Daxxify vs Botox: Which One Is Right for You?

When you think of injectables, Botox might be the first one to come to mind. After all, the cosmetic treatment has been around for over 20 years. However, several additional options have emerged over the last two decades. There's Xeomin, Dysport, and Jeuveau. And as of late, Daxxify has been one of the buzziest injectables to enter the space. Daxxify and Botox have both been praised for their ability to reduce wrinkles and fine lines—but how do the two actually compare? Ahead, we asked board-certified dermatologists to explain the similarities and differences between Daxxify and Botox.

What Is Daxxify?

Daxxify is the newest neuromodulator on the market that's meant to last longer than brands like Botox. "Its mechanism of action is very similar to Botox Cosmetic," Dr. Karimi says. "The difference is that there is a special peptide attached to the active portion of the drug that makes it 'stickier' at the junction of the nerve and the muscle and is why the effects of it last longer." To get a little more technical, Daxxify is a toxin (daxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm) that temporarily blocks the signal that the nerve sends to the muscle via acetylcholine, explains Dr. Marcus.

What Is Botox?

Botox was the first treatment of its kind and was FDA-approved over 20 years ago. Dr. Marcus notes that it is a toxin (onabotulinumtoxin A) that temporarily reduces muscle contractions by inhibiting acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter responsible for sending the signal from the nerve to the muscle. 

"Botox Cosmetic is a neuromodulator, which is a fancy way of describing a muscle relaxer," Dr. Karimi adds. "Under the guidance and pristine manufacturing process by Allergan Aesthetics (now AbbVie / Allergan), Botox Cosmetic has been commercially available for cosmetic purposes in tens of millions of patients worldwide. Botox Cosmetic works at the interface between the muscle and nerve. It inhibits one of the nerve signals called acetylcholine from being released, thus diminishing the movement of the muscle affected."

Botox vs Daxxify: The Key Differences

Botox Cosmetic and Daxxify are both FDA-approved drugs for relaxing frown lines between the eyebrows. "They essentially have the same mechanism of action and are both classified as neuromodulators or neurotoxins," Dr. Karimi says.  They both work by inhibiting the same neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, responsible for sending a signal from the nerve to the muscle, telling it to contract, Dr. Marcus explains. "Temporarily reducing muscle activity results in softening fine lines and wrinkles," she says. 

For a consumer, the primary difference is that Daxxify advertises results lasting nearly twice as long as Botox. "Daxxify is attached to a protein that was designed to make Daxxify last for up to six months, whereas Botox is indicated for three months," Dr. Marcus notes.  But it's also worth noting that Botox has been on the market drastically longer than Daxxify, which means there is far more research surrounding Botox.

"Botox Cosmetic has been FDA-approved for 20 years and has the most areas approved as it targets frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines, whereas Daxxify is relatively new, with less than a year in the market and is only FDA-approved for frown lines," Dr. Karimi says. Just because Daxxify hasn't been around as long doesn't mean it isn't safe; the injectible is still widely considered safe and efficacious in the hands of a board-certified physician. Botox just has that decades-long, legacy status.

Picking the Right One For You

When deciding which treatment to try, rest assured that both treatments are equally safe. "Both have undergone rigorous clinical trials on thousands of patients before receiving FDA approval," Dr. Karimi says. "Botox is used more for functional issues worldwide than cosmetic ones. Daxxify currently does not have an indication for functional disorders, but it will in the future. Both products are safe, effective, and can produce excellent results when administered by a trained professional." However, both experts say there are a few factors to consider when choosing between Daxxify and Botox.

• For Longer-Lasting Results: "For those willing to pay more in exchange for potentially longer-lasting results, Daxxify may be a good choice," Dr. Marcus says. "Daxxify is still quite new, so we are still waiting to see how it works in patients and if our practical results are similar to what was seen in clinical trials.
• For First-Timers: Conversely, if you are trying neurotoxins for the first time or in a different area, you may prefer to use a product that potentially has a shorter duration, like Botox." (That way, if you don't like the results, they'll fade in half the time).
• To Save Money: Cost may also be a factor to help you decide, as Daxxify costs more per unit than Botox.

The Final Takeaway

Daxxify and Botox offer similar benefits, helping to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. However, each treatment's composition and the duration of results vary. Ultimately, deciding between Daxxify or Botox will come down to personal factors. "Talk to your aesthetic provider and let them know your goals, the expected duration you hope to achieve, and your budget," Dr. Karimi says. "Botox Cosmetic and Daxxify pricing varies quite a bit depending on your location and practitioner."

"We utilize Botox Cosmetic and Daxxify at Rejuva Medical Aesthetics," Dr. Karimi adds. "We have very high patient satisfaction with both products because we take the time to perform a focused interview and assessment of every one of our patients at every visit."