Does topical Botox work?

Question

My aesthetiian suggested I use some topical botox, but I am skeptical of the the product. It's very expensive and I'm afraid it might not work.

Cameron Chesnut, MD, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

What your ass petition is recommending is an argeline peptide-based product,  which is purported to have some relaxing effects on your facial muscles. There are some topical botulinum toxin products being tested, in addition, sometimes people will microneedle using botulinum toxin type A and sometimes we will injected very superficially and diffusely throughout the face and occasionally the superficially injected product will be mixed with diluted filler for something like acne scarring.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. At this point I would stick with injectable Botox for full effects. All the best,

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

There is no topical botox that is approved by the USFDA, the one in clinical trials does work well but its a different way to apply. I suggest speaking to a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Joel Schlessinger, MD · Answer

Topical botox is currently being researched as a treatment for many conditions, ranging from excessive sweating to crow's feet.  We have done several of these clinical trials and the jury is still out until the research is finished, but to answer your question, this product isn't truly Botox in any sense.What you have is a product that has some similarities to the chemical structure of botox, but is worlds away from actually being Botox.  It may make your skin feel good but it won't have the amazing benefits that injectable Botox or its cousins, Dysport and Xeomin, have.

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello jay1ickie,Thanks for your question.Your topical "Botox" is more than likely some type of peptide like argeline peptide which has some mild muscle relaxant effect.  Some think that it may potentiate the effect of real Botox, increasing duration of activity.It won't hurt to try it.  You might notice that the very small wrinkles soften a bit.Don't expect Botox level outcomes though.If you want the results you get with Botox, then I recommend that you go get Botox.  Proper use of Botox may have wonderful long lasting effects on wrinkle reduction for you.Good luck,Dr. Shah

Douglas J. Key, MD · Answer

The correct answer is save your money, not yet. You may want to check out the trials that are currently in Phase 3 of a new kind of applied Botox for crows feet, RT001 from Revance. So hope is just around the corner.

Jay H. Ross, MD, FACS · Answer

That is a very good question. All of the neurotoxins take time to work and the results are not instant. You need to give the injections at least one full week. The duration of treatment is approximately 3 months.

Matheson A. Harris, MD · Answer

There are lots of wrinkle creams out there, some of which purport to be a "topical Botox", but they do not work in the same way or have any lasting effect. Topical botulinum toxins are being tested, but aren't FDA approved and likely many years off.

Quenby Erickson, DO, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

There is no FDA approved topical Botox yet.  Botox injections are not painful and are very reliable in their affect and will last 3-4 months.  Go for the real stuff! Dr. Quenby Erickson

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

Revance is working on a topical form of a Botox like drug. It will work for crows feet, hyperhidrosis, acne, and pores. It won't work for frown lines or forehead lines because the muscles are too deep to get the drug there.

Does topical Botox work?

Answers (15)

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