{"id":1360,"date":"2026-06-23T11:48:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T10:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.preweb.site\/projects\/aa\/blog\/different-types-of-toxin\/"},"modified":"2026-10-15T23:58:57","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T22:58:57","slug":"different-types-of-toxin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.preweb.site\/projects\/aa\/blog\/different-types-of-toxin\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are the Different Types of Toxin?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>A practical guide to UK-licensed botulinum toxin products for new injectors<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<aside class=\"wp-block-group aa-article-callout aa-article-callout--note is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" aria-label=\"\ud83c\udf93 Toxin technique and product knowledge are covered from day one on our Foundation course:\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83c\udf93 Toxin technique and product knowledge are covered from day one on our Foundation course:<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.preweb.site\/projects\/aa\/courses\/all\/\"><strong>Explore Courses<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">|<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.preweb.site\/projects\/aa\/contact\/\"><strong>Ask about our next free webinar<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">|<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.preweb.site\/projects\/aa\/contact\/\"><strong>Book an Enquiry Call<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First, the Basics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All aesthetic botulinum toxin products contain the same active ingredient: <strong>botulinum toxin type A<\/strong>, a protein produced by the bacterium <em>Clostridium botulinum<\/em>. Injected in tiny, precisely targeted doses, it temporarily blocks the nerve signal that tells a muscle to contract. The muscle relaxes, and the overlying skin smooths out. The effect lasts 3\u20136 months depending on the product, dose, area, and patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What varies between brands is not the core mechanism, it\u2019s the <strong>formulation, the protein complex surrounding the active toxin, the unit system, and the clinical behaviour<\/strong>. These differences matter practically, and understanding them is essential before you treat anyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The UK-Licensed Products<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As of 2026, there are five botulinum toxin type A products licensed for aesthetic use in the UK:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th scope=\"col\"><strong>Brand<\/strong><\/th><th scope=\"col\"><strong>Generic name<\/strong><\/th><th scope=\"col\"><strong>Manufacturer<\/strong><\/th><th scope=\"col\"><strong>Vial size<\/strong><\/th><th scope=\"col\"><strong>Unit type<\/strong><\/th><th scope=\"col\"><strong>Key notes<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Botox\u00ae<\/th><td>OnabotulinumtoxinA<\/td><td>Allergan \/ AbbVie<\/td><td>50u, 100u<\/td><td>International units (IU)<\/td><td>Longest track record. Contains 900kDa complex. Requires refrigeration.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Azzalure\u00ae<\/th><td>AbobotulinumtoxinA<\/td><td>Galderma \/ Ipsen<\/td><td>125u<\/td><td>Speywood units<\/td><td>Slightly quicker onset and wider diffusion than Botox. Aesthetic-specific licence. Requires refrigeration.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Bocouture\u00ae<\/th><td>IncobotulinumtoxinA<\/td><td>Merz<\/td><td>50u, 100u<\/td><td>International units (IU)<\/td><td>Only product free of complexing proteins (naked 150kDa neurotoxin). Room temperature storage. 1:1 ratio with Botox.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Alluzience\u00ae<\/th><td>AbobotulinumtoxinA<\/td><td>Galderma<\/td><td>125u ready-to-use<\/td><td>Speywood units<\/td><td>Same molecule as Azzalure, in ready-to-use liquid form, no reconstitution needed.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Relfydess\u00ae<\/th><td>RelabotulinumtoxinA<\/td><td>Galderma<\/td><td>150u<\/td><td>International units (IU)<\/td><td>Ready-to-use liquid form, no reconstitution needed. Fastest onset (24\u201348 hrs). Duration up to 6 months in studies.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Nuceiva\u00ae<\/th><td>PrabotulinumtoxinA<\/td><td>Evolus<\/td><td>100u<\/td><td>International units (IU)<\/td><td>UK-licensed product. Well established in North America and Asia. Requires reconstitution and refrigeration.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Letybo\u00ae<\/th><td>LetibotulinumtoxinA<\/td><td>Croma-Pharma (Hugel)<\/td><td>50u, 100u<\/td><td>International units (IU)<\/td><td>Newer to UK. Market leader in South Korea. EMA-approved. Requires reconstitution.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A note on <strong>Dysport\u00ae<\/strong>: it\u2019s the same molecule as Azzalure and Alluzience (abobotulinumtoxinA) but in the UK is licensed for therapeutic use only, hyperhidrosis and muscle spasticity. Azzalure and Alluzience are the UK aesthetic licences for this molecule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Most Important Rule: Units Are NOT Interchangeable<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<aside class=\"wp-block-group aa-article-callout aa-article-callout--warning is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" aria-label=\"\ud83d\udea8 Critical Safety Point for New Injectors\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83d\udea8 Critical Safety Point for New Injectors<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each brand uses its own unit system. Botox and Bocouture use International Units (IU). Azzalure and Alluzience use Speywood units.Speywood units are NOT the same as International Units. They are measured differently and you cannot swap one for the other at a 1:1 ratio.If you learn to dose in Botox units and switch to Azzalure without adjusting, you will significantly underdose or overdose your patient.Always check which unit system your product uses before reconstituting or dosing.Always follow the product\u2019s own SmPC (Summary of Product Characteristics) for guidance on dosing and dilution.