Xeomin

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Xeomin is a brand of botulinum toxin type A used to soften the lines created by facial expression. Its active ingredient is incobotulinumtoxinA, and it works the same way as other neuromodulators—by temporarily relaxing the small muscles that fold the skin. What distinguishes Xeomin is its formulation: it is a highly purified toxin “free from complexing proteins,” sometimes described as a “naked” or pure neurotoxin.

At a glance

  • Brand of: Botulinum toxin type A (active ingredient incobotulinumtoxinA)
  • Made by: Merz
  • Type: Prescription injectable neuromodulator
  • What’s different: A purified toxin free from the complexing (accessory) proteins other formulations carry
  • Cosmetic uses (Canada): Frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet
  • Key point: Xeomin’s units are specific to it and not interchangeable with Botox or other products

What is Xeomin?

Xeomin is a purified botulinum toxin type A preparation whose active ingredient is incobotulinumtoxinA, manufactured by Merz.[1] Like other neuromodulators, it is a prescription medicine used to temporarily soften the lines caused by facial movement. Its defining characteristic is purity: Xeomin contains the botulinum toxin type A molecule (150 kDa) with the surrounding complexing proteins removed, which is why it is often called a “pure” toxin.[1]

How Xeomin relates to botulinum toxin type A

Xeomin belongs to the same botulinum toxin type A family as Botox, Dysport, Nuceiva and Daxxify. They share the same core action: the toxin temporarily blocks the release of acetylcholine, the chemical signal that tells a muscle to contract, so the treated muscle relaxes and the overlying skin creases less.[1][3] For the full science of how this works at the neuromuscular junction, see our entry on botulinum toxin type A.

What makes Xeomin different: “free from complexing proteins”

In nature, the botulinum toxin molecule comes bundled with other bacterial proteins—the “complexing” or accessory proteins. Xeomin is manufactured to remove these, leaving essentially the active neurotoxin alone.[1] The proposed advantage is that, with fewer foreign proteins introduced, there may be less chance of the body forming antibodies that could reduce a treatment’s effectiveness over time; however, the real-world clinical significance of this is still debated rather than settled. A practical feature of the purified formulation is that, before it is reconstituted, Xeomin can be stored at room temperature.[1] It is best thought of as a well-established alternative with a distinctive formulation, not necessarily a “stronger” product.

What Xeomin is used for

In aesthetics, Xeomin softens dynamic wrinkles—the lines caused by expression. In Canada, Xeomin Cosmetic is authorized by Health Canada for the temporary improvement of moderate-to-severe frown lines at the glabella, horizontal forehead lines, and crow’s feet in adults.[2] As with other neuromodulators, it works best on lines that appear with movement rather than those already etched at rest. Beyond cosmetics, incobotulinumtoxinA is also used medically for a range of conditions such as muscle spasticity and cervical dystonia.[1]

Onset, duration and what to expect

Like other botulinum toxin treatments, Xeomin’s effect is not instant; it develops over the days following treatment as the muscle gradually relaxes, with the result building over roughly one to two weeks.[1][3] Results are temporary—typically lasting on the order of a few months—after which movement gradually returns and maintaining a smooth result means repeating treatment periodically. As with every botulinum toxin brand, Xeomin’s dosing units are specific to it and are not interchangeable with those of Botox, Dysport or any other product, which is why dosing must be handled by an experienced injector.[1]

Safety, and Xeomin in Canada

Xeomin is a prescription medicine that should be administered only by a qualified, trained healthcare professional after an individual assessment.[1] Common, temporary side effects reported with botulinum toxin treatments can include mild bruising, headache or—if the toxin affects nearby muscles—a temporary drooping of the brow or eyelid. Because dose and injection points must be tailored to the individual, and units differ between products, treatment should be planned carefully. Xeomin Cosmetic is authorized by Health Canada, and as with all prescription drugs in Canada there are restrictions on how such products may be advertised to the public.[2] Xeomin® is a registered trademark of Merz. This entry is educational and does not replace a consultation with a licensed clinician.

Related glossary terms

Clinical & editorial sources

  1. Merz Pharma Canada. XEOMIN (incobotulinumtoxinA) Product Monograph. Health Canada–authorized labelling. merzcanada.com
  2. Health Canada. Regulatory Decision Summary — Xeomin Cosmetic (incobotulinumtoxinA). Drug and Health Products Portal. dhpp.hpfb-dgpsa.ca
  3. Padda IS, Tadi P. Botulinum Toxin. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; updated 2023 Nov 6. NBK557387

This glossary entry provides general educational information and does not replace an individual clinical assessment or medical advice.

Clinically reviewed by: Leah Zawawi, RPN | Medical Aesthetics & Injectables.

Last reviewed: August 2026.

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