It is also reasonable to ask the clinic to show you the product being used. A reputable clinic should be comfortable explaining what is in the syringe.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Korean toxin lower quality than an imported one?
Not necessarily. Korean toxins are approved and widely used in Korea. Differences between brands are mainly about formulation, handling and cost, and your doctor's technique has a large influence on the result.
Can I choose Xeomin at Daybeau Clinic Seomyeon?
Our listed prices use a Korean toxin. Please ask during your consultation which other products may be available and how they would be priced.
Can I switch brands between treatments?
Many people do, but units differ between products, so tell your doctor which brand and roughly how much you had before so they can plan sensibly.
Not sure which toxin is right for you? Book a consultation
or message us on WhatsApp, and our doctors will explain your options in English, Japanese or Korean.
