Types of Botox Brands
Medically Reviewed by Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD
At this point just about everyone has heard of Botox, but did you know that there are multiple brands of medications similar or identical to Botox that are used to treat wrinkles? We use the term Botox to refer to all of them, just how we use the brand name Kleenex to refer to all facial tissues.
The different brands act mostly the same as each other, but there are some subtle differences that are important to understand. The primary active molecule—botulinum toxin type A—is the same across all these brands. However, what sets them apart are the accessory proteins and stabilizing molecules included in the formulation. These differences may influence factors such as how quickly the product takes effect, how long the results last, and even how it diffuses within the skin and muscle.
At our office we offer Botox Cometic treatment, Daxxify, and Xeomin. Find out why we chose these three premium brands to use and not the others!
Comparing Different Brands of "Botox"
Botox Cosmetic
- Generic Name: OnabotulinumtoxinA
- Manufacturer: Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company
- Country of Manufacture: Ireland
- Unique Characteristics: As the original and most well-known botulinum toxin brand, Botox Cosmetic has a long history of clinical use and research backing its efficacy and safety. It typically takes 5 to 7 days to start seeing results, with full effect at 14 days. The effects typically last around 3 to 4 months for most patients.
Daxxify
- Generic Name: DaxxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm
- Manufacturer: Revance Therapeutics
- Country of Manufacture: United States
- Unique Characteristics: Daxxify is the newest botulinum toxin on the market, offering an innovative peptide-stabilized formula that allows for longer-lasting results—up to 6 months as per its FDA clearance. In our practical everyday-use we have found it lasts about 25% longer than Botox. Its unique formulation does not rely on human or animal-derived accessory proteins, which may reduce the risk of antibody formation that can make other botulinum toxins less effective over time.
Xeomin
- Generic Name: IncobotulinumtoxinA
- Manufacturer: Merz Pharmaceuticals
- Country of Manufacture: Germany
- Unique Characteristics: Xeomin is often referred to as a “naked” botulinum toxin because it is free from accessory proteins. This purified formula is less likely to trigger an immune response, making it an excellent choice for patients who may have developed resistance to other brands. Xeomin delivers results slightly sooner than Botox Cosmetic. We generally find that it does not last as long as Botox Cosmetic. One of its major benefits is that it does typically allow for more movement when a standard number of units are injected.
Dysport
- Generic Name: AbobotulinumtoxinA
- Manufacturer: Ipsen
- Country of Manufacture: United Kingdom
- Unique Characteristics: Dysport is known for its slightly faster onset of action, with some patients noticing results within 1 to 2 days. It also has a reputation for spreading more easily than other brands, which can be beneficial for treating larger areas like the forehead, but it requires precise injection technique to avoid unintended effects. Dysport’s results typically last 3 to 4 months.
Jeuveau
- Generic Name: PrabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs
- Manufacturer: Evolus
- Country of Manufacture: South Korea
- Unique Characteristics: Jeuveau is marketed is often marketed as a cost-effective alternative to Botox Cosmetic. Its formulation and performance are remarkably similar to Botox, with results appearing in about 5 to 7 days and lasting approximately 3 to 4 months. Jeuveau is specifically tailored for aesthetic use and has gained popularity among younger patients and those new to botulinum toxin treatments due to its cheaper price point making it attractive to younger consumers. We found the product to be inconsistent in its results and discontinued used years ago.
Each of these products has its own set of advantages, making it possible to tailor treatments to a patient’s unique needs and preferences. Understanding these differences ensures that patients receive the optimal product for their desired outcomes.
Why We Choose Botox Cosmetic, Daxxify, and Xeomin
In our opinion, Botox Cosmetic, Daxxify, and Xeomin are the best of the "Botox" brands, and are the only ones we use in the office.
Xeomin is the lightest of the products- allowing for the most movement. It has a quicker onset of action, but we find that it unfortunately fades the fastest. We choose Xeomin for patients who want to allow for the most natural movement or who want their product to fade sooner. As our office has a very high number of celebrity patients, we find that we use Xeomin often for movie, television, and broadway actors who do not want limited expression on camera. Daxxify is our preferred product for patients that want the longest lasting results. It typically lasts about 25% longer than Botox for most patients. As all of the products are priced equally, Daxxify would be the most economical option for most patients. Botox Cosmetic is our most commonly used product as it is the brand name that patients most readily recognize. Its duration of activity of about 3-4 months sits in between that of Xeomin and Daxxify.
Dysport vs. Botox
Dysport and Botox Cosmetic are two botulinum toxin brands that share the same active ingredient, but we do not offer Dysport in our office. Dysport is known for its tendency to diffuse more widely, which in our opinion can lead to less precision and an increased risk of affecting unintended muscles. Dr. Arash Akhavan believes that this lack of control can result in uneven results, which is not consistent with the level of precision we strive to achieve for our patients.
Botox Cosmetic, on the other hand, allows for highly targeted and consistent treatments. Its more concentrated formulation provides the precision necessary to achieve natural-looking results while minimizing the risk of unintended effects. This level of control is why Botox remains the gold standard in our practice and the most commonly used botulinum toxin among our patients, and patients around the world.
Xeomin vs. Botox
Xeomin is often chosen for its “naked” formula, free of accessory proteins, which reduces the risk of developing resistance to the product over time. It has a faster onset of action compared to Botox, typically taking effect within 2 to 3 days, and provides a lighter result that allows for more natural facial movement. However, its duration is shorter, often fading around the 3-month mark or sooner.
In our practice, Xeomin is ideal for patients who need a lighter touch or who desire results that fade quickly, such as actors or performers who need to maintain full facial expression for their craft. Botox, on the other hand, remains our go-to product for patients seeking a balance between duration and natural movement. Botox’s effects last 3 to 4 months for most patients, making it a more versatile option for a broader range of needs.
Daxxify vs. Botox
Daxxify has been a great addition to the botulinum toxin market that really stands out from the others, offering results that last up to 6 months for many patients, which is significantly longer than Botox’s typical 3 to 4 months. Its innovative peptide-stabilized formula also reduces reliance on animal- or human-derived proteins. For patients who prioritize longevity, Daxxify is the most economical choice since it requires fewer treatment sessions throughout the year.
In our office, we use Daxxify for patients who want fewer visits and longer-lasting effects, but Botox Cosmetic remains the most requested and widely used brand for its name recognition.
The Different Brands of "Botox"
In our office we use Botox, Daxxify, and Xeomin as wrinkle relaxing injections. The best choice of product will depend on each patients individual needs and desires and can be selected together with Dr. Arash Akhavan at your appointment.
Arash Akhavan, MD is founder and owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group, one of the top centers for cosmetic procedures in New York City for over a decade. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD is a Board Certified Dermatologist and an Associate Professor at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Akhavan is a Castle Connolly Top Doc, New York Magazine Best Doctor, and Super Doctor featured in The New York Times. Dr. Akhavan is a key opinion leader that has been featured on hundreds of media publications including The New York Times, Allure, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, ABC News, Fox News, Fox 5, NY1, WPIX, and more. He has been featured on nationally syndicated television programs such as The Doctors.
Dr. Akhavan serves as an educator and lecturer for multiple aesthetic device and injectable companies. This allows his office access to newer technologies at an earlier date than other offices, as well as a higher level of expertise in the use of these devices. This, in turn, translates to more effective and safer treatments for our patients.
By Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD | | Categories: Botox, Face and Neck
