Comparing Different Brands of Tox – Which Works Best?

Several brands currently market Botulinum toxin type A (the active ingredient in Botox®, Jeuveau®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, and Daxxify® injections) to eliminate facial lines caused by dynamic wrinkles. However, with so many options available, is there one to choose from, or do they all function similarly?

It’s important to understand that an FDA-approved toxin like the ones mentioned above meets necessary safety and quality measures. When employed by an experienced and licensed provider/injector, tox injections are safe with few side effects. It’s also important to remember that the active ingredient in all these injections is the same – Botulinum toxin type A. However, there are subtle differences between the products, and a quick overview follows below.

What We Use

BOTOX

While the use of toxins for hyperhidrosis dates back 200 or so years, it was when BOTOX was introduced that we saw these injections become the most commonly used cosmetic procedure. Developed by Allergan, now part of Abbvie, BOTOX is the original and most well-known brand of tox for wrinkles. Initially created for medical therapies, it became clear that BOTOX offered a potential benefit in the aesthetic world, and it has taken off from there. BOTOX also contains non-active ingredient proteins to deliver the results and make it easily injectable. While it typically does not cause an adverse reaction, sensitive patients may react to these proteins. Because of its market dominance and name recognition, BOTOX is also typically more expensive than other tox injections.

Jeuveau

Jeuveau is our preferred toxin, and we like it because while it does contain a similar protein to BOTOX, it is substantially “cleaner.” We’ve also noticed that Jeuveau seems to have a slightly faster-acting mechanism, with patients experiencing preliminary results at around three days and optimal results at about ten days. Jeuveau also tends to last somewhat longer than Botox; many patients can get four or five months of results. Lastly, with all these benefits, the cost is also a consideration, and Jeuveau is less expensive than Botox, allowing us to pass those savings on to our patients.

Dysport

Dysport is a heavily marketed and widely used tox containing a protein like the above. The Dysport milk-based protein, however, takes less time to break down and, as such, may not last as long as the competition. You may see results sooner, but some patients report a less lasting effect.

Xeomin

Xeomin does not have any protein or peptide in its formulation and may be considered the cleanest of all toxins and, theoretically, should have the fewest adverse reactions. We do not use this toxin out of preference for the duration and cost of Jeuveau. An added benefit to the injector is that Xeomin may not need refrigeration, thus improving shelf-life.

Lastly is Daxxify

Daxxify is the most recent tox formulation approved by the FDA. It launched in September 2022 and uses a peptide rather than a protein. While the product is heavily marketed and increasing in popularity, we need to see a compelling reason to make the switch, as Jeuveau more than meets the needs of our patients.

So there you have it; with five major tox brands on the market, it may take some effort to understand which is best and parse all the heavy marketing. However, it’s essential to base your decision not so much on the brand but rather on the injector. Experienced injectors work with you to create a conservative yet effective regimen that gives you the desired results without the concern for side effects associated with poor injecting technique. Dr. Boger is a medical doctor with the highest level of training in anatomical structures and is highly qualified to ensure that your tox regimen is appropriately administered.

Along with our aesthetician, Anna, Dr. Boger looks forward to seeing patients at Revive Skin Care Clinic, where we can create an aesthetic regimen that suits the individual needs of each of our patients. We encourage you to schedule a free consultation and visit us soon.