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Compare Renova vs. Botox Cosmetic

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Renova (tretinoin) and Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) are both prescription medications used to improve the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles. However, they belong to different medication classes and work in distinct ways. Renova is a topical retinoic acid derivative applied to the skin to lessen fine facial wrinkles, while Botox Cosmetic is a neuromuscular blocker injected into muscles to temporarily improve frown lines, forehead lines, and crow's feet. Renova is applied once daily in the evening, whereas Botox Cosmetic is administered by a healthcare professional every three months. Renova is only available as a brand-name cream, while Botox Cosmetic is also brand-name only and comes as an injection. Common side effects of Renova include skin irritation, peeling, and redness, while Botox Cosmetic can cause droopy eyelids, headache, and muscle weakness. Additionally, Renova can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, whereas Botox Cosmetic has risks related to the spread of toxin effects, which can lead to serious side effects like difficulty swallowing or breathing.

  • Renova (tretinoin)
    Botox cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA)
  • Renova (tretinoin)
    Botox cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA)

  • Summary of Renova vs. Botox Cosmetic

    Summary for Retinoic acid derivative
    Prescription only

    Renova is a topical retinoid that contains tretinoin 0.02% cream. Renova (tretinoin) can ease fine facial wrinkles, in addition to the regular use of sunscreen and sun-protective clothing. But it won't help get rid of deep wrinkles or hyperpigmentation from years of sun damage. Renova (tretinoin) is applied to the face once daily in the evening. This medication commonly causes skin irritation and peeling as side effects. Renova is a prescription medication that's brand name only and not available as a generic.

    Summary for Neuromuscular blocker
    Prescription only

    Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a prescription injection used in adults to temporarily improve the look of facial lines. It's FDA approved to treat moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows, forehead lines, crow’s feet, and neck lines. The medication is injected directly into the facial muscles by a trained healthcare professional. Side effects can vary depending on the injection site and can include headache and droopy eyelids. <br> Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) is different from medical Botox, which is used for certain health conditions like migraines or muscle spasms.

  • Indications of Renova vs. Botox Cosmetic

    Indications for
    •Lessen the look of fine face wrinkles
    Indications for

    Temporarily improves the appearance of moderate to severe facial lines, including:

    •Frown lines
    •Crow's feet
    •Forehead lines
    •Neck lines

  • Pros and Cons of Renova vs. Botox Cosmetic

    Pros and Const for Retinoic acid derivative
    Pros
    •Applied only once a day
    •Only need a small pearl-sized amount to have an effect
    •Can use with other cosmetics or skincare products (must wait at least 1 hour after applying Renova)
    Cons
    •Doesn't get rid of deep wrinkles, repair sun-damaged skin, reverse skin aging due to sun damage, or make skin younger
    •Can make you sunburn more easily
    •Not a good choice for females who want to become pregnant or are pregnant
    Pros and Const for Neuromuscular blocker
    Pros
    •Can treat many facial and neck lines at the same time
    •Might start to see results within days
    •Lasts up to 3 to 4 months
    •Quick recovery time after injections
    Cons
    •Needs to be injected by a trained healthcare professional
    •Injections can be uncomfortable
    •Not permanent, requires repeat injections
    •Side effects include droopy eyelids and headache

  • Common Side Effects of Renova vs. Botox Cosmetic

    Common Side Effects for

    Almost all people who used Renova in clinical studies reported one or more of the following:

    •Burning or stinging
    •Peeling
    •Redness
    •Dry skin
    •Itching
    Common Side Effects for

    Frown lines:

    •Droopy eyelids (3%)

    Crow's feet:

    •Eyelid swelling (1%)

    Forehead lines:

    •Headache (9%)

  • Warnings of Renova vs. Botox Cosmetic

    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin irritation
    •Sunburns
    •Harm to unborn baby
    Common Side Effects for
    •Spread of toxin effect
    •Serious allergic reaction
    •Heart-related side effects
    •Difficulty swallowing or breathing
    •Eye and vision problems
    •Transmission of diseases

  • Prices with our coupons for Renova vs. Botox Cosmetic

    Learn more about Renova
    Learn more about Botox cosmetic

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