The accidental rise of Botox

The accidental rise of Botox

From Unexplainable by Vox

March 18, 2026 · 29 min

About this episode

The episode explores the unexpected journey of Botox from a deadly poison to a widely used treatment for various conditions.

One of the deadliest poisons known to man is now used to treat wrinkles, migraines, and even, maybe, depression. How did that happen? Guests: Jean Carruthers, ophthalmologist and “godmother” of cosmetic Botox. David Simpson, neurologist at Mount Sinai hospital in New York. Axel Wollmer, psychiatrist at the Asklepios clinic in Hamburg, Germany. For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainable It’s a great place to sign up for our newsletter, view show transcripts, and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! unexplainable@vox.com We read every email. Support Unexplainable by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Guests: Jean Carruthers, David Simpson, Axel Wollmer

Topics covered

  • Botox
  • cosmetic treatments
  • neurology
  • psychiatry
  • medicine
  • toxins

Keywords

  • Botox
  • wrinkles
  • migraines
  • depression
  • treatment
  • poison
  • neurology
  • psychiatry

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Vox, Asklepios clinic

Places: Hamburg, Germany, Mount Sinai hospital, New York

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