Medical pros beg social media users to avoid viral ‘Innotox' trend — which can cause muscle paralysis and even death
Experts are sounding the alarm about a growing number of Americans injecting themselves at home with so-called 'Korean Botox,' drawn in by promises of smooth skin at a fraction of the cost.
Those jumping on the viral Innotox trend, they warn, are playing a game of cosmetic roulette that comes with risks far more serious than a few forehead wrinkles and crow's feet.
Advertisement
4 Self-injecting Innotox is the latest DIY beauty trend going viral.
Eva March – stock.adobe.com
What is Innotox ?
Innotox is a South Korean treatment that contains botulinum toxin type A, the same active ingredient found in Botox, according to Korean Beauty Tech.
It works by temporarily relaxing facial muscles to reduce contractions, which softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
But unlike Botox, which arrives freeze-dried and must be reconstituted with a sterile solution, Innotox comes as a ready-to-use liquid — making the injection process simpler and more tempting for those looking for a DIY option.
Advertisement
Why are people choosing Innotox?
Aside from the convenience, Innotox fans point to two big draws: faster, longer lasting results and a lower price tag.
While Botox typically takes 4 to 7 days to show effects, some Innotox users report visible changes within 2 to 3 days. Its results can last up to six months — outpacing the usual three-to-four-month lifespan of Botox.
'It works amazing, almost three months and I'm not moving my forehead,' Karen Freeman, a content creator on TikTok, said in a recent video.
Advertisement
4 Innotox is approved for use in other countries, like South Korea, but not in the US.
Derma Solution
'Normally it would be time for me to do this again, but no, good ol' Innotox is still working and ain't mad about it,' she added.
Then there's the cost. A vial of Innotox can be found on third-party sites for as little as $60 to $100, depending on the number of units and the supplier.
By comparison, the average Botox treatment cost was $528 in 2022, according to GoodRx.
What are the risks of self-administering Innotox?
Advertisement
First and foremost, Innotox is not FDA-approved.
4 Karen Freeman is among the Innotox users pleased with her results.
TikTok / @karen74_
That means it's not subject to the same strict safety and efficacy standards as Botox or other botulinum toxin products legally available in the US.
It also raises questions about quality control — especially when it's purchased from unverified sellers online.
'Don't inject yourself with fake Botox products from the internet, I beg of you,' warned Molly O'Rourke, a clinical nurse injector, in a recent Instagram video.
'This is coming from a safety standpoint because these medications are not regulated,' she continued. 'It already comes pre-diluted, which should frighten you because what is that?'
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has echoed similar warnings, noting that counterfeit or improperly sourced botulinum toxin has been linked to serious medical complications.
Advertisement
Even if the product is genuine, the DIY approach carries major risks.
4 Medical experts are warning against self-injecting Innotox at home.
Instagram / @nurseinjectormolly_
Online videos often show people injecting Innotox with minimal training or understanding of facial anatomy — something medical professionals say is highly dangerous.
Advertisement
'If you have real neurotoxin there and you're just injecting it into the wrong places, you could have facial muscle weakness or facial muscle paralysis,' Dr. Evan Rieder, who is board-certified in dermatology and psychiatry, told Today.com.
But the potential dangers aren't limited to your face.
Dr. Michelle Henry, a board-certified dermatologist, told the outlet that the trend is 'dangerous' and 'terrifying.'
'If you have too much botulinum toxin in your body, you get flaccid paralysis, meaning all of your muscles stop working and contracting, including the muscles you need to breathe,' she said. 'That's how patients die.'
Advertisement
While Henry added that there are 'ways that I won't even inject myself,' both Rieder and O'Rourke said they won't inject themselves at all.
While not everyone will experience complications, experts warn that those self-injecting at home may lack the knowledge to properly treat issues or recognize when urgent medical care is needed.
'Just leave it to the professionals,' O'Rourke said. 'I'm all for wanting to learn to do something yourself, but this isn't one of those things.'
