Latest news with #Innotox
Fast Company
13-08-2025
- Health
- Fast Company
Cash-strapped young women are turning to DIY Botox. That's as scary as it sounds
If there wasn't enough to be worried about, DIY Botox is now trending. Across social media, people have been uploading close-ups of their forehead mapped out with tiny dots and step-by-step advice for injecting Botox-like products purchased online (yes, it is as dangerous as it sounds). 'Probably needed a hug,' one TikToker wrote. 'Learned how to do my own tox instead.' On the Reddit forum r/DIYCosmeticProcedures, members also share tips for injecting themselves at home with everything from fat-dissolving injections to dermal filler and Botox. One of the most popular Botox alternatives that has emerged online, with references often accompanied by discount codes, is Innotox, a Korean over-the-counter injectable. Subscribe to the Daily newsletter. Fast Company's trending stories delivered to you every day Privacy Policy | Fast Company Newsletters Like Botox, Innotox is a neurotoxin that contains botulinum toxin A. Unlike Botox, which comes as a powder, it arrives as a ready-to-use liquid, making it convenient for self-administration. Also unlike Botox, which is FDA approved, Innotox is not authorized in the U.K. or U.S. Botulinum toxin A—which blocks nerve signals when injected to stop muscles in the face from moving, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles—is highly toxic and can have catastrophic effects when not administered safely and properly. That's assuming you can even be sure of whether what you've purchased online is the authentic product. Just as blondes going back to their natural hair color has become a well-known recession indicator, people are now injecting their own faces to save a few hundred dollars. But while one leaves you with a darker shade of hair, the other could leave you permanently disfigured. Doctors and licensed injectors are shouting from the rooftops about the risks, and sometimes fatal side effects, of incorrect administration of the neurotoxin. And no, it's not because they're worried about losing business. Medytox, which produces Innotox, recently opened an investigation into the unauthorized importation of Innotox to the U.S., U.K., and other countries. 'Botulinum toxins should be administered only by qualified healthcare professionals in a medically appropriate setting,' Tom Albright, chief executive of Luvantas, a subsidiary of Medytox, told The Guardian. 'Administration requires a deep understanding of facial anatomy and aesthetic principles, which cannot be replicated in consumer-administered or unregulated environments.' If even licensed injectors aren't doing their own botox at home, there's probably a reason why.
The Guardian
10-08-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Experts warn against DIY Botox-like injections available illegally online
People seeking cheap Botox-like injections have been warned by experts against doing it themselves due to the risk of 'eyelid droops', infection and even botulism. There are growing concerns over the availability of medication called Innotox that is being sold illegally online in the UK. Unlike Botox, which comes as a powder that must be reconstituted for use in an injection, Innotox is a ready-to-use liquid – making it easier to self-administer. Wes Streeting, the health secretary, announced plans this week to introduce legislation cracking down on England's cosmetic 'wild west', where there is scant regulation of who can deliver treatments such as dermatological filler and Botox. Experts say Innotox is not licensed for use in the UK, unlike some other liquid Botox-like injections, meaning its quality and safety has not been assessed. Aenone Harper-Machin, a consultant plastic surgeon and spokesperson for the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), said the online availability of Innotox was frightening and appalling, and she cautioned against DIY jabs. 'People could be giving themselves eyelid droops and all sorts of weird asymmetries by injecting it in the wrong place, too deeply, too superficially. You can inject it into your blood vessel and give yourself botulism,' she said. Products such as Botox and Innotox contain type A botulinum toxin, which blocks nerve signals and prevents muscles from contracting. While botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine in the UK, Innotox can be readily bought online without one, amid longstanding concerns about untrained and unregulated providers, as well as unlicensed or counterfeit products. Health officials have said 41 recent cases of botulism poisoning in England have been linked to unlicensed jabs. Harper-Machin has had Botox-like injections but said she would not self-administer them. 'I wouldn't have it done by anybody other than a consultant plastic surgeon who has intimate knowledge of facial anatomy,' she said. Botox jabs have become a routine procedure for many people. The government estimates that about 900,000 such injections are carried out in the UK each year. Despite now being available in high street clinics, their high cost and the regular need for top-up treatment has fuelled a desire for cheaper alternatives. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) says it is unlawful to sell unauthorised medicines, although in certain circumstances unauthorised medicines may be supplied under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Nora Nugent, the president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), said: 'While rare, BAAPS has become aware of isolated but concerning cases of individuals experiencing serious complications following self-injection of botulinum toxin and dermal filler products. 'These include infections, tissue damage and, in extreme cases, the need for multiple surgical interventions. We are aware of cases that have resulted in significant tissue damage and tissue loss needing multiple surgical interventions and resulting in permanent scarring.' Sophie Cooper, the managing director of the Harley Street Skin Clinic, said: 'Content creators on TikTok have been sharing their results from self-injecting Innotox, which has been encouraging viewers to jump on the bandwagon. 'Innotox has been reported to have a simpler injection process, be faster working, longer lasting and be lower in price. In reality, self-injecting Innotox as a Botox alternative comes with many dangers.' Tom Albright, the chief executive of Luvantas, a subsidiary of Medytox, which produces Innotox, said the company became aware in June of the unauthorised importation of Innotox to the US, UK and other countries and alerted Medytox management to the situation. 'Medytox has opened an investigation into this matter and have engaged experts to assist in shutting down the sources of importation,' he said. 'Patient safety is our highest priority. We strongly caution healthcare providers and consumers against purchasing unapproved or misrepresented botulinum toxins through unauthorised channels. Products distributed outside authorised supply chains may not meet safety, efficacy or storage standards.' He added: 'Botulinum toxins should be administered only by qualified healthcare professionals in a medically appropriate setting. Administration requires a deep understanding of facial anatomy and aesthetic principles, which cannot be replicated in consumer-administered or unregulated environments.'
