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2026.09.09
What is the difference between Daxify and Botox? A comparison with conventional botulinum toxin products
My journey into aesthetic medicine stems from a desire to help enrich and beautify lives beyond simply treating illness. My specialties include hyaluronic acid, Botox, and thread lifts. I provide treatments that enhance each individual's unique qualities and bring out an elegant, natural beauty. For concerns around the eyes that are difficult to improve with dermatology alone, I also perform surgical procedures. By integrating dermatology and surgery, I holistically balance the entire face. With three periods of overseas study, I am also able to provide consultations in English.
Some of you may be wondering, “How is Daxify different from Botox?” or “If the effects last about six months, is Daxify a better choice?”
There are several botulinum toxin products used in treatments commonly referred to as “Botox.”
DAXXIFY® is one such product, but it differs from Botox Vista® in terms of formulation design and the duration of effect reported in clinical trials.
At BIANCA CLINIC, we consider not only the characteristics of each specific formulation but also facial expressions, muscle strength, and the desired results when planning treatment.
In this article, we’ll explain the differences between Daxify and Botox Vista, as well as the factors to consider when choosing a botulinum toxin product.
Is Daxify Also a Type of “Botox”? Let’s Break Down the Differences
Daxify is also one of the type A botulinum toxin products used in botulinum toxin therapy, commonly known as “Botox.”
Although Daxify and Botox Vista are different products, they are both type A botulinum toxin preparations.
Botulinum toxin temporarily blocks the signals transmitted from nerves to muscles, thereby reducing excessive muscle contraction. For this reason, it is used to treat wrinkles and other conditions caused by the movement of facial muscles.
On the other hand, “Botox” is actually the name of a specific product. However, since the term “Botox” is often used in everyday language to refer to botulinum toxin treatments in general, this may be a bit confusing.
It may be easier to understand if you think of Daxify not as a treatment with a completely different mechanism of action, but rather as an alternative within the same class of Type A botulinum toxin products that differs in formulation design and other aspects.
If you would like to learn more about the characteristics and side effects of Daxify itself,What Is Daxify? A Doctor Explains Its Features and Duration of EffectPlease see the following as well.
Comparing the Differences Between Dakshify and Botox Vista
Daxify and Botox Vista differ in terms of formulation design, the duration of effect reported in clinical trials, and their approval status in Japan.
To summarize the main differences, they are as follows.
| Comparison Items | Dakshify | Botox Vista |
|---|---|---|
| Classification | Type A botulinum toxin product | Type A botulinum toxin product |
| Active Ingredients | daxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm | onabotulinumtoxinA |
| Characteristics of the Formulation | Used a synthetic peptide called RTP004 | Contains human serum albumin, etc. |
| Duration | About 6 months | About 3 to 4 months |
| Approval in Japan | Not Approved | Approved |
Two key features of Daxify that have drawn significant attention are its formulation design, which utilizes a proprietary peptide, and data showing a duration of action of approximately six months.
However, you shouldn’t simply look at the numbers in the table and conclude that “the longer one lasts is better.” It’s important to consider whether a longer duration would actually be beneficial for you.
Dakshify is characterized by its proprietary peptide technology
Dakshify is characterized by its formulation design, which utilizes a synthetic peptide called RTP004. The peptide itself does not suppress muscle movement.
One key difference between Daxify and conventional botulinum toxin products is the "peptide."
Daxify is a formulation that combines type A botulinum toxin with a proprietary synthetic peptide called RTP004.
RTP004 is a peptide consisting of 35 amino acids and is used to stabilize the formulation. This is a point that is sometimes misunderstood.
When people hear that a product “contains peptides,” some may imagine it works like a skin-beautifying treatment. However, it is Type A botulinum toxin that plays the central role in suppressing the movement of facial muscles.
It is best to understand that peptides are not included in the formula to act on the skin as beauty ingredients, but rather as one of the components that underpin Daxify’s unique formulation design.
Does Daxify last longer than Botox? Does it last for 6 months?
Clinical trials of Daxify have reported that its effects on expression lines between the eyebrows last for approximately 6 months (median 24 weeks).
However, the duration of effect varies from person to person. One of the reasons Daxify is attracting attention is its duration of effect, which is approximately 6 months.
In the “SAKURA 1 and 2” clinical trials, which focused on expression lines between the eyebrows, the median duration of the “no wrinkles or mild wrinkles” state following treatment with Daxiify was approximately 6 months (24 weeks). [1]
In addition, there have been clinical trials comparing Daxify with onabotulinumtoxinA, the same active ingredient found in Botox Vista.
In this trial, the median duration of effect was 24 weeks for Daxify 40 U and 19 weeks for OnabotulinumtoxinA 20 U. [2]
Also, if you look only at the dosage figures, you might wonder, “Does Daxify use twice as much as Botox?”
