The Dangerous Rise of ‘Korean Botox’
A growing number of Americans are self-injecting a Korean beauty treatment known as Innotox, a Botox alternative that carries serious health risks, including botulism poisoning. Experts at the Harley Street Skin Clinic warn that the practice, often referred to as “Korean Botox,” may soon spread to the UK.
“Innotox is a Korean beauty treatment used as an alternative to Botox,” explains Sophie Cooper, Managing Director of Harley Street Skin Clinic. “It contains the same ingredient, botulinum toxin type A, and works in a similar way by relaxing facial muscles to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. While Innotox is approved in some countries, it is not authorised for use in the UK or US, and people have been urged not to follow the trend.”
Despite this, some US consumers are buying Innotox from unregulated online sources and attempting to inject it themselves in hopes of achieving smoother, younger-looking skin at a lower cost than professional Botox treatments. “Content creators on TikTok have been sharing videos showing their results,” says Cooper, “and this is encouraging viewers to try it for themselves. People believe it’s simpler to inject, works faster, lasts longer, and is cheaper, but that perceived convenience comes with very real dangers.”
According to Cooper, DIY injectables are far from safe. “These online ‘how-to’ tutorials don’t provide the depth of training needed,” she says. “It takes years to learn how to inject botulinum toxin safely. Injecting too deep or in the wrong location can cause breathing difficulties or muscle paralysis. Without medical training, people often don’t know how to recognise when something has gone wrong or when to seek emergency help.”
Even financially, Cooper says the treatment is risky. “While Innotox might seem affordable, fixing mistakes will likely cost far more than having Botox done professionally,” she explains. “Because Innotox is longer-lasting, any complications aren’t easily undone.”
Experts fear that, as online conversation around the trend grows — with the hashtag #innotox already amassing over 77 million posts on TikTok — the practice could become increasingly widespread. “Many beauty trends on TikTok are harmless fun, but this one is different,” says Cooper. “It’s leading people to self-inject at home with unregulated products. Any injectable treatment should only be administered by trained professionals in a clinical environment. Without proper safety standards and an expert understanding of facial anatomy, you’re exposing yourself to serious medical risks.”
Cooper’s message is clear: “I strongly advise against self-injecting with unregulated anti-ageing products or following online tutorials. Always seek treatment from a qualified professional — your safety depends on it.”