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Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin made by the bacteria clostridum botulinum, an anaerobic bacteria found in soil. Botulinum toxin is purified for clinical and cosmetic use. Once injected into the muscle, the mechanism of action of botulinum toxin is to cause temporary muscle paralysis. This prevents muscular contraction and hence creates the desired cosmetic effects, reducing wrinkles and smoothing lines.