Korean Botox Wars 2026: Coretox vs Innotox vs Allergan Guide

Confused by the $20 Botox menus in Seoul? You are not alone. We are breaking down the differences between the premium American gold standard (Allergan) and the top Korean contenders (Coretox and Innotox), so you don't accidentally freeze your face with the wrong stuff.

The Short Answer: Coretox vs. The Rest

So, you're sitting in your hotel room in Myeongdong, staring at a clinic brochure that offers Botox for the price of a takeout pizza, and you're wondering: "Is this real? And which one do I choose?"

Here is the short answer: If you want the safest bet for your long-term health at a great price, ask for Coretox.

Why? Coretox is what experts call a "low-protein" or "pure" toxin. It’s the Korean equivalent of the German brand Xeomin. It removes the unnecessary proteins that often cause your body to develop resistance to Botox over time. If you plan on getting injections for the next 10 or 20 years, you don't want to become immune to the stuff that keeps you looking young.

If money is absolutely no object and you want the brand you know from home, Allergan is available, but you will pay a premium—usually 3 to 4 times the price of Korean brands. For a deeper understanding of the different local options, check out our guide on Botox brands in Korea: Botulax vs Nabota vs Allergan.

And Innotox? Avoid it. It was once the cool new kid on the block because it came as a liquid, but it has been buried under a mountain of legal trouble and license revocations in Korea. Most reputable clinics have swapped it out for Newlux, a newer, safer option from the same manufacturer.

The Botox Wars: A Brief History

You can't talk about Korean Botox without talking about the "Botox Wars." It sounds dramatic, but it’s actually true. For years, the Korean botulinum toxin market has been a battlefield, primarily between two giants: Medytox (makers of Coretox and Innotox) and Daewoong (makers of Nabota).

Around 2020, things got ugly. The Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) cracked down hard on Medytox. They alleged that the company had manipulated data and used unauthorized ingredients in their older products, Meditoxin and Innotox. Licenses were revoked, lawsuits were filed, and for a minute, it looked like Medytox was out of the game.

But this is Korea—innovation moves fast. While fighting in court, Medytox pivoted. They doubled down on Coretox (their cleaner, safer powder option) and launched Newlux in 2023 to replace their older, tainted lines. Meanwhile, competitor brands like Letybo (Hugel) and Nabota (Daewoong) zoomed past, securing US FDA approval and proving that Korean toxin quality is now world-class.

Detailed Breakdown: Allergan, Coretox, and Innotox

Let's look at the three names you see most often.

1. Allergan (The "Gucci" Option)

This is the original. It’s the Kleenex of tissues. Manufactured in Ireland/USA, it has the longest track record of safety data.

• Best For: First-timers who are nervous and just want the "name brand" comfort. Or, people who have unlimited budgets.
• The Reality: In Korea, paying for Allergan is often seen as a "foreigner tax." Locals know that domestic brands work just as well for 20% of the cost.

2. Coretox (The "Smart" Option)

This is currently the darling of the educated consumer. Developed by Medytox to compete with Xeomin, it removes animal components and complex proteins.

• Best For: People who get Botox regularly (every 3-4 months). The lower protein load means you are less likely to develop antibodies that make the Botox stop working later in life.
• The Reality: It costs a little more than the cheapest Korean options (maybe $50 instead of $25), but it is worth every penny for the "purity" factor.

3. Innotox (The "Ghost" Option)

You might still see this on some outdated price lists, but be careful. It was revolutionary because it was a pre-mixed liquid (reducing the risk of a doctor messing up the dilution).

• Best For: Historically, it was great for precision.
• The Reality: Due to the license revocations in 2020/2021, its status is murky. If a clinic offers it, make sure it’s not expired stock. Better yet, ask for Newlux, which is Medytox’s new, legally clear successor to their older lines.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Botox in Seoul

Ready to get frozen? Here is exactly how to navigate the Seoul clinic system.

Insider Secrets & Warnings

Here are the insider secrets that can save you a headache.

The "Refill" Trap

Some clinics offer a free "touch up" within 2 weeks. But if you are a tourist leaving in 3 days, this is useless to you. Ask for a discount in lieu of the touch-up, or ensure they hit the dose right the first time.

The Tax Refund is REAL money

We aren't talking pennies. If you spend $500 on treatments, you get about $35-$40 back. But you must get the specific "Tax Refund" receipt from the clinic. The regular credit card receipt won't work at the airport kiosk. Ask for it before you pay. For a full walkthrough, read our VAT Tax Refund on Plastic Surgery in Korea: 2026 Guide.

Don't Do "Masseter" Before a Food Tour

If you get jaw (masseter) Botox to slim your face, your jaw will feel weak for a few weeks. If you planned on eating tough Korean BBQ or chewy octopus (San-nakji) that night, you are going to have a bad time. Schedule the jaw Botox for the end of your trip!

Pro Tip: Skin Botox

Get "Skin Botox" (Dermatoxin) while you are there. Unlike traditional Botox that freezes the muscle, Skin Botox is injected superficially into the dermis. It tightens pores and gives you that famous "glass skin" glow without freezing your facial expressions. It's huge in Korea and very cheap. This pairs well with other treatments like PDRN Salmon DNA or Juvelook.

Top Clinics & Pricing in 2026

If you are looking for reliable places, here are three popular options ranging from factory-style to trendy.

1. Muse Clinic (Gangnam Branch)

• Type: Clinic (Factory Style)
• Address: 2-5F, 452 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Highlights: Extremely cheap, English menus, tax refund kiosk on-site.
• Insider Tip: Book the first slot of the day to avoid the massive afternoon crowds.

2. Toxnfill (Myeongdong Branch)

• Type: Clinic (Franchise)
• Address: 8F, 84 Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Highlights: Tourist-friendly, foreign language staff, convenient location near shopping.
• Insider Tip: They often have "Event" pricing for tourists if you show your passport.

3. Ppeum Clinic (Gangnam)

• Type: Clinic (Trendy/Instagrammable)
• Address: 12-15F, 808 Tower, 470 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Highlights: Very stylish interior, popular with influencers, comprehensive skin menus.
• Insider Tip: Their "Barbie Line" injections are famous if you want shoulder/neck slimming.

Always be aware of the environment you are entering. For a better understanding of safety in high-volume clinics, read about Shadow Doctors in Korea.

Price Reference Table

Conclusion: Your Action Plan

Korea is arguably the best place in the world to get Botox right now. The quality is FDA-level, and the prices are Walmart-level.

Your plan for the first 24 hours:

1. Download KakaoTalk.
2. Message Muse, Toxnfill, or Ppeum to book a slot (mornings are best).
3. Ask specifically for Coretox (for safety) or Newlux (for value).
4. Get your tax refund receipt.
5. Enjoy your wrinkle-free vacation.

Don't overthink it. Thousands of people do this every single day in Seoul. Trust the process, skip the sketchy discontinued brands, and enjoy the glow up!

Sources

1. OpenBeautyHub - Botulinum toxins from Korea: New generation and trend products in 2025
2. FDA.gov - FDA warns companies over illegal marketing of Botox and related products
3. Korea Herald - Details on Medytox license revocation and legal battles
4. Korea Biomedical Review - Specifics on Innotox cancellation and bans
5. MJS Medicals - Technical comparison of Coretox vs Innotox