Jeuveau vs. Botox: What’s the Difference?



The injectable neurotoxin Jeuveau™ received FDA clearance on 2/1/2019 joining Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin on the wrinkle-treatment shelves. Its self-ascribed nickname #NEWTOX suggests what Jeuveau has to offer: a new Botox alternative, also made from botulinum toxin type A, that temporarily smoothes frown lines and other wrinkles around the eyes and brow.

So here’s the million-dollar question: what’s the difference between Botox and Jeuveau?

If you’re scratching your head thinking, “Jeuveau sounds exactly like Botox,” you’re not alone, and truthfully, you’re on the right track. The two products are very similar. However, there are nuanced differences between them that may make one a better option for certain patients.

When Jeuveau first hit the market, there was a lot of speculation that it would be a cheaper option. However, you can expect a price tag—and results—similar to Botox.

To help you understand both options a little better, let’s compare a few important factors.

Cost: usually the same; Jeuveau may be slightly cheaper

When Jeuveau first hit the market, there was a lot of media speculation that the product would be cheaper than Botox. However, except for special promotions, Jeuveau and Botox end up costing about the same when treating the same area.

In some cases, where a patient responds particularly well to Jeuveau, we may be able to use less of the product, and that in turn may lower the price a little. However, it’s best to go into your treatment expecting a price tag—and results—very similar to Botox.

Formula: same ingredients, different recipe

Both Botox and Jeuveau are injectable neurotoxin medications made from botulinum toxin Type A, which arrives in our office in a dry form and is diluted before your treatment.

However, there are minor differences in the manufacturing and purification processes for each product. We can’t tell you exactly what these differences are, as they are under lock and key with each manufacturer—but basically, the minor differences result in Botox being a little more effective for certain patients and Jeuveau a little more effective for others.

It’s a very similar situation as with the hyaluronic acid fillers Juvéderm and Restylane—they’re extremely similar. We use both to treat the same types of concerns, but each has its own fan club.

While Jeuveau is the new kid on the block, botulinum toxin type A has been used safely for aesthetic patients for 30 years—beginning with Botox!

Effectiveness: both are great for frown lines, but Botox is FDA approved for treating a long list of concerns

Botox was originally designed as a medication to treat eyelid muscle disorders and has since been approved for a variety of therapeutic and cosmetic uses: treating frown lines, brow furrows, crow’s feet, excessive underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis), and even migraines!


Jeuveau was specifically developed for cosmetic use. It’s currently FDA approved only for treating glabellar lines (frown lines). That said, given the similarities with Botox, cosmetic “off-label” use of Jeuveau to treat other areas of the face and neck is expected.

Both Botox and Jeuveau last about 3 to 4 months for treating expression lines, and results take a couple of days to settle in.

Safety: both products have excellent safety records

While Jeuveau is the new kid on the block, botulinum toxin type A has been used safely for aesthetic patients for nearly 30 years (yes, beginning with Botox). Additionally, both products have been FDA approved, meaning they have successfully proven their safety and efficacy through large-scale clinical trials.

Treatment experience: you won’t know the difference!

If you’ve ever had Botox injections for your frown lines, you can expect the same experience when being treated with Jeuveau. Both products are injected into specific muscles to stop habitual contractions and allow the muscles and wrinkles to relax. Treatments take about 15 minutes.

So, which injectable is a better option for you? That’s for you and your provider to decide.

As you have likely understood, Botox and Jeuveau are highly similar products. 

Jeuveau may be a great option for those who have noticed Botox is becoming less effective for them, but if you are happy with the results you get with Botox, there is absolutely no need to change things up just because a new product has come to market.