<\/p>\n\n<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The approximate conversion between the two unit systems is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th scope=\"col\"><strong>Botox \/ Bocouture (IU)<\/strong><\/th><th scope=\"col\"><strong>Azzalure \/ Alluzience (Speywood)<\/strong><\/th><th scope=\"col\"><strong>Clinical notes<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">4 IU<\/th><td>10 Speywood<\/td><td>Equivalent glabellar dose per site (approximate)<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">20 IU<\/th><td>50 Speywood<\/td><td>Typical glabellar total dose (approximate)<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">20 IU<\/th><td>50 Speywood<\/td><td>Typical forehead total dose (approximate)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are <strong>approximations only<\/strong>, not precise equivalents. The exact dose you need may vary between patients, areas, and your clinical technique. Start conservatively, especially when using a new product, and review at two weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Word on \u2018Grey Market\u2019 Products<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<aside class=\"wp-block-group aa-article-callout aa-article-callout--warning is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" aria-label=\"\u26a0\ufe0f Don\u2019t Use Unlicensed Toxin Products\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u26a0\ufe0f Don\u2019t Use Unlicensed Toxin Products<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Products like Botulax, Zentox, Regenox, and similar Korean-market botulinum toxins are NOT licensed in the UK. They may also go by other brand names.Using an unlicensed medicine without specific justification is a regulatory and clinical governance issue. It also puts your patients, and your registration, at risk.If a supplier is offering botulinum toxin products at a significantly lower price than the established brands, ask why. Legitimate licensed products have a cost base that reflects their manufacturing, clinical trial investment, and cold chain requirements.If you\u2019re unsure whether a product is licensed in the UK, check the MHRA website or the Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC) before purchasing or using it.<\/p>\n\n<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which Product Should New Injectors Start With?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is genuinely a matter of training, clinic preference, and what your prescriber uses. Most Foundation courses teach one product first so you build familiarity and confidence before switching. The key principles for new injectors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Learn one product thoroughly before switching between brands<\/li><li>Know the unit system for the product you\u2019re using, <strong>before<\/strong> you reconstitute, not after<\/li><li>Dose conservatively and review at two weeks. You can always top up; you can\u2019t take it back<\/li><li>Read the SmPC for every product you use. It\u2019s not optional.<\/li><li>If your clinic switches products, treat it as a relearning exercise, don\u2019t assume the same doses apply<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Product knowledge, including reconstitution, dosing, storage, and unit systems, is covered in depth on all <a href=\"https:\/\/www.preweb.site\/projects\/aa\/courses\/all\/\">Acquisition Aesthetics Foundation and Intermediate courses<\/a>. You won\u2019t be left to figure this out on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<aside class=\"wp-block-group aa-article-callout aa-article-callout--action is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" aria-label=\"Learn Toxin Technique the Right Way, From the Start\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Learn Toxin Technique the Right Way, From the Start<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Product knowledge, dosing safety, and injection technique are covered from day one on our Foundation course. Clinically led, anatomy-first training for doctors, nurses, and dentists. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.preweb.site\/projects\/aa\/courses\/all\/\"><strong>\u27a4 Explore Our Foundation Course<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ready to Start Your Toxin Training?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\ud83d\udcf9 Book a Video Call<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speak with Angharad or Violetta about Foundation training.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.preweb.site\/projects\/aa\/contact\/\" class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\"><strong>Book a Call<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\ud83d\udccb Course Enquiry<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Questions about toxin training and what\u2019s covered at each level.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.preweb.site\/projects\/aa\/contact\/\" class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\"><strong>Enquire Now<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\ud83d\udcac WhatsApp<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Message us directly, we\u2019ll respond as soon as we can.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.preweb.site\/projects\/aa\/contact\/\" class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\"><strong>WhatsApp Us<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83c\udf93 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.preweb.site\/projects\/aa\/contact\/\">Ask about our next free webinar<\/a>, a great introduction to what toxin training actually covers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A practical guide to UK-licensed botulinum toxin products for new injectors \ud83c\udf93 Toxin technique and product knowledge are covered from day one on our Foundation course: Explore Courses&nbsp;&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp; Free Upcoming Webinar&nbsp;&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp; Book an Enquiry Call First, the Basics All aesthetic botulinum toxin products contain the same active ingredient: botulinum toxin type A, a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":1359,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1360","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-botulinum-toxin"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.preweb.site\/projects\/aa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1360","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.preweb.site\/projects\/aa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.preweb.site\/projects\/aa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.preweb.site\/projects\/aa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.preweb.site\/projects\/aa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1360"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.preweb.site\/projects\/aa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1360\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3712,"href":"https:\/\/www.preweb.site\/projects\/aa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1360\/revisions\/3712"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.preweb.site\/projects\/aa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1359"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.preweb.site\/projects\/aa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1360"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.preweb.site\/projects\/aa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1360"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.preweb.site\/projects\/aa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1360"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}