What Is Daxxify,  the Longer-Lasting Botox Alternative? 

When it comes to cosmetic treatments, advancements are continually being made to provide longer-lasting and more effective results. After all, we want our treatments to last as long as possible and to know we’re getting the most bang for our buck. One recent innovation is Daxxify, a relatively new player in the world of neuromodulators (which augment or inhibit the transmission of a nerve impulse). To shed light on this type of injection, we spoke with Dr. Ava Shamban, a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills, California, and the founder of AVA MD Dermatology, Skin Five Medical Spas, and Althea Skin.

What Is Daxxify?

Daxxify, or DaxibotulinumtoxinA, belongs to the family of botulinum toxin A neuromodulators. Similar to counterparts such as Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin, Daxxify is a highly purified injectable neurotoxin. Dr. Shamban explains that these products work by temporarily blocking the transmitters to certain muscles, resulting in relaxed or softened muscle movements. This relaxation helps smooth the skin above, improving lines and dermal wrinkles for an extended period.

"Daxxify is FDA approved for six to nine months for treating the glabellar lines — the '11s' between the eyes," Dr. Shamban says. "It is also used for crow’s feet, forehead lines, and platysma bands [in the neck], in addition to other areas such as [the] armpits or palms for sweating, the masseter muscle for grinding and clenching, as well as bunny lines, lip flip, or migraine headaches."

How Daxxify Differs From Botox and Xeomin

All neuromodulators in this category (such as Botox and Xeomin) are based on botulinum toxin A. They all work by blocking nerve signals that cause muscles to relax. But Daxxify differs due to its formulation. Dr. Shamban highlights that Daxxify uses a proprietary synthetic stabilizing peptide, which helps with those longer-lasting results. Daxxify is also vegan. "This peptide acts like a magnet, holding the product close to the nerve membrane, ensuring a direct and continuous hit," Dr. Shamban says. "This allows more of the active ingredient to be absorbed directly into the muscle, contributing to the extended duration of muscle relaxation."

Patients using Daxxify may experience effects lasting longer than Botox or Xeomin (which generally last three to six months), with many seeing results closer to nine months or  even longer. Additionally, some patients report a noticeable skin radiance or glow, potentially attributed to the peptide in the formula, although clinical data has not confirmed this just yet.

Ideal Candidates for Daxxify

"Any adult who is a candidate for toxin treatments is a candidate for Daxxify," Dr. Shamban says. This includes folks of any skin tone or type and all ethnicities. Beyond aesthetics, Daxxify is FDA-approved for treating cervical dystonia, a condition characterized by painful muscle contractions in the neck.

For patients with strong corrugator supercilii muscles causing constant furrowing in the glabella area (AKA deep frown lines), Daxxify offers a significant benefit."For the glabella specifically, the hold and duration make Daxxify a great product for those with stronger corrugator supercilii muscles and a constant furrow in that area," Dr. Shamban says. Its extended duration makes it an ideal choice for busy individuals who prefer fewer treatment sessions annually.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Daxxify

As with any neuromodulator, there are potential side effects and risks associated with Daxxify. Dr. Shamban says that these are generally mild and uncommon, especially when administered by an experienced, qualified provider. "Over 25 million minimally invasive procedures are performed in the U.S. annually, with neuromodulators topping the list," Dr. Shamban notes. "Adverse side effects are significantly reduced with an experienced, qualified board-certified provider." Common side effects can include things such as bruising and redness, but if you have a headache or a drooping eyelid (ptosis), contact your provider. 

Cost of Daxxify Compared to Other Treatments

When it first launched in 2023, Daxxify cost significantly more than Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport. But now it’s pretty comparable to other neuromodulators in the category, especially given its longer duration. "With recent price adjustments, it is more competitive not just considering the duration," Dr. Shamban says. Some offices might hike up the price of Daxxify because it’s a newer drug, but it often still ends up costing less than other injections since you’ll need fewer touch-ups.