Home / Health / Unlicensed "Innotox" Injections Pose Serious Health Dangers, Experts Warn
Unlicensed "Innotox" Injections Pose Serious Health Dangers, Experts Warn
8 Sep
Summary
- Innotox is an unapproved Botox-like injectable from South Korea
- It's being promoted on social media, but plastic surgeons caution against using it
- Injecting Innotox without proper medical training can lead to complications like drooping eyelids and facial paralysis
As of September 8th, 2025, plastic surgeons are raising alarms about an unapproved injectable called Innotox, which is being promoted on social media as a DIY alternative to Botox. Innotox, also known as "Korean Botox," contains the same active ingredient as Botox but has not been approved by the FDA, meaning it has not undergone the necessary safety and efficacy testing.
Despite the lack of regulation, some TikTokers have been posting videos of themselves injecting Innotox into their faces and sharing before-and-after results. However, medical experts strongly caution against this practice. Dr. Bianca Molina, a plastic surgeon in New York City, explains that Innotox "is not something a consumer or patient should order themselves and inject" due to the potential risks.
These risks include serious complications like drooping eyelids, facial asymmetry, muscle paralysis, and sagging brows. Since Innotox is thought to last up to 10 months, these effects could persist for a significant period. There are also concerns about unsafe handling of needles and syringes, product contamination, and incorrect dosing.
Dr. Anthony Berlet, a plastic surgeon in New York City and Cedar Grove, New Jersey, emphasizes that injecting any neurotoxin, especially an unapproved one, should never be a DIY project. He and other experts recommend seeing an experienced, licensed provider who uses FDA-approved products and has a deep understanding of facial anatomy to minimize risks and achieve the best aesthetic results.
