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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)

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Botox Cosmetic

(onabotulinumtoxinA)

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Summary for Renova

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.

Indications for Renova

Pros and Cons for Renova

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

Common Side Effects for Renova

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

  • Burning or stinging
  • Peeling
  • Redness
  • Dry skin
  • Itching

Warnings for Renova

  • Skin irritation
  • Sunburns
  • Harm to unborn baby

Summary for Botox Cosmetic

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.

Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) is different from medical Botox, which is used for certain health conditions like migraines or muscle spasms.

Indications for Botox Cosmetic

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

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

Pros and Cons for Botox Cosmetic

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 for Botox Cosmetic

Frown lines:

  • Droopy eyelids (3%)

Crow's feet:

  • Eyelid swelling (1%)

Forehead lines:

  • Headache (9%)

Warnings for Botox Cosmetic

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Refissa1 tube / 20g of 0.05%
$72.10$153.92
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Botox Cosmetic1 vial / 50 units
$362.71$459.24
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