However, since the “unit” measurement for botulinum toxin products is specific to each product, a direct conversion is not possible.
In other words, just because it’s 40U doesn’t mean it’s twice as effective as 20U. Please understand that the unit values given here are simply the conditions used for comparison in clinical trials.
Also, just because the data indicates “about 6 months” doesn’t mean the effects will last that long for everyone. The duration of the effects varies depending on factors such as the treatment site and the condition of the muscles.
Lasting a long time isn't all good.
For those who want to space out their treatments as much as possible, the fact that its effects are reported to last about six months may be one reason to consider Daxify.
On the other hand, I don't believe that "the longer it lasts, the better."
Unlike hyaluronic acid injections, botulinum toxin treatments cannot be reversed immediately using a dissolving agent.
Even if you feel the effects are strong, you’ll generally just have to wait for them to wear off over time.
Therefore, if you find it harder to move your facial expressions than you expected, the fact that it “lasts a long time” could actually be a drawback.
It is especially important for those undergoing botulinum toxin treatment for the first time to choose a product based not only on “how long the effects will last” but also on “how much facial expression they want to retain.”
Which Is Better: Dakshify or Botox? Key Factors to Consider When Choosing
When choosing a botulinum toxin product, it is important to consider not only the duration of the effects but also your previous treatment experience, the natural look you wish to maintain, and your preferred treatment interval.
When choosing a botulinum toxin product, duration of effect is one of the easiest factors to compare. However, products with longer-lasting effects may not be suitable for everyone.
During the consultation, we will consider treatment options while reviewing the following points, for example:
- Which area would you like to have treated?
- How strong are the facial muscles?
- How Have Previous Botulinum Toxin Treatments Worked for You?
- To what extent do you want to preserve facial expressions?
- How long do you want to wait between treatments?
If you have previously undergone botulinum toxin treatments, have a good idea of the results you prefer, and want to space out your treatments as much as possible, Daxify—which has been reported to last for about 6 months—may be an option for you.
On the other hand, if you are receiving treatment for the first time, or if you’d like to proceed with treatment while observing changes in your facial expressions, consider not choosing a product based solely on its “long-lasting” effect.
At Bianca Clinic, we do not decide on a treatment based solely on the name of the product; instead, we consider the specific product and administration method while taking into account your facial expressions, muscle movements, treatment history, and desired results.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Differences Between Daxify and Botox
If you have questions about Daxify and Botox—such as the differences between the two formulations, how long their effects last, dosage units, and side effects—we’ll answer them here.
Q. Is Daxify a type of Botox?
A. Daxify is one of the formulations used in treatments involving botulinum toxin, commonly known as “Botox.”
However, strictly speaking, Botox is a brand name and refers to a type A botulinum toxin product that is different from Daxify and Navota.
Q. Does Daxify really last for 6 months?
A. Clinical trials targeting expression lines between the eyebrows have reported results lasting approximately 6 months.
However, this does not mean that everyone will experience the same results for six months; the duration of the effects varies from person to person.
Q. Is Daxify better if you want it to last a long time?
A. It depends. While this may be beneficial for those who want to space out their treatments, if the changes in facial appearance differ from what you expected, you may find the long-lasting results to be a burden.
It is important to make your choice based not only on the duration but also on your treatment experience and the desired results.
Q. Is 40 units of Daxify the same as 20 units of Botox?
A. They are not the same. While clinical trials have compared DaxiFy 40U and OnabotulinumtoxinA 20U, the "unit" is specific to each formulation.
You cannot simply convert the number of units or compare the strength of an effect based solely on the numbers.
Q. Are the side effects of Daxify different from those of Botox?
A. With Daxify, cases of headache, ptosis, and pain or swelling at the injection site have been reported.
Since side effects depend not only on the medication but also on the treatment site and administration method, it is important to discuss potential risks with your doctor before treatment.
When choosing between Daxify and Botox, consider not only how long the results last but also the final look.
When choosing a formulation, it’s important to consider not only the duration of effect but also how your facial expressions are maintained, your past treatment experience, and your preferred treatment interval.
Although both Daxify and Botox Vista are type A botulinum toxin products, there are differences between them in terms of formulation design and the duration of effect reported in clinical trials.
With Daxify, results lasting approximately six months have been reported for expression lines between the eyebrows. However, a longer duration of action does not necessarily mean it is beneficial for everyone.
When undergoing botulinum toxin injections, it is important to consider not only muscle strength and the treatment area, but also factors such as “how much facial expression you want to retain” and “how often you’d like to receive treatments.”
At BIANCA CLINIC, we develop a treatment plan after carefully assessing each patient’s facial expressions, muscle movements, treatment history, and desired results. If you’re unsure which botulinum toxin product is right for you, please discuss it with us during your consultation.
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