Advertisement
Medytox, the company that makes Innotox, told Today.com that it 'only sells prescription products to authorized medical providers and medical distribution companies' and it is 'unaware that some of the product is being offered online in unapproved countries or available to consumers.'
'Medytox certainly does not endorse the self-injection of botulinum toxins by consumers,' they said in a statement.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
25 minutes ago
- USA Today
Heading to the beach or pool? What you need to know about sunscreen and tanning
Summer is here! For people all across Ohio and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere, that means trips to the beach or pool. While achieving a "sun-kissed" tan is on many a summer bucket list, health experts are warning you not to ditch the sunscreen in an attempt to get your desired results more quickly. "Tanned skin is not a sign of healthy skin," dermatologist Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky previously told USA TODAY. "Tanning is your body's attempt to produce more melanin to protect your skin from further DNA damage." Here's what you need to know about sunscreen and tanning before your next sunny outing. Does sunscreen prevent tanning? The short answer: Yes, when it's used correctly. The longer answer: That's a good thing. "Sunscreen works to reduce the amount of UV exposure to your skin," Zubritsky explains. Excessive UV exposure is responsible for more than 90% of skin cancers, according to Johns Hopkins University's Bloomberg School of Public Health. Getting one severe sunburn before adulthood more than doubles the chance of developing skin cancer later in life, and getting more than five sunburns can double your risk of developing melanoma, a less common but more deadly form of skin cancer. Is chemical or mineral sunscreen better? Dermatologists discuss UV protection Research has shown that roughly 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, and experts estimate that 1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer at some point in their lives, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. But, Zubritsky adds, "even in a perfect scenario, most SPFs do not block 100% of UV rays from touching our skin, so there is still a risk that we can tan even when applying sunscreen, especially if sunscreens aren't used according to their instructions." Want to tan faster (and safer)? Refraining from using sunscreen isn't the answer to quick tanning, experts say. For an even faster – and safer – tan process, Zubritsky recommends getting a spray tan or purchasing sunless tanning products, such as over-the-counter self-tanners. While self-tanning products are considered safer than spray tans or natural tans, some concerns have arisen surrounding dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is the ingredient in fake tanning products that gives skin a brown pigment. But it's approved by the Food and Drug Administration for topical use, and medical experts say that when applied to the top layer of skin, it's unlikely to cause any major concerns. Zubritsky also notes that there's no truth to the idea that getting a "base tan" before vacation is safer: "This will not protect your skin from burning or further DNA damage," she says.
Business Wire
9 hours ago
- Business Wire
Game-Changing HSA Reforms Just Passed—Here's What It Means for Healthcare
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Lively, Inc. marks the signature of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' (OBBB) into law, a major bill that expands access and flexibility for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Under the new law, millions of Americans enrolled in Bronze or Catastrophic ACA plans are now eligible to contribute to HSAs starting January 1, 2026, and key innovations like telehealth services and Direct Primary Care are officially HSA-qualified expenses. Game-Changing HSA Reforms Just Passed—Here's What It Means for Healthcare: Landmark legislation enables HSA use with Bronze/Catastrophic ACA plans, telehealth, and direct primary care—bringing healthcare savings into the modern era. Share Lively, a top-rated health and lifestyle benefits platform* known for building the modern Health Savings Account (HSA), is uniquely positioned to support individuals, employers, and brokers navigating this new era. Lively's platform already connects with over 95% of U.S. health plans and integrates seamlessly with Direct Primary Care models and virtual-first providers. 'In a world of rising out-of-pocket costs, HSAs are the most powerful way to take control of US consumer healthcare finances. This isn't just a policy shift—it's a redefinition of how Americans can save, spend, and stay healthy," said Alex Cyriac, CEO and co-founder of Lively. 'At Lively, we've built a platform that's flexible, intelligent, and ready for this next generation of benefits.' What's Changing: HSA Eligibility Opens for Millions of Americans: Enrollees in Bronze and Catastrophic ACA plans are now eligible and can contribute to HSAs. Modern Care Models Included: HSA funds can be used for Direct Primary Care arrangements. Telehealth Flexibility Made Permanent: First-dollar coverage for telehealth services no longer disqualifies HSA status. How Lively Helps: No Hidden Fees - Your healthcare shouldn't come at a hidden cost — Lively HSAs are free for individuals and families. Get Started in Minutes: Confirm your eligibility and open an HSA account instantly. Smart Claim Sync: Automatically syncs with employee health plan data, including high-deductible, Bronze, and Catastrophic plans. Built for Innovation: Already supports virtual-first, Direct Primary Care (DPC), and hybrid health plan designs. About Lively Lively is the health and lifestyle benefits provider that gets it right. Our solutions are designed to take the guesswork out of managing benefits and drive efficiency for HR teams. Our innovative platform combines robust features with unparalleled service, to make maximizing your benefits as simple as it should be. Lively currently offers HSA, FSA, HRA, COBRA, Direct Bill, Commuter, Lifestyle Spending Accounts, and Medical Travel Accounts.
