Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxic protein (destructive to nerve tissue) produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It also has medical applications, when use in tiny quantities, including in the treatment of dystonia (a muscle contraction disorder) and muscle spasms in cerebral palsy. Probably it’s most famous application is as a cosmeceutical which prevents the development of wrinkles by paralysing facial muscles. The brand name for this product is Botox and is produced by Allergan in Ireland.