A new trend is taking over TikTok and Instagram, but it's not a dance challenge or a viral skincare hack—it's people injecting themselves at home with Innotox, a South Korean version of Botox that has never been approved for use in the U.S.Marketed as a cheaper, longer-lasting alternative to Botox, Innotox is gaining popularity among beauty DIYers lured by its convenience and affordability. But medical experts are growing increasingly alarmed, warning that what might seem like a harmless wrinkle fix could result in long-term facial paralysis—or worse.The rise of self-injecting “Korean Botox” is raising serious red flags across the health community, especially given the unregulated nature of these purchases and the lack of professional oversight.What Exactly Is Innotox?Innotox is an injectable treatment made in South Korea that contains botulinum toxin type A, the same neurotoxin used in FDA-approved products like Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport. The substance works by temporarily relaxing facial muscles, reducing contractions that lead to fine lines and wrinkles.What makes Innotox different is its formulation. Unlike traditional Botox, which is shipped as a freeze-dried powder that must be carefully reconstituted with a sterile saline solution before injection, Innotox comes as a pre-mixed, ready-to-inject liquid. This makes it easier to use—and far more appealing to non-medical users looking to inject themselves at home.But this convenience is also the source of much concern. The fact that it’s pre-diluted raises questions about what’s really in the vial and whether it has been properly stored and handled.Why People Are Turning to Innotox?The motivations behind the Innotox trend are familiar: cost, convenience, and cosmetic pressure.Botox, though effective, is expensive. According to GoodRx, the average cost of a Botox session in the U.S. was $528 in 2022. By contrast, Innotox can be found on online third-party sites for as low as $60 to $100 per vial, depending on the supplier.Social media users also claim Innotox acts faster and lasts longer. While Botox typically takes four to seven days to kick in and lasts about three to four months, Innotox users report results in as little as two days with effects lasting up to six months.For those trying to reduce the signs of aging on a budget, Innotox feels like a dream solution. But experts say that dream can quickly become a nightmare.What's The Big Red Flag?Innotox has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning it’s not subject to the same rigorous safety and efficacy standards required of American cosmetic injectables. That alone should give users pause.What’s more troubling is how it’s being sourced. Many of the people self-injecting Innotox admit they bought it through unverified online sellers or TikTok Shop, where authenticity can’t be guaranteed.“Don’t inject yourself with fake Botox products from the internet, I beg of you,” said Molly O’Rourke, a licensed clinical nurse injector, in a viral Instagram video. “This is coming from a safety standpoint because these medications are not regulated. It already comes pre-diluted, which should frighten you—because what is that?”O’Rourke added that, unlike changing your own oil or fixing a bike, injecting neurotoxins into your face requires deep anatomical knowledge and clinical training. “Sure, you can change the oil in your car, but are you going to rip out the alternator with no education? Absolutely not.”What Could Go Wrong?Self-injection isn't just unsafe because of potential contamination or fake product. Even when the product is real, injecting it incorrectly can cause severe side effects.Facial muscle weakness, eyelid drooping, asymmetry, and even temporary facial paralysis lasting up to a year have been reported on platforms like Reddit by users who misjudged the depth or placement of their injections.In extreme cases, if the neurotoxin spreads beyond the intended area, it can cause breathing difficulties, difficulty swallowing, and systemic symptoms that require emergency medical attention.And if complications occur? Many of these users are completely unequipped to recognize or respond—and may not seek help until it’s too late.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has previously warned against using counterfeit or improperly sourced botulinum toxin products, citing multiple reports of hospitalization and severe illness following their use.Medytox, the South Korean pharmaceutical company that manufactures Innotox, told Today.com that it sells its product only to licensed medical professionals and authorized distributors. It added that it is “unaware” of how the product is being offered directly to consumers online in the U.S.“Medytox certainly does not endorse the self-injection of botulinum toxins by consumers,” the company emphasized.Social Media’s Role in the Rise of DIY InjectablesThis isn’t the first time social platforms have helped normalize risky DIY procedures. From at-home filler kits to unregulated skin treatments, the line between professional care and cosmetic experimentation continues to blur.But Innotox is different, say medical professionals, because it involves injecting a neurotoxin. And while users may brush off warnings in pursuit of plumper skin or a smoother forehead, the risks are far from superficial.“This one goes out to my DIY girlies,” O’Rourke says. “I see you. I hear you. I am one of you. But this is not the place to experiment. Pick up crochet. Try scrapbooking. Just don’t inject your face with a toxin you bought on the internet.”The promise of smoother skin for less money and effort is tempting—but self-injecting any form of botulinum toxin is never a safe option, no matter how many influencers promote it. In the beauty world, shortcuts often come with steep consequences. And when it comes to neurotoxins, those consequences could last far longer than your latest skincare trend.For now, the message from health professionals is loud and clear: leave the syringes to the experts.