Daily Mirror
14-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
People self-injecting with 'Korean Botox' as experts make grave warning
There has been an alarming rise in people opting to self-inject 'Korean Botox' at home as a way to cut the cost of the popular beauty treatment - but it comes with some serious risks to health The rise in beauty fans self-injecting themselves with 'Korean Botox' is on the rise. People are injecting themselves at home with Innotox, a South Korean version of Botox which is marketed as a cheaper and longer-lasting alternative. For just £50, people are able to get Innotox delivered straight to their door, and the black market anti-wrinkle solution is being illegally sold through social media and websites. There are six prescription-only Botox brands that are legal for cosmetic use in the UK. Councils across the country - including Manchester, Wolverhampton and Nottinghamshire - are warning against products such as an Innotox, manufactured in South Korea by Medytox, as none of these products are authorised for use in the UK. Innotox is fast gaining popularity among many DIYers, who are lured in by the convenience of doing it at home, as well as being more cost-effective and having a "simpler" injection process. But medical experts are growing increasingly alarmed at the surge, warning that what might seem like a harmless wrinkle fix could result in long-term facial paralysis - or something even worse. Fuelled by the rise in K-Beauty, with beauty buffs jumping on the Korean beauty bandwagon, it's revealed a troubling trend as more and more people are opting for the illegal distribution of unapproved botulinum toxin products, raising alarms about public health and consumer safety. In 2019, Marcelle King, 62, was hospitalised, put on a drip and given steroids after being given fake Botox by a man pretending to be a doctor. She suffered a huge anaphylactic shock in reaction to the substance, which tests showed was unrefined beef gelatine imported from China. "He started these injections... each one felt like a red hot cigarette," Marcelle told LBC. "My [face] was swelling up like Frankenstein's Monster and my eyes started blistering up. I was really wheezing and struggling to breathe." Content creators on TikTok and YouTube have been sharing their results from self-injecting the Innotox, which has been encouraging viewers to jump on the hype. Raising serious red flags among the health community, especially given the unregulated nature of these purchases and the lack of professional oversight, Managing Director of the Harley Street Skin Clinic, Sophie Cooper, has shared insights into the dangers of purchasing Innotox online and self-injecting. For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. Innotox is a Korean beauty treatment used as an alternative to Botox that contains the same ingredient botulinum toxin type A. Cooper explains: "It works similar to Botox by relaxing facial muscles which softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. While Innotox is approved in some countries, it is not approved or authorised for use in the UK or US and people have been urged not to follow the trend." "While many beauty and skincare-related TikTok trends can be fun and harmless, this one differs as it's leading to people self-injecting at home, something I would absolutely advise against," she said. YouTuber SpaandTell took to her channel to show her followers how she DIY's her own anti-wrinkle injections with Innotox in a lengthy video - and her how-to video, among many other creators posting similar content is further sparking concern from experts. In reality, self-injecting an alternative comes with many dangers. These "how-to" videos appearing online aren't in-depth enough, and the expert said it takes years to learn to inject correctly, and following these videos poses a serious risk. For example, injecting too deep in the wrong places can affect your breathing or cause muscle paralysis. This means if something goes wrong while doing it at home, people might not have the knowledge to treat it appropriately or recognise when it's serious enough to seek medical attention. Sophie further detailed: "Any injectable products should be administered by a trained professional in a sanitised and safe environment so if any issues arise, the experts are there to take care of you. "Fake or improperly sourced botulinum toxin can cause serious medical complications. Especially if you aren't a medical professional with proper understanding of facial anatomy," she added. While it may be tempting due to the lower cost, Innotox might end up being very expensive down the road. When you make a mistake, its 'longer-lasting' quality would no longer seem attractive as you'd have to pay for a professional to fix the problem, and this is likely to be a lot more than what you paid. The expert added: "Without the experts, you're exposing yourself to all kinds of risks. Innotox is not authorised for use in the UK which means that it does not have the same safety standards as Botox or other authorised products," and urged: "I strongly advise against self-injecting yourself with unregulated anti-aging products or following videos on how to do this from either TikTok or anywhere else on the internet. Always come to a professional." Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!
