Botox vs Dysport vs Xeomin: Differences and Real Cost Compared

By Naomi Foster
Contributing Writer, Encore Editorial · Updated 2026-07-08

Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are all botulinum toxin type A injectables and work the same basic way, but they part ways on dosing, onset speed, and price. Dysport looks cheapest per unit, yet it takes roughly 2.5 to 3 units to match 1 unit of Botox, so a full treatment usually lands close to the same total. The choice tends to come down to your injector's preference and how your own body responds.

Side by side

Because Dysport uses several times more units per area, its lower per-unit sticker price is not directly comparable to the other two. Compare the total cost per treatment area instead.

Picking one

Start with whatever your injector already uses most; technique and dosing accuracy affect your result more than the brand name does. If your results seem to fade unusually fast, ask about Xeomin. If you want the quickest visible onset before an event, Dysport is worth a conversation. All three are FDA-approved with similar overall safety profiles. See the cost guide and safety overview for more context.

Where the three actually differ

• Dysport spreads slightly more once injected, which can help on a larger surface like the forehead but is a mild drawback in a tight spot. It also tends to show results first.
• Xeomin is a "naked" molecule with no accessory proteins, which in theory lowers the odds of building resistance over years of use. Some people who stop responding well to Botox switch here.
• Botox has the longest track record of the three and the most predictable placement, which is why most injectors default to it.

Two newer names worth knowing

Jeuveau, sometimes called "Newtox," doses roughly 1 to 1 against Botox and is often priced competitively for frown lines specifically. Daxxify is notable mainly for potentially longer duration, with some patients reporting results closer to 6 months, though outcomes vary and it typically costs more per treatment. If longevity matters more to you than price, Daxxify is worth asking about; otherwise the three established options usually offer better cost per month.

Switching between brands

You can move between these products from one visit to the next without any waiting period or "detox" in between. Injectors commonly shift a patient to Xeomin if they suspect antibody resistance to Botox, since Xeomin lacks the accessory proteins believed to drive that resistance. Mention any history of results fading faster than expected so your provider can plan around it.

FAQs

See also