Korean beauty treatments have captivated travelers worldwide, with Korean Botox emerging as a star for shrinking pores. Countless TikTok beauty creators have flocked to South Korea for Korean Botox, which is more affordable but not identical to traditional American Botox.
Featured Experts
- Dr. Michael Kane is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in New York
- Dr. Karan Lal is a dermatologist based in Phoenix, AZ
Why is Korean Botox so sought after? Is there something unique about its chemical processes compared to what’s available here or in Europe? According to New York plastic surgeon Micheal Kane, MD, “The answer is no; they are very, very similar.”
This trend, he says, is not just about affordability; it’s also about a nuanced, culturally-influenced aesthetic prevalent in South Korea. The focus is less on erasing wrinkles and more on achieving smoother, shinier, more “plastic-looking” skin. “It’s essentially getting the neurotoxin into the skin to create a slightly shiny effect, which some people find odd while others appreciate,” adds Dr. Kane. “This aligns with their ‘glass skin’ philosophy.”
The “Glass Skin” Approach of Korean Botox
Korean Botox achieves “glass skin” by administering small doses of neurotoxin directly into the skin rather than the muscles. “In the United States, we have five FDA-approved neurotoxins, including Botox Cosmetic, Dysport, Jeuveau, Xeomin and Daxxify,” says Pheonix, AZ dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. “These are used primarily to freeze muscles and reduce wrinkles. In contrast, Korean treatments often use smaller doses of neurotoxin for subtle enhancements, focusing on improving skin quality.”
Dr. Lal explains that mesotherapy with neurotoxin in Korea helps minimize pores, reduce redness, minimize oiliness, and improve overall skin texture. “The goal is not to stop movement but to enhance skin health and appearance. The results are a more refined, dewy look rather than a frozen expression.”
Differing Beauty Standards
Dr. Kane, an early pioneer in Botox injection, initially criticized the technique of injecting low-dose Botox into the skin, believing it led to unnaturally shiny and plastic skin. However, his perspective shifted after presenting in Asia in the early 2000s. “Despite my warnings, audiences in Korea, Manila, Taipei and other Asian cities loved this technique. They said, ‘What are you talking about? That looks great.’”
“In Korea, they use smaller doses of neurotoxin, and the affordability allows for more frequent treatments,” says Dr. Lal. “Their focus is on enhancing skin beauty and health while retaining some natural movement. I apply the same concept with my patients—subtle enhancement focusing on skin quality and maintaining movement. While the effects may not last as long, the treatment is often more affordable and yields excellent outcomes.”
Korean Botox—Coming Soon?
As Korean Botox gains popularity, there are plans to introduce similar treatments to the U.S. market. Dr. Kane anticipates that Korean neurotoxin products will soon become more widely available here. “We already have Jeuveau, a product from a Korean company, approved and available in the U.S.,” he explains. “Other Korean brands, like Hugel’s Letybo, are expected to enter the market.”