NDTV
03-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Amid 'Korean Botox' Buzz On Social Media, Experts Tell NDTV What Not To Do
Innotox, colloquially known as "Korean Botox," is a type A botulinum toxin product, used for cosmetic procedures to reduce wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of ageing. Developed by the South Korean company Medytox, Innotox has gone viral on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok because of its alleged convenience and has influenced millions worldwide. What is Innotox? "It is gaining traction due to its pre-diluted, ready-to-use liquid formulation," Dr Jisha Pillai, Dermatologist, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai, told NDTV. Innotox temporarily blocks nerve signals to targeted facial muscles, preventing them from contracting and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The treatment involves small injections into the target areas of the face. Shefali Jariwala's death Indian actor Shefali Jariwala's sudden death has stirred a debate on the use of such medications, especially in the absence of a professional. The anti-ageing and skin-lightening pills also come in vials and are injected directly into the skin, but users often do it unsupervised. Reports claimed that Jariwala consumed her anti-ageing drugs during fasting, which led to a drop in her blood pressure, causing her death. Unsupervised cosmetic procedures Although, Dr Pillai called it is "inappropriate" and "irresponsible" to link individual's death to cosmetic procedures without any confirmed medical evidence, she said the rise of K-beauty and injectable trends globally has inadvertently led to "increased misuse" of aesthetic treatments to promote "unrealistic expectations" without proper medical guidance. The usage of unregulated products and non-medical or unlicensed clinical injectors can pose serious health risks. "While botulinum toxin can be safe, it must only be administered by trained and board-certified professionals in clinical settings," Dr Pillai said. "Its misuse in non-clinical environments can lead to complications such as ptosis, asymmetry, muscle weakness, or long-standing nerve damage." What are the DOs and DONTs? Pre-Procedure Consultation: Discuss your medical history, allergies, medications, and treatment goals with a board-certified specialist. Medication Disclosure: Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you're taking, especially blood thinners. Approved Vials: Ensure the use of FDA or CDSCO-approved vials stored under proper cold-chain conditions. Post-Injection Care: Avoid alcohol as it can increase bruising and swelling. Also, avoid heavy exercise and massaging or rubbing. Qualified Practitioner: Ensure the procedure is performed by a board-certified medical expert in a sterile environment. Verify Credentials: Check the practitioner's medical board certification and professional affiliations. Avoid Non-Medical Settings: Never get injections in salons or from unqualified individuals. Informed Consent: Ensure you provide proper consent and understand the risks and benefits of the procedure. "Not all trending skincare is safe skincare. Trends don't diagnose your medical/skin condition. Always choose evidence and scientific research-based care over viral trends/hype," Dr Pillai concluded. "Beauty is not just about how we look" Dr Sundeep Kochar, life coach and TEDx alumnus, told NDTV that true beauty is not just about how we look, but how we feel and what we radiate from within. In a time when outer appearance often takes centre stage, his message brings our focus back to what truly matters-inner peace, positive energy, and self-care. "While injections and beauty treatments may offer quick fixes, they can never replace the natural glow that comes from a calm mind, a kind heart, and a balanced lifestyle," Dr Kochar told NDTV. "When we practice meditation, eat nourishing food, stay in a peaceful environment, and treat others with compassion, we build a powerful and magnetic aura. This is the kind of beauty that lasts and leaves a deeper impact," Dr Kochar said. Dr Kochar emphasises a few essential DOs and DONTs to help cultivate lasting inner beauty. He advises practising daily meditation, mindful eating with fresh and sattvic food, maintaining a clutter-free environment, and engaging in uplifting conversations.
New York Post
02-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Medical pros beg social media users to avoid viral ‘Innotox' trend — which can cause muscle paralysis and even death
Talk about a shot in the dark. 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 – 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 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 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.
