Treatments
Skin botox (dermotox) in Korea, explained: pores, oil and that glass-skin look
Skin botox is botulinum toxin diluted and injected very shallowly across the face, aimed at oil, visible pores and fine texture rather than wrinkles. It is a small, quick treatment with little to see afterwards, which is why it fits easily into a short trip. It is not a lift, and it will not fill hollows.
What readers ask
“Is skin botox the same as normal botox?”
“Will it make my face look frozen?”
What is skin botox, in plain terms?
Normal botox goes into a muscle to soften a line that appears when you move. Skin botox uses the same kind of product, diluted, and places many tiny amounts just under the surface. The aim is the skin itself: less oil, pores that look smaller, a smoother surface that reflects light more evenly. In Korea you will also see it called dermotox or micro-botox. Same idea, different names.
““I want the glass-skin look. Is this what people mean?””
Partly. Glass skin is a look, not one treatment. Skin botox helps with the oily, textured part of it. The hydrated, plump part usually comes from a skin booster. Many people in Seoul combine the two, and a good doctor will tell you which part you actually need.
How is it different from wrinkle botox?
| Skin botox | Wrinkle botox | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it goes | Shallow, spread across the skin | Into a specific muscle |
| What it is for | Oil, pores, fine texture | Lines when you move |
| What you see after | Small bumps for a few hours | Usually nothing |
| When it shows | Over one to two weeks | Over one to two weeks |
| How it is priced | By volume (1cc, 3cc) | By area or by units |
What does skin botox cost in Seoul?
The biggest price driver is the brand of toxin, then the volume. Korean toxins are the least expensive. Imported brands cost more. Here are list prices from the clinics we work with, still pending their final confirmation.
That is roughly ₩39,000 for 1cc and ₩99,000 to ₩100,000 for a full face with a Korean toxin, ₩190,000 for Xeomin and ₩150,000 to ₩290,000 for Allergan. Ask whether 10% VAT is included, and remember that the foreign-patient VAT refund on cosmetic treatment ended in January 2026.
Who is it a good fit for?
- Oily skin that looks shiny by midday.
- Visible pores on the cheeks and nose.
- Fine, crepey texture without deep lines.
- A short trip where you want something with almost no downtime.
When should you skip it?
If your main concern is sagging, skin botox will not help; that is a lifting conversation. If your skin is very dry, reducing oil further may not be what you want. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, no clinic should treat you. And if you have a big event in the next few days, remember the small bumps and possible pinpoint bruises: give yourself a buffer.
What does the day look like?
- 01
Consultation
The doctor looks at oil, pores and texture and confirms skin botox is the right tool, or suggests a booster instead.
- 02
Numbing
Numbing cream for around 20 to 30 minutes at most clinics.
- 03
Injection
Many small, shallow injections across the treated area. It takes minutes.
- 04
Afterwards
Small bumps that settle within hours. Make-up is usually fine the next day. Skip saunas and hard exercise for a day or two.
Because there is so little to see, skin botox usually goes on the last treatment day of a trip, after anything that leaves marks. The effect builds over one to two weeks, so you will judge it at home, not in your hotel mirror.
How do I compare two skin botox quotes?
Line them up on three things: the brand of toxin, the volume in cc, and the area covered. A full-face 3cc session with a Korean toxin and a 1cc nose-only session are different treatments, even if both are called skin botox. Then check whether VAT is in the number and whether numbing cream or a calming mask is included or added. Once those match, the cheaper quote really is cheaper. Until they match, the totals are not telling you much.
We ask the clinics we work with to put brand and volume in the written quote before you arrive. That is one of the five conditions a clinic has to meet before we introduce anyone to it.
See the full skin botox guide, with prices by brand and who should skip it
Read the guideGeneral information, not medical advice. Your doctor decides what suits you.
Quick answers
How long does skin botox last?
Usually around three to four months, sometimes longer. It is a maintenance treatment, which is why people in Seoul repeat it a few times a year.
Can I combine skin botox with a skin booster?
Yes, it is a common pairing: skin botox for oil and pores, a booster for hydration. Ask the doctor about order and timing.
Does skin botox hurt?
Most people describe it as mild with numbing cream. The nose and around the mouth are the most sensitive.
Is skin botox the same as Dermotox?
Dermotox is one of the names used for the same approach: diluted toxin placed shallowly. Ask which product and volume, whatever the name.
Treatment guides
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