Newsweek
10 hours ago
- Newsweek
How Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill Impacts Medicaid Users: Experts Weigh In
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Billions in Medicaid cuts passed by Republicans as part of President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" will have widespread negative implications on people across the United States, multiple experts told Newsweek. Why It Matters Trump's touted tax overhaul and spending cuts package, which passed Thursday on a 218-214 vote in the House after months of haggling in both chambers of Congress, has provoked broader concerns about health care access and funding—notably to vulnerable populations who rely on Medicaid and the social safety net. The CBO estimates the roughly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts over the next decade will result in 12 million people losing coverage by 2034. Trump had repeatedly promised not to cut Medicaid benefits, including by the White House's own admission as recently as March. The cuts are deeply unpopular, according to polls, and present a political challenge for Republicans ahead of next year's midterm elections. What Is the Big, Beautiful Bill? The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a sweeping reconciliation package that advances Trump's domestic policy agenda. It includes major tax reforms, spending cuts, and regulatory changes across multiple sectors. The bill passed the House and Senate along party lines and is positioned as a cornerstone of Trump's second-term legislative goals. Numerous experts predict that Medicaid cuts and new requirements in President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" will have widespread implications on Americans and state, federal funding mechanisms. Numerous experts predict that Medicaid cuts and new requirements in President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" will have widespread implications on Americans and state, federal funding mechanisms. Photo-illustration by Newsweek/Getty/Canva The 1,200‑page package will: Permanently extend the 2017 Trump tax cuts, while exempting overtime pay, tips and some Social Security income from taxation. Impose 80‑hour‑per‑month work requirements on many adults receiving Medicaid and apply existing SNAP work rules to additional beneficiaries. Repeal most clean‑energy tax credits created under President Biden. Authorize a $40 billion border security surge and fund a nationwide deportation initiative. Raise the federal debt ceiling by $5 trillion, with the Congressional Budget Office estimating that it could add $3.4 trillion to the deficit over the next 10 years. When Did the Big, Beautiful Bill Pass the Senate? The bill narrowly passed the Senate on Tuesday after an overnight session. The 50-50 vote generally along partisan lines was tipped in Republicans' favor by Vice President JD Vance, who cast the decisive tiebreaker vote. Has the Big, Beautiful Bill Been Signed? President Trump signed his package of tax breaks and spending cuts into law Friday during a White House ceremony. How the Big, Beautiful Bill Will Impact Medicaid Beneficiaries The bill includes changes to eligibility for Medicaid, including mandating that Medicaid recipients must carry out some kind of work for at least 80 hours a month, which has prompted many health care experts and lawmakers to warn that it will only push millions off the program. Other concerns include diminished care in rural communities and increased out-of-pocket costs for doctors' visits. To accommodate the bill's signature tax cuts, which mostly benefit the wealthy, the cuts have to come from somewhere, according to Miranda Yaver, assistant professor of health policy and management at the University of Pittsburgh. Consistent with prior Republican approaches, the cuts are coming from America's safety net programs, she said. "One in five Americans relies on Medicaid for their health coverage, and one in seven Americans relies on SNAP for their food security, so cutting these critical programs will be devastating," Yaver said. Roughly 92 percent of Medicaid beneficiaries are already working or would be exempt, according to KFF. But what threatens their coverage is not noncompliance with work hours; rather, the administrative burdens of documenting their work or exemption, according to Yaver. "For that reason, the requirement can be better characterized not as a work requirement, but rather as a paperwork requirement. ... Some have characterized Medicaid paperwork requirements as a solution in search of a problem, because contrary to some characterizations of people playing video games in basements, most people on Medicaid are working or would be exempt," she said. A Medicaid accepted here sign in Kokomo, Indiana, in September 2019. A Medicaid accepted here sign in Kokomo, Indiana, in September 2019. GETTY "I don't think it's a solution in search of a problem so much as it is a solution to a different problem: low-income Americans being provided health insurance." Jake Haselswerdt, associate professor at the Truman School of Government & Public Affairs at the University of Missouri, agreed that the paperwork aspect is likely going to be an issue. "We're going to have to see, what are the regulations look like? How do states implement this?" Haselswerdt told Newsweek. "But I'm not optimistic, especially coming from a Missouri standpoint. "We have maybe the worst Medicaid agency in the country. The call center wait times at times have been the worst in the country." Chris Howard, professor of government and public policy at William & Mary, told Newsweek that cuts to Medicaid and to the Affordable Care Act [ACA] will have "profound effects" at the state level. Millions of people across the country will lose health insurance, he said, including an estimated 300,000 in his state of Virginia. "Basically, Republicans are trying to undermine big parts of the [Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare] without having to replace them," Howard said. "They learned that 'repeal and replace' did not work in Trump's first term, so now they just want to repeal." Large rural populations in some of the hardest hit states, like Virginia and Kentucky which have expanded Medicaid under the ACA, will receive reduced federal funding for individuals who rely on Medicaid. "States can't run budget deficits, and they are highly unlikely to replace all the lost funds," Howard said. "More people will lose coverage. In the health care system, every dollar of benefit to someone is also a dollar of income to someone else. "Hospitals and nursing homes, especially in rural areas, depend heavily on Medicaid dollars. Many of them will have to lay off workers or close down. If hospitals have to provide more uncompensated care to the uninsured, there will be pressure on private insurance to raise rates." Rural hospital closures not only increase driving distances for medical care, Yaver said, but they can also deter businesses from operating in communities with economic downturn. She called the rural hospital fund in the bill "a drop in the bucket relative to the devastation headed their way." Haselswerdt said the ramifications on Americans' health and well-being will also take a hit. The rural hospital fund, around $25 billion, won't be enough across all 50 states, he said. "Nothing's permanent because policy can change, but we think of them as permanent cuts—this kind of short-term, financial Band-Aid," Haselswerdt said. "I don't really think makes that much of a difference. [When] people lose coverage that means these hospitals are delivering more freer charity care that never gets paid for. "That was something that was demonstrated with the ACA. When coverage expanded under the ACA, it helped hospitals; they had less uncompensated care to deal with. So, if you change policy in such a way that more people are showing up at hospitals without health coverage, it's not going to be good for those hospitals." President Donald Trump, from left, speaks as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, listen during an event in the... President Donald Trump, from left, speaks as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, listen during an event in the Roosevelt Room at the White House, Monday, May 12, 2025, in Washington. More Associated Press What the White House Has Said About Impact on Medicaid A "Myth vs. Fact" sheet released by the White House on June 29 responds to numerous critiques of the One Big Beautiful Bill, including on Medicaid. The White House called it a "myth" that the legislation "kicks American families off Medicaid." "As the President has said numerous times, there will be no cuts to Medicaid," the statement reads. "The One Big Beautiful Bill protects and strengthens Medicaid for those who rely on it—pregnant women, children, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families—while eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse. "The One Big Beautiful Bill removes illegal aliens, enforces work requirements, and protects Medicaid for the truly vulnerable."
